If you want to identify people who are too self-absorbed, pay attention to how often they use the word "I."
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You can divide human beings into two types (without sawing them in half, of course).
Those who experience life through their own narrow perspective, and those who experience it more objectively and remain open to different points of view.
When people describe an experience, an event, or an opinion, they may describe it in objective terms — focusing on what actually happened — or they may frequently reach for the word "I" and frame everything around how *they* experienced it.
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Egocentrism does have its advantages.
It often comes paired with self-confidence, a strong presence, and the ability to get things done — qualities that are harder to find in gentler, more introverted people.
On the other hand, it can signal an inability to consider other people's opinions or feelings, which is why the key lies in the right dosage.
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When you finish writing a piece of text, go back and read it from the beginning — check whether you've used the word "I" too many times.
If you have, rewrite it, because the text should be about the subject or the message, not about you.
When you're in conversation with someone, or reading what others have written, the frequency of that one word will quickly tell you a great deal about the person in front of you — and help you engage with them accordingly.