Everyone goes through certain stages in life, where they show selfishness. Focusing on yourself does not make you a worse person, but being around all the time thinking only of yourself can alienate other people around you. Selfishness takes many forms, so the best way to practice being less selfish is to first think of ways you are selfish. Do you tend to talk to people? Do you neglect the question 'how are you'? Do you only remember others when you need something? All of these can be types of selfish behavior, and once you recognize and identify them, you can begin to try to change.

It is important not to confuse selfishness with self-care. The latter is often referred to as "good selfishness" because we all need it. When we set boundaries to maintain a healthy relationship with ourselves, when we take less responsibility because we can no longer, etc., others may perceive it as selfishness.

Whatever your way of being selfish, here are 17 basic things you can do to get started:

# 1 - Write to someone or call: Friend, mom, grandma. Just let someone know that you are thinking about them.

# 2 - Ask specific questions.

# 3 - Practice listening to people: Showing interest, being open and not judgmental.

# 4 - Greet you first.

# 5 - Give compliments.

# 6 - Hold the door, someone's elevator.

# 7 - Do a quick job to help someone.

# 8 - Practice gratitude.

# 9 - Think also from other people's perspective.

# 10 - Treat someone to a simple drink, a sandwich or even a bar of chocolate.

# 11 - Always greet neighbors.

# 12 - Encourage others.

# 13 - Donate or volunteer somewhere.

# 14 - Give small things as a gift.

# 15 - Be better with yourself.

Prepared by a group of therapists for Bustle.