the E word

Ego.

This three-letter word is a tiny heavyweight; 

its mere length of 3 letters is by no means an accurate indication of 

the frightening conceitedness some people seem to have.

The ones who insist that they don't, usually have tonnes of it. 

If you're not observant enough, you might just fall for it.

It is nearly impossibile to hear a sincere (forced, maybe) apology from their mouths.
Their declinations to accept help from anyone and everyone - 

"nope, I don't need your help, I can do it on my own" (sounds familiar?)

can be seen as an indicator of independent behaviour, 

but when overdone, simply become outright refusals in accepting that 

there can be methods/answers better than theirs.

They must just really be afraid of having that proven.

Ironically, the ones who will not hesitate to admit that they are full of ego

usually have that in them in much lesser denominations.

They reach out for helping hands (that don't mind 

lending themselves) in times of need,

not forgetting to say "thank you" after the help's been rendered, of course.

They understand that no matter how good they may be in something, 

there will always be someone else out there who will be better, 

stronger or smarter.

Ego.

All of us have some of this self-importance in us,

some of us a little more than the rest.