1. Affirm Their Worth

Sometimes, people who constantly seek attention just need reassurance of their value. Remind them they’re loved and seen. As Psalm 139:14 says, “I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Providing this encouragement can help them rest in the truth that they matter.

2. Gently Promote Humility

Encourage them to find confidence in something deeper than external applause. Scripture reminds us in James 4:10, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.” This spirit of humility often eases the urge to grab attention in unhealthy ways.

3. Speak Truth with Grace

Let them know you care enough to speak honestly. Ephesians 4:15 advises, “Speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself.” Being gentle but genuine can guide attention-seekers toward healthier interactions.

4. Invite Them into Godly Purpose

When someone is constantly trying to grab the spotlight, it can help to point them toward a higher calling. Show them that genuine fulfillment comes from knowing God’s plan. Discovering purpose can steer them from seeking approval to seeking meaningful direction.

5. Offer to Pray Together

Taking a moment to pray side by side can redirect their focus from people’s attention to God’s presence. Philippians 4:6 says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition... present your requests to God.” Prayer can usher in peace that replaces the need for constant validation.

6. Encourage Acts of Service

Serving others can help shift the spotlight off oneself. Galatians 5:13 says, “Serve one another in love.” Suggest ways they can volunteer or help a neighbor. Focusing on serving can foster healthy self-esteem and reduce the need for incessant approval.

7. Celebrate Others Together

If someone is always seeking attention, invite them to help celebrate other people’s successes. Romans 12:15 instructs, “Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.” By genuinely sharing in others’ happiness, they’ll discover a different kind of joy that doesn’t depend on personal recognition.

8. Practice Empathy

Sometimes, constant attention-seeking masks deep hurts. Show genuine concern and compassion without fueling unhealthy behavior. Let them know you’re there to listen, reminding them of Matthew 7:12: “In everything, do to others as you would have them do to you.”

9. Be Consistent with Boundaries

Kindly but firmly set limits when attention-seeking becomes excessive. Proverbs 25:28 warns, “Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.” Boundaries, lovingly established, can guide them to more constructive ways of connecting.

10. Point Them to God’s Steadfast Love

Help them realize they’re valued first and foremost by the One who knows them best. Jeremiah 31:3 reveals, “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” Emphasizing God’s unchanging love can shift the need for human attention to gratitude for divine acceptance.