Narcissism defines a behavior where people are self-centered and focused on self-inflation. It’s a personality disorder in which people think extremely highly of themselves and don’t empathize with other people’s feelings and needs.
Narcissists have an excessive sense of self-importance and lack empathy for others. They prioritize themselves and don’t genuinely care for their partner’s feelings or needs. In a successful relationship, both partners should give and take, but a narcissist tends to focus solely on what they can gain, disregarding their partner’s worth and emotions.
How to Identify Narcissists – Signs & Symptoms
Narcissistic people often make others, especially their partners, feel like they are too much or too less and don’t appreciate them for what they really are. They would intentionally or unintentionally seek attention from people around them all the time and won’t pay heed to others’ feelings. They are more judgmental than kind and manipulate people into thinking they are the problem.
Here are the eight signs that indicate that you’re dealing with a narcissist.
1. They are takers, not givers
When dealing with a narcissist, you’ll notice they’re often more interested in what they can get from you rather than giving back. They might ask for favors but rarely offer help in return. This one-sidedness in relationships is a common sign of narcissism.
2. They make you feel worthless
Narcissists can make you feel like you’re not good enough. They might say mean things about what you’ve done, make fun of how you feel, or not like the choices you make. This can make you start to think you’re not as good as you really are and feel bad about yourself.
3. They constantly seek admiration
Narcissists crave attention and validation. They often fish for compliments, brag about their achievements, or exaggerate their importance. If someone in your life constantly seeks admiration and lacks empathy for others, they might be a narcissist.
4. They lack empathy
Narcissists struggle to understand or care about other people’s feelings. They might dismiss your problems, show little sympathy, or even exploit your vulnerabilities. This emotional disconnect is a significant red flag.
5. They manipulate and control
Narcissists are skilled manipulators. They use tactics like gaslighting, guilt-tripping, or playing mind games to maintain control in relationships. If you often feel manipulated or controlled, it’s a warning sign of narcissism.
6. They Have a Sense of Entitlement
Narcissists often think they should get special treatment or do things their own way. They might jump ahead in line, not follow rules, or act like everything should go their way. This shows they feel like they deserve special treatment and might be acting like a narcissist.
7. They Display Grandiosity
Narcissists often make their accomplishments and skills sound much bigger than they really are. They might say they have super special abilities, talk a lot about how great they are, and think they’re better than everyone else. This big-headed way of thinking shows they might be narcissistic.
8. They React Strongly to Criticism
When criticized or confronted, narcissists can become defensive, angry, or even aggressive. They rarely accept responsibility for their actions and may try to shift blame onto others. This intense reaction to criticism is a classic narcissistic trait.
What signs do you think are important to watch out for when identifying narcissistic individuals? Share your insights on these warning signs in the comments!
