To know if someone might be a narcissist, common signs include:
- A sense of entitlement and belief that they deserve special treatment.
- Manipulative or controlling behavior aimed at meeting their own needs.
- A constant need for admiration and validation from others.
- Lack of empathy and difficulty understanding or caring about others' feelings.
- Arrogance and feeling superior to others, often expecting others to obey their wishes.
- Preoccupation with fantasies of success, power, beauty, or brilliance.
- Exploiting others for personal gain.
- Being easily upset or angry when not receiving the special recognition they believe they deserve.
- Difficulty handling criticism and reacting with anger or contempt.
- Sometimes showing envy towards others or believing others envy them.
There are also different types of narcissism, including vulnerable (covert) narcissism where individuals may feel resentful or victimized and have a weak sense of self, and narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) which is a more severe and diagnosable condition that significantly impacts relationships and functioning. Importantly, many people may show some narcissistic traits at times without being narcissists or having NPD. If someone is self-aware, concerned about their behavior, open to criticism, and capable of empathy, then they are likely not a narcissist. If there is serious concern, consulting a mental health professional is advised for proper evaluation and support. This understanding is based on the common signs and explanations of narcissism and NPD from reputable health sources.
