To spot a narcissist in a relationship, watch for these key signs:
- They start out incredibly charming and attentive ("love bombing") but later devalue and manipulate you.
- Conversations always revolve around them; they may interrupt, dismiss, or gaslight you.
- They expect special treatment and feel entitled to privileges.
- Show little to no empathy and concern for your feelings.
- Constantly seek compliments and validation to boost their ego.
- Criticize others, including you, often focusing on superficial matters like appearance.
- Have few or no long-term friends.
- Manipulate, shame, or blame others to maintain control and superiority.
- Ignore your boundaries and isolate you from friends and family.
- Exhibit extreme sensitivity to criticism and rarely apologize.
These behaviors create an exhausting, emotionally draining dynamic where the narcissist maintains control and constantly seeks admiration, often at your expense. Recognizing these traits early can help protect your wellbeing in the relationship.
