Narcissists are people who have a personality disorder that is characterized by selfishness, a lack of empathy and abusive behaviors towards others. If you’ve ever dealt with one, then you likely already realize how important it is to be careful around these types of people.
Unfortunately, until you recognize a narcissist and shut them down, they will continue to trample all over you until there is nothing left to trample on. That is why it’s so important to recognize the signs of a narcissist and cut them off before they have a chance to destroy you.
I know that may sound dramatic, but I assure you, if you get tied up with a narcissist, you will regret it. Here are 8 obvious signs you are dealing with a narcissist.
1. Everything about them is superficial.
Narcissists are completely superficial. They have a fake persona (a mask) and a fake personality. In one moment they may act one way, and in another they will act entirely different. You may even notice that their personas change depending on who is around them.
2. They play the victim.
Be wary of someone who is always “poor pitiful me.” While sometimes, people genuinely feel victimized, when someone is a serial victim, something is likely off. Typically, narcissists play victim to manipulate others into taking their side.
3. They always have to be the center of attention.
Narcissists thrive off attention and validation. They crave it, and if they aren’t getting it, they will demand it. Oftentimes, you can tell who the narcissist is in the room, because they are the loudest and the fakest.
4. They refuse to accept responsibility for their actions.
Narcissists do not feel remorse. If they do wrong by you, they won’t likely apologize and if they do, it’s not because they are sorry, it’s because they want to manipulate you into believing they care.
5. They overexaggerate their accomplishments.
If you listen closely to the narcissist, they believe they know everything. In fact, they are an expert in every field and a have mastered it all. And they usually have overexaggerating stories to back it all up.
6. They act entitled.
Narcissists believe they are entitled to anything they want. If someone has something nice, they get jealous. Some will even get so entitled they will try to steal it or destroy it. They cannot stand to see other people do well, especially if they are doing better than them.
7. They are manipulative.
Narcissists are extremely manipulative. They will go to great lengths to manipulate others, including lying, guilt-tripping and even gaslighting. If they want something, they won’t stop until they have it. They are all about control.
8. They lack boundaries.
Narcissists do not understand nor comply with boundaries. If you draw a line in the sand, they will step right over it.
9. They cannot be reasoned with.
If you’ve ever tried to reason with a narcissist, then you know exactly what I mean. There is no way to reason with one, no matter how much logic and explanations you try to use. The reason for this is because the only reasoning they understand is how something can benefit them. Beyond that, there is no reason.