It’s simple to label a friend as a narcissist when they exhibit egotism or self-centered behavior, but there is a distinction between these traits and a full-blown case of narcissistic personality disorder.
You’ll need to be aware of how to identify a narcissist early on if you’re having trouble telling the difference between the two. Contrary to your friend who only enjoys posting numerous selfies, someone with a mental disorder may end up hurting you while you are getting to know them.
According to psychologist and psychotherapist Joanne Bagshaw, PhD, a narcissist’s personality is centered around satisfying his or her needs for self-esteem. “Despite their outward appearance of security and even grandiosity, they actually have very low self-esteem. The people they hang out with, the vehicle they drive, the way they live, the clothes they wear, where they live, the pastimes their kids enjoy, etc., are all reflections of and attempts to make them feel good about themselves. “.
According to Ellen Hendriksen, PhD, narcissists make up up to 6.2 percent of the population, but it often seems like more because they are frequently found in highly visible positions of power, leadership, or celebrity. You may want to pay attention to these 11 early signs of narcissism if you believe you have encountered a few of them in your life.
1. They enjoy prattle on about themselves.
Whoever only enjoys talking about themselves is typically a narcissist. In an email, mental health therapist Tara Dixon, PLPC says, “[They can be] very sociable and charismatic, but the conversation always seems to come back around to be focused on them.”.
2. They are not compassionate.
When it comes to getting what they want for themselves, narcissists don’t mind playing games, manipulating others’ emotions, or even infringing on their rights. According to BPD Central, they don’t give a damn about other people’s opinions or feelings, especially if they conflict with their own.
3.
They Think They Have a Right.
According to Psychology Today, narcissistic individuals frequently have an unrealistic sense of entitlement. Scott Carroll, MD, a professor of psychiatry, says via email that these people “also demand special treatment and have to interact with the best doctors, lawyers, and accountants who are typically the head of an organization.”.
4. Success is their obsession.
We all want to be successful, but Psych Central reports that narcissists are unhealthy amounts obsessed with their fantasy of success. All of their actions, including their friendships, are merely stepping stones on the road to success.
5.
They’re Sensitivity to Emotions.
Many narcissists are actually very emotionally fragile, despite their outward appearance of self-confidence.
Psychotherapist Karen R.
Koenig, MEd, LCSW, says via email that people tend to repress or suppress feelings that make them feel uncomfortable, particularly if they feel ashamed, abandoned, or rejected.
6.
They’re Unable to Handle Criticism.
They have a very difficult time accepting criticism because they are so sensitive to unpleasant emotions. It is difficult for narcissists to accept criticism because it exposes their facade of perfection. Koenig explains that these people are “full of shame, they can’t admit their faults, but frequently have no problem being critical of others and expecting their opinions to be taken as the truth.”.
7. They Assign Other People the Blame.
Narcissists, according to Psychology Today, are reluctant to acknowledge their errors. As a result, they frequently place the blame for problems on others and become indignant when problems are pointed out as their fault.
8. They Do Not Have Much Humor.
A narcissist is not the type to laugh at a lighthearted joke about them. Koenig claims that they “have little sense of humor about their flaws.”. “When their smallest flaws are exposed, they become extremely offended or angry. “.
