It is simple to label a friend as a narcissist when they are acting egotistical or self-centered, but there is a distinction between being self-absorbed and having a full-blown case of narcissistic personality disorder.
You should learn 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.
This is true even though they are frequently charming and likeable.
According to psychologist and psychotherapist Joanne Bagshaw, PhD, a narcissist’s personality is focused on satisfying his or her needs for self-esteem. They have very low self-esteem despite the fact that they give off a very secure, even grandiose, impression. Who they hang out with, the vehicle they drive, their way of life, 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 feels like more because they are frequently found in highly visible positions of power, leadership, or celebrity. You might want to pay attention to these 11 early signs of narcissism if you think you’ve encountered a few of them in your life.
- They Enjoy Disclosing Personal Information.
A narcissist is someone who enjoys talking exclusively about themselves. They may be outgoing and charismatic, but the conversation always seems to circle back to them, according to Tara Dixon, PLPC, a mental health therapist.
- They are insensitive.
Narcissists have no problem playing games, playing with other people’s feelings, or stepping on other people’s toes in order to get what they want for themselves. According to BPD Central, they don’t give a damn about what other people think or feel, especially if those opinions or feelings conflict with their own.
3.
They Believe They Are Entitled.
According to Psychology Today, narcissists have an unrealistic and frequently unjustified sense of entitlement. According to professor of psychiatry Scott Carroll, MD via email, “They also demand special treatment and have to interact with the best physicians, attorneys, and accountants who are typically the head of an organization.”.
4.
They Have A Success Obsession.
We all want to be successful, but Psych Central reports that narcissists are unhealthy amounts obsessed with their fantasy of success. Everything they do, even their friendships, are just stepping stones on the road to success.
5.
They are Emotionally Weak.
Many narcissists are actually very emotionally fragile, despite their outward appearance of self-confidence.
Psychotherapist Karen R.
Koenig, MEd, LCSW, states via email that people who feel ashamed, abandoned, or rejected tend to repress or suppress those feelings.
- They Can’t Handle Criticism.
They have a very difficult time accepting criticism because they are so sensitive to negative emotions. The narcissist cannot handle criticism because it will expose their perfect façade. According to Koenig, “full of shame, they can’t admit their flaws, but frequently have no problem being critical of other people and expecting their opinions to be taken as the truth.”.
- They Assign Others the Blame.
Psychology Today asserts that narcissists are reluctant to acknowledge their errors. Because of this, they frequently place blame elsewhere when something goes wrong, and they become indignant if you try to blame them for an issue.
- They Do Not Have Much Humor.
A narcissist is not the type to laugh at a playful joke about them. According to Koenig, “They don’t laugh much about their flaws.”. When even the slightest flaw is revealed, they become extremely offended or angry. “.
