Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental health condition in which people have an unreasonably high sense of their importance. This means they need and seek too much attention and want people to admire them. A narcissist is someone who possesses an exaggerated sense of self-importance, a constant need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. This personality trait, often associated with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), manifests in various behaviors and attitudes that can be detrimental to relationships and social interactions. Narcissists typically have an inflated view of their abilities and achievements, seek validation and attention from others, and exploit those around them to fulfill their desires. Understanding narcissism involves recognizing the complex interplay of psychological factors that contribute to this personality pattern, as well as its impact on both the individual and those in their orbit.
5 Signs to help you spot a narcissistic personality
Sense of Entitlement: refers to an individual’s belief that they deserve special treatment, privileges, or recognition without necessarily having earned them. People with a sense of entitlement often have inflated expectations about what they are entitled to in various aspects of life, such as relationships, work, or social interactions. In psychological terms, a sense of entitlement can be linked to narcissism, where individuals exhibit an exaggerated sense of self-importance and believe they are inherently superior to others. However, entitlement can also stem from other factors such as upbringing, cultural influences, or experiences of privilege.
Manipulative Behavior: also known as controlling behaviors, a narcissist will first try to impress you and please you. But eventually, their own needs will come first. When relating to other people, narcissists will try to keep people at a certain distance to maintain control. They may even exploit others to gain something for themselves. When relating to other people, narcissists will try to keep people at a certain distance in order to maintain control. They may even exploit others to gain something for themselves. Manipulation can usually be spotted after a while after the two are together because narcissist tends to start their manipulative behavior after they have their partner fooled.
Need Admiration: One of the most common signs of a narcissist is a constant need for praise or admiration. People with this behavior need to feel validation from others and often brag or exaggerate their accomplishments for recognition. They also like to feel appreciated to boost their ego.
Lack of Empathy: Lack of empathy is another sign of narcissism. This means that the narcissist is unwilling or unable to empathize with the needs, wants, or feelings of other people. This also makes it difficult for them to take responsibility for their behavior.
Arrogance: People with narcissistic behavior already see themselves as superior to others, so they may become rude or abusive when they don’t receive the treatment they think they deserve. While they hold themselves superior, they may speak or act rudely toward those that they deem inferior.
