Beware, readers. Keep your eyes and ears open for narcissists. Narcissists can be found in family, friends, work, and even relationships. Unfortunately, most people have encountered narcissists at least once, whether they were aware of it. The good news is that when you know the warning signs and how to deal with them, you can protect your happiness and mental well-being.
We’ll help you identify narcissistic characteristics and how to deal with them.
Checklist for Narcissist Red Flags
A true narcissist is different from someone who is, well, just extremely selfish. A narcissist, by definition, is a “self-centered individual who exaggerates their sense of importance.”
- Lack of empathy
- Attention needs to be focused on you
- Unsupportive
- Self-esteem inflated
- Consideration for others is lacking
- Sensitivity to criticism
- You may think that you are the problem
Early Red Flags from a Covert Narcissist
Covert is “not openly acknowledged” or “not displayed.” A covert narcissist, then, is a narcissist who keeps to himself. They hyper-focus on their importance instead of expressing it outwardly. Since they are constantly worried about themselves, they also want to be noticed from the outside. This is usually done by fishing for compliments. The following flags will be displayed:
- Never play the victim to gain sympathy
- Seeks attention constantly
- Conversations about the speaker are centered on themselves
- Breaking boundaries is a common occurrence
- Lack of reliability
Red Flags from a Narcissist In a Female Friendship
Mean Girl has been on television many times. She is manipulative, self-absorbed, and exploits others to her benefit. Guess what? She is real, too. Everyone knows or has heard of a girl who is the real Regina George. Here’s a hint on how to find her:
- Prioritizing their own needs above others
- Expectations of friends
- When friendships no longer serve you, it’s time to end them
- Obsessed by social status
- Can’t keep secrets
Red Flags of Narcissistic Families
What if you have very opinionated family members? Not surprising. You have family members who are always criticizing your actions and think they’re better than everyone else. It’s frustrating. It can be difficult to have a selfish member of your family (most likely because you see them so often). It’s crucial to be able to recognize their traits so that you can avoid or deal with them.
- Gaslights
- Criticizes
- Love bombs
- Lacks self-awareness
- A strong sense of entitlement
First Date Red Flags that Tell You That You Are Dealing With A Narcissist
We talk about red flags for dating a lot here at The Everygirl. A narcissist is no exception. They are often too good to last with their social, charming, and sweet demeanor. But watch and listen carefully because one of these red flags will soon appear:
- Talking about yourself is not enough
- They boast about their wealth, status, achievements, etc.
- Uses a lot of sarcastic remarks or jokes
- The Impatient and the entitled
- Complaints about exes
Red Flags You Should Look Out For If You Are In A Relationship With A Narcissist
You’re probably correct if you believe you are dating someone who is a narcissist. To that, we say, run for the hills, sister. If that is not you, and you want to ensure that you don’t get into a partnership with someone narcissistic, then here are some traits that you should be aware of.
- You can downplay your emotions.
- Uses manipulative techniques to “win” arguments
- Love bombing, especially after a battle
- You constantly doubt yourself
- Unable to hold themselves accountable
- You are jealous of the relationships you have with your friends, family members, etc.
How to Deal with a Narcissist
It is estimated that 5 % of the population suffers from a narcissistic disorder (NPD). There are several ways to handle a selfish abuse situation. According to Healthline, you should take the following steps.
- Learn about NPD
- Self-esteem is important to your well-being
- Speak out for yourself
- Set clear boundaries
- Keep calm by practicing skills
- Find a support network
- Demand immediate action
- Understanding that they may require professional help
- When to seek help and when to leave
