How Do I Identify A Narcissist?

Now I am by no means am writing this article to point fingers, or to be a negative Nancy. I am writing this article to help others navigate the murky waters that can be difficult when you find toxic people in your life.

I seem to be a bit of a professional at attracting these types of individuals in my life, but as I have navigated through healing those parts of me that accepted these types of behaviors I realized I could identify a person that had unhealthy, abusive narcissistic behavior and remove them from my life.

These types of people can really rule our life, and they can keep us trapped in relationships that we have no business being in. Whether this is romantic, family, friends, coworkers, I am here to help you realize who is meant for you and who you can kick to the curb unapologetically.

So let’s get into it, how do we identify a narcissist? What is even a narcissist? This has become such an over used word, and at times I truly hate how it is used. Yet, it has to be looked at and understood because so many people are being hurt emotionally or abused by such people and unaware of it. As human beings we so badly want to be accepted and loved, that we can turn a blind eye to bad behavior. We will at times accept less than what we deserve.

I feel so passionate about ending this trend, so lets dive into it….

Narcissism is a complex personality trait characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a constant need for admiration, and a lack of empathy towards others. Dealing with a narcissistic individual can be challenging and emotionally draining.

Here are some defining traits or characteristics:

Grandiose Self-Image: Narcissists often have an exaggerated sense of self-importance. They believe they are unique, exceptional, and deserving of special treatment. Look for individuals who constantly boast about their achievements, crave attention, and show a lack of humility.

Lack of Empathy: Empathy is a crucial component of healthy relationships, but narcissists struggle to understand or care about other people's feelings. They may disregard or minimize others' emotions, show little remorse for their actions, and have difficulty putting themselves in someone else's shoes

Manipulative Behavior: Narcissists are skilled manipulators who use various tactics to control and exploit others for their own gain. They may engage in gaslighting (making you doubt your own reality), guilt-tripping, or playing the victim to manipulate your emotions and maintain power over you.

Excessive Need for Validation: Narcissists constantly seek external validation and admiration. They crave attention, praise, and admiration from others to feed their fragile self-esteem. They may fish for compliments, dominate conversations, and become resentful if they don't receive the attention they desire.

Lack of Boundaries: Narcissists often disregard boundaries and invade personal space, both physically and emotionally. They may overstep your boundaries, ignore your preferences or needs, and exhibit a sense of entitlement to your time, attention, or resources.

Difficulty Handling Criticism: Narcissists struggle with criticism or feedback that challenges their self-perception of perfection. They may react defensively, become angry or dismissive when confronted with their flaws or mistakes. Accepting responsibility or showing genuine remorse is uncommon for them.

Relationship Patterns: Narcissists tend to have a pattern of tumultuous and one-sided relationships. They may idealize you initially, showering you with attention and affection, but eventually devalue and discard you once their needs are no longer met. They may also display a lack of long-term commitment and empathy towards partners.

Identifying narcissistic traits in individuals can be an important step in protecting your well-being and establishing healthier boundaries. Remember, diagnosing narcissism requires a professional evaluation, but recognizing these key signs can help you navigate relationships more effectively. If you suspect someone in your life displays narcissistic behaviors, seeking support from a therapist or counselor can provide valuable guidance and strategies to cope with these challenging dynamics.

Most importantly, this is about you finding those that create a safe space for you to be your most authentic self. You deserve to feel loved, seen, heard, and accepted!

As always thank you for being here with me,