Recognizing Narcissistic Behavior
So, how do you know that you’re dealing with a narcissist? The term is bandied about so often that many are confused about what the term really means. We all believe we know what narcissism looks like, but recognizing narcissistic behavior can be more complicated than it seems. After all, aren’t a majority of politicians and Hollywood A-listers narcissists, projecting their massive egos onto the world?
While that may be true, narcissists come in all shapes and sizes. They walk among us, some of them obvious, and some of them covert. In fact, understanding how to recognize narcissistic behavior isn’t always as easy as it sounds.
So how can you tell if you’re dealing with an actual narcissist or just someone who is a bit full of themself? Here are a handful of traits the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) lists as characteristics that someone is a narcissist. When you pay attention to these warning signs, it often helps with recognizing various forms of narcissistic behavior in others.
A Grandiose Sense of Self-Importance
Narcissists see themselves as incredibly essential to the success and happiness of other people. In their eyes, they believe they are capable of exceptionally high levels of achievement, whether they are or aren’t in reality. Undoubtedly, this is one aspect to keep in mind for anyone interested in recognizing narcissistic behavior in everyday life.
They are Special or Unique
Narcissists believe they are so special and unique that few people can really understand them. They often want to spend time only with high-status people. Additionally, recognizing people with narcissistic behavior often involves observing how they relate to others whom they consider peers.
A Need for Admiration
We can all admit it feels good to be appreciated and admired. But narcissists have an absolute need for admiration and a lot of it. Spotting this need is a step towards recognizing narcissistic behavior in those around you.
A Sense of Entitlement
Narcissists truly believe they are the exception to the rule. If there is a line of people waiting to be seated, a narcissist will cut that line because why should they, of all people, be forced to wait? If you’ve spent any amount of time around an actual narcissist, their entitlement can be shocking as it seems to know no bounds. Recognizing this sense of entitlement is a core signal when identifying narcissistic behavior.
A Lack of Empathy
A narcissist simply cannot imagine how others feel. They are wired differently from non-narcissistic people. When you can’t empathize or feel what someone else is feeling, it makes it incredibly easy to abuse those around you. This trait is crucial for anyone focused on recognizing narcissistic behavior as it relates to emotional understanding.
These are just some of the main traits of a narcissist. Needless to say, spending any amount of time in their presence can be a very toxic and taxing experience. Ultimately, if recognizing narcissistic behavior happens early, you are better able to protect your mental health.
SOURCES:
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/14-signs-of-narcissism
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/lifetime-connections/202110/the-13-traits-narcissist
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/conditions/narcissistic-personality-disorder
