How Do I Know If Someone I Love is a Narcissist?

Oh how I wish I had known what to look for. I missed ALL the red flags. He wanted to move fast from the start. Initially, I did not but soon I found myself wanting to go at their pace. Are you wondering if the person you are dating is a narcissist?

When things move too quickly, you miss the warning signs. You miss the small print. I am not a psychologist. However, I am someone who has been burned by parents, church leaders, and other sexual predators. I am sharing this information in hopes I am able to help even one person out there from the pain and desolation that narcissistic abuse will bring into your life.

Narcissists are insecure at their core and in love with themselves alone

According to the National Library of Medicine, Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, a need for admiration, a lack of empathy, and a heightened sense of self-importance. Individuals with NPD may present to others as boastful, arrogant, or even unlikeable. NPD is a pattern of behavior persisting over a long period and through a variety of situations or social contexts and can result in significant impairment in social and occupational functioning.

First of all, narcissism exists on a spectrum, ranging from those with narcissistic traits to individuals diagnosed with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). While many people may display narcissistic behaviors from time to time, NPD is a more severe and consistent pattern of thinking and behaving. Look for patterns and for the health of their longstanding relationships with co-workers, friends, and family.

Individuals with NPD typically exhibit the following core traits:

Grandiosity:

They have an inflated sense of self-importance and believe they are superior to others. This often manifests as arrogance, entitlement, and a need for admiration.

Lack of Empathy:

Narcissists struggle to understand or care about the feelings and needs of others. This lack of empathy allows them to manipulate and exploit people without guilt or remorse.

Manipulation:

They are skilled at using others to achieve their own goals. Through tactics like gaslighting, triangulation, and blame shifting, they maintain control and dominance over their relationships.

Envy and Jealousy:

Narcissists are often envious of others’ success, talents, or relationships. At the same time, they believe others are envious of them, further reinforcing their grandiose self-image.

Need for Admiration:

Constant praise and attention are essential to their sense of self-worth. If they don't receive enough admiration, they can become resentful or engage in manipulative behaviors to regain attention.

Fragile Self-Esteem:

Despite their outward confidence, individuals with NPD often have a deeply insecure core. Their grandiosity and manipulation serve to protect themselves from feelings of inadequacy and shame.

Exploitative Relationships:

Relationships with narcissists are often one-sided. Narcissists use others for validation, resources, or status but rarely reciprocate or invest in the emotional well-being of their partners.

Understanding these traits can help people recognize and protect themselves from the manipulative and harmful behaviors exhibited by individuals with NPD or narcissistic traits.

Your Fellow Survivor, xo

eric swan, swan luxury goods, graceful opulence, business oracle