Do you know how to spot a narcissist? Learning to identify this manipulative person is paramount as you navigate life. The last thing you need is to get involved with someone with more problems than a math book and treats you horribly.
Sure, they’re all charming and say just the right things initially. However, please don’t get too comfortable with their charm and charisma because this ruse lasts only for so long. They don’t want to be with you for anything other than to further their agenda.
The narcissist doesn’t have good relationships with people; indeed, some might say these manipulators have an expiration date. They can only be good for so long, and once people figure out their true colors, they will move on to their next victim. It’s the stuff the movies are made of, but you want to ensure no one is ever writing a script about the horrors of your life.
To Spot a Narcissist, You Must First Understand the Mindset
They’ve developed an “I’ll get them before they get me” attitude. All the behaviors you see from the manipulator are just an effort to ease their bruised self-esteem. While they may love themselves more than anyone else, the truth is that they have exceptionally low self-worth.
When you tangle with someone like this in the dating world, you will probably be instantly attracted to them. See, they’ve perfected their game and know just the right things to say and do to make you putty in their hands. Due to their keen manipulative abilities, you must be on guard.
How to Spot A Narcissist Through Revealing Behaviors
You should learn the common red flags to protect yourself from manipulative friends or love interests. Here are ten ways to spot a narcissist to avoid getting involved in their drama.
1. They’re Bigger and Better Than You
Have you ever met someone that always has to one-up you? These individuals can never let anyone have anything better than them, as it hurts their pride. If you got a raise on your job, they’ve already had two increases. They always seem to have the right words to make you feel less than you so that they feel greater than you.
2. They Flock to The Vulnerable
Do you remember the classic tale of the Three Little Pigs? The big, bad wolf would huff, puff, and blow the pig’s house down. The pigs had homes built from hay, sticks, and bricks. The first two pigs couldn’t stand against the wolf, but the third pig had a substantial house secure enough to save the others.
The wolf immediately went to the pigs whose homes were the most vulnerable. The selfish person looks for the same things when they’re on the prowl. They want the person who is an easy target to further their agenda.
Since they are incapable of having meaningful relationships, they will use you to get the finances, notoriety or to fulfill their sexual desires. One of their classic behaviors is to seek out vulnerable people who’ve been unlucky in love or just been through a rough time and need a shoulder to lean on.
3. They Dominate the Conversation
The fine art of conversation is a skill that isn’t developed overnight. It takes time to cultivate the ability to converse back and forth without talking over one another. However, if you want to spot a narcissist, it’s the person constantly talking over you and interrupting you so that you can’t get a word into the conversation.
You may find that trying to talk to this individual is impossible because they won’t let you.
4. They’re Loud and Proud
One would think that a manipulator would be quiet and unpretentious, but the self-centered person often tends to be loud and vibrant. They want all eyes on them rather than cowering in fear in a corner. True to their personality, they would rather be the life of the party.
5. They Shy Away from Conversations About Family and Friends
Talk about relationships if you want to hit a sore spot with any manipulator. These individuals rarely have a large inner circle because they alienate so many people along the way. Even relatives don’t want anything to do with them because their manipulative ways have burned them.
If you want to spot a self-centered person with relationship issues, ask them about their family and friends and see how they act.
6. They’re Very Secretive
A narcissist has many secrets they keep, and they don’t want you getting into their business. This person will often keep their phone locked down tighter than Fort Knox, and they will be very indiscreet when talking or texting. Sadly, you may not be the only person they’re trying to use.
7. They Belittle You
Once the manipulator has you in their clutches, they will start letting down the charming façade that lured you in. One way that they will try to control you is by belittling you. It’s a classic manipulation tactic to get you to do what they want.
Never let someone put you down or call you names, no matter how charming they appear. You are worth more than that, and you don’t need that kind of a pain in your life. They will destroy you mentally and make you think you cannot do anything right.
8. They Track Your Every Move
Remember, a selfish person fears losing their possessions, even people. If you live with this person, they may insist on security system cameras in most rooms and cell phone trackers. Sure, they will use the ruse for your safety, but they want to keep a good eye on your actions.
9. They Alienate You from Family and Friends
If you don’t see through their games, your family probably will. So, they will do everything they can to be your one and only.
They don’t want you hanging with others who might call out their manipulative ways. The more people you’re around, the more their house of cards risks tumbling down.
10. “Takes” Often, “Gives” Little
The hard part for good and honest people to comprehend is that this person is using them. They make it seem like you two are a match made in heaven, but they’re just using you. Narcissists want to get as much as possible from you but don’t expect them to give anything in return.
They want your money, time, attention, and you to come running when a crisis comes their way. However, when you need them, they will be conveniently unavailable. They are the masters of one-sided relationships.
11. They Brag A lot
Their self-inflated views of their life can’t be ignored. They want everyone to know how powerful, wealthy, and successful they’ve become. They will talk about all their wealth and accomplishments and name-drop all the high class in their ranks.
It’s quite annoying to talk to this person because they make themselves appear so high and mighty that you will feel inferior to them.
12. They Lie
One of the ways you can spot a narcissist is that their stories don’t add up. They have a lot of bull they feed people, but if you dig into their lives, you will find that most of what they tell is fabricated. Sure, there may be some truths among the lies, but most of what you hear is garbage.
These individuals are often pathological or habitual liars.
Final Thoughts on How to Spot A Narcissist
If you’ve ever watched made-for-television movies about relationships gone wrong, you know about narcissistic behaviors. Maybe you’ve experienced a manipulator in your personal life and know the pain they leave behind. It would help if you remembered that this person is broken beyond what you can see, and they need in-depth psychological help.
Don’t ever think that you can fix them or be the love that changes their ways, as most of the time; you will be another victim in their portfolio. You must know how to spot narcissists to protect yourself from all the pain and psychological damage that comes with this master manipulator.
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