These days, the word "narcissism" is frequently used to describe relatively common personality qualities like selfishness and vanity. While most of us don't find these appealing, they aren't enough to make you think the person you're seeing is a narcissist.
But if you're reading this, it's likely that you've begun to wonder whether the person you're seeing is a narcissist. Since only a qualified mental health practitioner is qualified to diagnose someone with formal narcissistic personality disorder, this post is not meant to do so. We'll go through some of the typical indications that you could be dating a narcissist, and you can use this knowledge to make a decision.
10 Signs You Might Be Dating A Narcissist
You've Been Love Bombed
A narcissist may provide extravagant presents early in a relationship, which is a possible red flag.
Feeling "love bombed" is one of the first indications that you could be dating a narcissist. This is someone who compliments someone excessively and too quickly, showering them with gifts, telling them how amazing they are, how ideal they are for them, etc. Unfortunately, this is frequently done not out of genuine connection but rather as part of a narcissist's strategy to seduce another person. If you feel that your spouse has committed fully too quickly and you're baffled by how their feelings for you could be so strong after only a short while, read on taking these two factors into account, you could be dating a narcissist.
Ultra Charming
One of the manipulative facets of narcissists' personalities is that they are thought to be quite charming in large numbers. They are adept at influencing others and getting what they want by using their charm. The majority of the time, though, their charm ends when they either receive what they want or are turned down for it. In both situations, the charm soon wears off and the other, less endearing narcissistic personality traits surface, particularly if they feel rejected. All bets are off at that point, and you'll see them at the other extreme of the charm spectrum, where they frequently turn emotionally and mentally abusive in an effort to punish the person who rejected them.
Inflated Ego
A narcissistic personality characteristic might be present if the person you're dating is very self-absorbed and obsessive with their reputation and how others see them. Take notice of how many self-portraits a person has in their house, advises one mental health specialist. It's enjoyable to shoot selfies to email to friends or post on social media, but would you print, frame, and hang up your selfies at home? Unquestionably, there is a distinction! You could be dating a narcissist if your new spouse has a lot of pictures of themselves hanging up in their house—just them, not with anybody else!
No Old Friends
A simple indicator that you could be dating a narcissist is the absence of lifelong friendships. If they have a propensity to build walls between people and, frequently, even take joy in doing so, when you question them about their pals, it may be a warning that they will quit a connection after they have obtained what they desired. If they consistently play the hero or the victim but never the issue in their former relationships, it may be a clue that they are a narcissist and you should stop dating them.
Inability To Handle Criticism
Everyone dislikes criticism, but if your date seems anxious at the thought of any criticism, is it safe to go out with them? Unfavorable omen.
This is related to the idea of burning bridges in that narcissistic persons often find it very difficult to handle any kind of perceived criticism, and it is usual for them to quit a relationship over a perceived slight. The tendency to respond to an imagined affront against oneself is known as "narcissistic harm" by mental health specialists. You may be dating a narcissist if you observe that your significant other responds excessively to what they take to be an insult or criticism.
Demanding Of Praise
Is your date acting as though she's looking for praises all the time? That never looks nice, let's face it! You could be dating a narcissist if it appears that your date is just telling you things that they hope will get them some praise or if they are even so direct as to beg for it outright.
Lack Of Empathy
Since hardly everyone exhibits the same levels of empathy, your spouse may be narcissistic if they show little to no regard for the feelings and circumstances of others. Think about how your date will respond if you share a difficult circumstance you've experienced. Did they express compassion for you having to go through that, or did they find a way to make it about them in some manner? "Oh, okay, wonderful. I was going to tell you about my performance from last night, but the time isn't perfect.
Arrogance
Do they appear to believe they are the greatest at everything on your date? Are they one of those individuals that, when you mention something you're good at, they take it as a challenge to show you how amazing they are, too? You could be dating a narcissist who lives in their own little bubble of arrogant delusion if the person you are dating seems to have a large list of accomplishments and awards that don't seem to fit what you have seen and learned about them thus far.
Self-Absorbed
It's fantastic to have self-assurance and know your value. Being egocentric and unconcerned with others is not.
Is your date always bringing up oneself and acting like they are the center of the universe? People naturally want to express their interests and demonstrate their identity to others they are interested in, but it is unhealthy if they continuously bringing up themselves in discussion. Do they inquire about you personally, for instance? Do they express curiosity or immediately connect it to anything about themselves when you share facts about yourself? A narcissist often only enjoys discussing himself.
Sense Of Entitlement
Oh yeah. narcissists' common feeling of entitlement! Because of their erroneous sense of self-importance, many narcissists believe they are entitled to everything and everything. When someone has these, they may also have grandiose illusions, in which case they may sincerely feel that they are superior to and deserving of more than those around them. In this case, their entitlement just seems natural to them. Physical adoration and sexual favors are excellent indicators of this trait or a narcissistic relationship. Do you feel obligated to your partner? In the bedroom, are you supposed to offer them anything they ask for, but this expectation doesn't appear to apply to you as well? A narcissist may be the person you're dating, yes. The problem is that many of these traits may be observed in individuals who are not, by any means, narcissistic personality disorder sufferers. The majority of us fall somewhere along a range; we may occasionally be a little self-centered, and it can be challenging for most of us to take criticism, especially when it pertains to certain issues. It all depends on how ferociously these terms are used and whether they get in the way of having a fulfilling relationship with another person.
It's never a terrible idea to stand back and reevaluate the relationship if you are genuinely afraid that the person you are seeing is a narcissist. Having knowledge of some of the most common signs; Being with a narcissist will ideally enable you to learn what to look out for if you explore being more committed.