If you’ve ever found yourself in a relationship with a narcissist, then you know how difficult it can be to deal with their self-centered behavior.

Narcissists prioritize their own needs above anyone else’s, so it’s important to be aware of the signs before you become too invested.

1. Lack of Empathy

Narcissists often struggle to empathize with others and are unable to understand or care about someone else’s feelings or needs. They may appear emotionally cold, distant, or indifferent when others are going through a difficult time.

2. Controlling Behavior

Narcissists love to be in control and will often try to manipulate or dominate their partner. They may make decisions for you without consulting you, or try to force you to do things their way.

3. Gaslighting

Gaslighting is a form of emotional abuse that involves denying or distorting reality to make the other person doubt their own perceptions. Narcissists often use gaslighting to control their partners and make them feel crazy or unstable.

4. Self-Centeredness

Narcissists are primarily focused on themselves and their own needs, and may not show a genuine interest in other people’s lives or experiences.

They may monopolize conversations and rarely give others a chance to speak or share their own opinions.

5. Need for Attention and Admiration

Narcissists crave attention and admiration from others and may do whatever it takes to get it. This can include bragging about their accomplishments, seeking praise and compliments, or exaggerating their abilities and achievements.

6. Lack of Boundaries

Narcissists may invade your personal boundaries and violate your privacy without any regard for your feelings. This can include reading your emails or texts, showing up unannounced, or expecting you to be available 24/7.

7. Blaming Others

Narcissists often refuse to take responsibility for their actions and instead blame others for their mistakes. They may become aggressive or defensive if you try to hold them accountable for their behavior.

8. Grandiosity

Narcissists may have an inflated sense of self-importance and believe that they are better than other people. They may feel entitled to special treatment, and may expect others to comply with their demands.

9. Lack of Emotional Regulation

Narcissists may have a tendency to overreact and become emotional or verbally abusive if they don’t get what they want. They may also struggle to manage their emotions and may lash out at others when they feel angry or frustrated.

10. False Humility

Narcissists may pretend to be humble and self-effacing in order to gain sympathy or approval from others. However, this false humility is often just a ploy to make themselves look good.

11. Manipulation

Narcissists are skilled at manipulating others, whether it’s through flattery, guilt-tripping, or other tactics. They may use these tactics to get what they want, or to maintain control over their partners.

12. Lack of Accountability

Narcissists often refuse to take responsibility for their actions and may blame others or external circumstances for their problems. They may also refuse to apologize or make amends, even when they are clearly in the wrong.

13. Black-and-White Thinking

Narcissists may have a rigid, black-and-white view of the world and struggle to see shades of gray. They may be quick to judge others or put them into categories, and may struggle to see things from others’ perspectives.

14. Projection

Narcissists often project their own flaws and shortcomings onto others, blaming others for things they themselves are guilty of. For example, a narcissist who is cheating on their partner may accuse their partner of being unfaithful.

15. Need for Control

Narcissists may be control freaks who want everything to go their way. They may become upset or angry if things don’t go according to plan, and may try to micromanage everything around them.

16. Lack of Self-Awareness

Narcissists may have a distorted view of themselves and their abilities, and may not recognize their own flaws or weaknesses. They may also be delusional or have unrealistic expectations for themselves.

17. Insensitivity

Narcissists may be insensitive to other people’s feelings and may not care how their words or actions affect others. They may be quick to dismiss others’ concerns or needs, and may only be concerned with their own wants and desires.

18. Arrogance

Narcissists may be arrogant and boastful, frequently talking about their achievements or status. They may believe that they are superior to others, and may look down on those they perceive as less successful or intelligent.

19. Boundary Violations

Narcissists may cross boundaries without thinking twice, and may be oblivious to how their behavior affects others. They may touch you inappropriately, invade your personal space, or make unwanted sexual advances.

20. Lack of Reciprocity

Narcissists may take and take without giving anything in return. They may expect you to do everything for them, but may not be willing to do anything for you in return.

21. Codependency

Narcissists may become enmeshed with their partners and have difficulty separating from them. They may rely on their partners for emotional support or to meet their needs, and may become anxious or upset when their partner is not available.

22. Lack of Trust

Narcissists may have trust issues and may be paranoid or suspicious of others. They may accuse you of being unfaithful or dishonest, even if there is no evidence to support these claims.

23. Envy and Jealousy

Narcissists may become jealous or envious of others’ success or accomplishments. They may see other people’s achievements as a threat to their own sense of superiority and may try to diminish or belittle them.

24. Emotional Manipulation

Narcissists may use emotional manipulation to get what they want, playing on your emotions or making you feel guilty for not doing what they want. They may also use emotional blackmail to get you to comply with their demands.

25. Inability to Compromise

Narcissists may struggle to compromise and may want everything done their way. They may become upset or angry if things don’t go their way, and may be unwilling to meet you halfway.

26. Lack of Boundaries with Exes

Narcissists may have a hard time letting go of past relationships and may still be in contact with their exes. They may also be possessive of their exes and may try to keep them in their lives, even if it’s not healthy or appropriate.

27. Exaggeration

Narcissists may exaggerate their accomplishments or abilities, and may make everything seem bigger or more important than it really is. They may also lie or manipulate the truth to make themselves look good.

28. Unpredictability

Narcissists may be unpredictable and hard to read, making it difficult to anticipate their actions or reactions. They may also change their minds frequently or make promises they don’t intend to keep.

29. Lack of Follow-Through

Narcissists may not follow through on their promises or commitments. They may make plans with you and then cancel at the last minute, or fail to show up altogether.

30. Lack of Apologies

Narcissists may refuse to apologize or take responsibility for their actions, even when it’s clear that they have done something wrong. They may also refuse to acknowledge the hurt they have caused others.