Dealing with a narcissist can be a challenging and draining experience. Narcissists have an inflated sense of self-importance and a deep need for admiration and attention. They often lack empathy and manipulate others to meet their own needs.

If you suspect that you are dealing with a narcissist, here are 7 clues that can help you identify their behavior.

1. Excessive Self-Importance

Narcissists believe they are superior to others and often display an exaggerated sense of self-importance.

They constantly seek validation and admiration from others, considering themselves to be more intelligent, attractive, or successful than those around them. They have an innate need to be the center of attention and expect others to cater to their every need.

2. Lack of Empathy

Narcissists have a limited capacity for empathy and struggle to understand or share the feelings of others. They are generally indifferent to the emotions and needs of those around them, as they prioritize their own wants and desires above all else.

This lack of empathy can lead to them disregarding or even exploiting the feelings of others.

3. Manipulation and Control

Narcissists have a knack for manipulating and controlling others to serve their own interests. They are skilled at using charm, flattery, and manipulation techniques to influence those around them.

They may also engage in gaslighting, where they manipulate someone’s perception of reality to make them doubt their own thoughts and feelings.

4. Constant Need for Admiration

Narcissists seek constant admiration and validation from others to boost their fragile self-esteem. They crave attention, praise, and admiration, and will go to great lengths to ensure they receive it.

They may fish for compliments, exaggerate their achievements, or belittle others to make themselves feel superior.

5. Lack of Accountability

Narcissists rarely take responsibility for their actions and often blame others for their own mistakes or shortcomings. They find it challenging to acknowledge their faults or apologize for their behavior, as it would mean admitting their imperfections.

Instead, they may shift blame onto others or deny their involvement altogether.

6. Grandiose Fantasies

Narcissists often have grandiose fantasies about their success, power, or attractiveness. They may believe that they are destined for greatness and expect others to recognize their exceptional qualities without question.

These fantasies can lead them to pursue unrealistic goals or engage in self-aggrandizing actions.

7. Fragile Self-Esteem

Beneath their confident and self-assured exterior, narcissists typically have fragile self-esteem. They often struggle with feelings of insecurity, shame, and vulnerability.

To protect their fragile ego, they build a grandiose self-image and seek constant external validation to maintain their self-worth.

If you recognize these clues in someone you are dealing with, it’s important to set boundaries and take care of your own emotional well-being.

Dealing with a narcissist can be draining and emotionally exhausting, so seeking support from friends, family, or professional therapists can be beneficial.