Are you Dating a Narcissist? Do Not Ignore These Signs!

Narcissists are everywhere, and when you first meet them, they come across as charming, confident and attractive. But what lies beneath that veneer of super confidence is often insecurity, manipulation and a need for control.

At the beginning of the relationship, there is nobody who is more attentive than a narcissist. They want to know everything about you, and they will quickly become the most important person in your life. But as the relationship progresses, their true colours start to show, and when that happens what emerges is not pretty.

If you’re in a relationship with someone who exhibits any of the following behaviours, it’s possible you’re dating a narcissist.

Signs that you might be dating a narcissist

Narcissists look just like you and me. In fact, when you first meet them, they will make a wonderful first impression because they will be charming, affable and confident. However, what you are seeing is simply the mask that they wear to conceal their true identity.

In order to see past the facade, you need to assess their behaviour, because when you do so you will discover that their actions do not match their words.

If you’re in a relationship with a narcissist, chances are they will exhibit some (if not all) of the following behaviours

They’re always the star of the show

Narcissists need to be the centre of attention at all times. If they’re not getting the attention they feel they deserve, they’ll do whatever it takes to get it – even if it means sabotaging someone else to steal the spotlight from them.

If you’re dating a narcissist, they will make it a point to always be front and centre, and you will often find yourself playing second fiddle to them. In truth, you are just a prop in the narcissist show, and the narcissist will always, but always, be the star.

They need constant admiration and affirmation

A narcissist will never be happy with just compliments – they always need more, more, more.

They may fish for compliments by talking about themselves incessantly or demanding that others praise them constantly.

This addiction to praise is a key indicator of narcissism. If you don’t give them the unending admiration they crave, they may pout or become withdrawn. This is because the aura of confidence that they project is just a facade, hiding their massive insecurities. The only way they can alleviate their fear is by commandeering a constant stream of validation and affirmation from others – and that includes you

If your partner seems to require an inordinate number of compliments, please take note.

They have a grandiose sense of self-importance

Narcissists think they’re better than everyone else – and they want everyone else to know it. They may brag about their accomplishments or belittle others to make themselves feel superior.

If your partner seems overly arrogant and cocky, it could be a sign that they have narcissistic tendencies.

They’re hypersensitive to criticism

Narcissists can’t take even the slightest bit of criticism without feeling attacked. Because they have such fragile egos, even constructive criticism can feel like a personal attack to a narcissist.

They are likely to react angrily or become defensive when someone points out even the smallest flaw.

If you’re dating a narcissist, you probably already know that it’s impossible to have a disagreement without them taking it personally and getting angry.

They’re always right, even when they’re wrong

Narcissists hate being wrong – it makes them feel like they’re inferior and weak. They will do whatever it takes to always be right, even if that means twisting the truth or making up lies

If you’re dating a narcissist, get ready for a lot of arguments, because they will always want to be right, even when the evidence that they are wrong is staring them straight in the face.

Unfortunately, this behaviour can have a very damaging impact on their victim, who finds themselves constantly questioning their perception of reality.

They take advantage of others

Narcissists are master manipulators – and they’ll often use people to get what they want without any regard for how it might hurt the other person involved.

If you find yourself constantly doing favours for your partner that go unreciprocated, or if you feel like you’re always giving more than you’re getting, it’s possible you’re dating a narcissist who is taking advantage of your good nature.

They lack empathy

Narcissists often cannot see things from another person’s perspective, which can make it difficult for them to empathize with others’ feelings or experiences.

This lack of empathy often leads narcissists to be selfish and manipulative in their relationships. If your partner regularly dismisses your feelings or seems unable to understand why you might be upset about something, it could be a sign that you’re dating a narcissist.

Conclusion

Narcissists can be difficult to spot initially, but once you identify their behaviour patterns, it’s easier to see them for what they truly are – manipulative, selfish, and often harmful to other people.

The best way to protect yourself from being taken advantage of by a narcissist is to be aware of the warning signs and detach yourself from the relationship before it’s too late.