13 Signs You’re Dating a Narcissist
Yes, you know what the word “narcissist” means. Thing is, if you’re thinking it just means a guy who exclusively brags about his trust fund and never asks you any questions on a date, you might miss the narcissist right in front of you. Turns out, not all narcissists are insufferably entitled rich boys in sockless loafers.
They might make you feel bad about yourself: Don’t expect a narcissistic boyfriend or girlfriend to be genuinely happy for you. Instead, they will.
It’s easy to throw around the word “narcissist ” around without really knowing what it means: Whether you’re talking about Kim Kardashian’s selfie obsession, Madonna comparing herself to Martin Luther King , or Kanye West, er, just being Kanye, it’s easy to forget that genuine narcissistic behavior is a recognized mental condition. Sufferers of what’s called narcissistic personality disorder aren’t just vain; they’re grandiose about themselves to the point of obsession, charmingly manipulative, and often have a sociopathic lack of empathy towards others.
We still don’t know where narcissism comes from: some psychologists link it to borderline personality disorder , others believe it conceals a serious lack of self-esteem something self-aware narcissists themselves dispute , and still others have linked it with neglect as children. The newest study thinks kids who are over-praised but under-loved as kids are most likely to become narcissists — but we’re still essentially groping in the dark. Either way, understanding the origins of the disorder doesn’t make having a relationship with a narcissist any more fun — and I should know.
My ex was most definitely a narcissist, and the signals aren’t something to take lightly: narcissists have a strong reputation for emotional abuse. So if any of these 15 signs that you’re dating a narcissist do pop up, please proceed with extreme caution — and remember, from someone who’s been there, that famous charm may turn on you. Narcissists believe that they are literally above the law in every way.