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ENTITY explains the characteristics of a narcissist.

Self-absorbed. Stuck-up. Conceited. Narcissistic.

These all may seem like synonyms for someone who is a bit too into themselves. In other words, like characteristics of a narcissist. You know the type — checks themselves out in every reflective surface, takes hours upon hours to get ready and prefers that they’re the topic of conversation at all times.

However, the word narcissist can mean something more than someone who has an Instagram feed solely consisting of selfies.

What exactly is narcissism?

ENTITY explains the characteristics of a narcissist.

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There are varying degrees of narcissism. People can exhibit narcissistic traits and not have a personality disorder, which is clinically diagnosed. They may just have a narcissistic personality type.

The extent of one’s narcissism is usually determined by the Narcissistic Personality Inventory. There’s an interactive version of it online you can take here.

Most people will find that they’re not narcissists. In fact, narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is not exactly common. According to Psychology Today, narcissism affects about 1 percent of the population. So a true narcissist? It’s not just someone who’s vain.

How can you tell when you’ve encountered someone who is more than just a little too into themselves? Here are the telltale signs of narcissistic personality disorder.

1 They have an unreasonable sense of entitlement.

ENTITY explains the characteristics of a narcissist.

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People with NPD believe that they are the number one priority and should be the number one priority in everyone’s mind.

According to the Association for Psychological Science,  research suggests that people with NPD or personalities with a high tendency for narcissistic characteristics were more aggressive drivers. Researchers believed the more narcissistic participants think that their own time was more important than anyone else’s which warranted the unsafe driving.

2 They have a constant need for validation from others.

ENTITY explains the characteristics of a narcissist.

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Narcissism doesn’t mean someone has extremely high self-esteem. While someone’s self-esteem is typically based on one’s accomplishments or values they’ve adhered to, narcissism comes from a fear of failure or weakness, as Dr. Lisa Firestone explains in Psychology Today.

Because of this people with narcissistic personality disorder are constantly seeking out the approval of others. The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders or DSM-5 explains that people with NPD often set their goals based on approval of others rather than their own desires.

3 They’re ridiculously defensive.

ENTITY explains the characteristics of a narcissist.

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That’s right, narcissists do not take criticism well. It makes sense, considering they usually have an extremely unstable and unfounded sense of superiority. Any threat to that? Well, they don’t exactly handle it exceptionally well. What’s more? The criticism they face doesn’t even necessarily have to be, well, critical, but if they perceive it as such, they’ll most likely have an adverse reaction.

4 Emotional manipulation is kind of their forte.

ENTITY explains the characteristics of a narcissist.

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Narcissists have a tendency to lie. A lot. For example, this can mean they lie to project a false idea of what they want a situation to be or to victim blame in order to make themselves seem powerful and in the right.

What’s especially alarming about the emotional manipulation is that narcissists are often charming, and know that they can use that to their advantage.

5 They really don’t have any empathy.

ENTITY explains the characteristics of a narcissist.

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Obviously, this can make relationships with narcissists difficult. Due to their manipulative nature, narcissists tend to not consider the feelings of others. This disregard for others is how they can manipulate those that they’re close to. Additionally, it adds to the sense of entitlement they feel.

According to Mayo Clinic, their lack of empathy can even be attributed to an inability to recognize the needs or feelings of others. This means it’s not as if a narcissist is purposefully ignoring others’ feelings: their disorder prevents them from feeling empathy.

How do you deal with a narcissist?

As Professor of Psychology Ramani Durvasula writes, people with NPD most likely won’t change, or if they do, their progress will be slow. It’s important to manage your expectations and foster a strong sense of your own self-worth. In other words, don’t live to please a narcissist. You’ll never be happy.

 

 

 

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