10 common characteristics of narcissistic people

How to spot a narcissist? Here are 10 traits and habits that distinguish them.

We all come across a narcissist at some point in our lives. However, not all narcissistic people are clinical cases with difficulties to live with a wide degree of well-being: some are only partially so, in a way that is not always obvious.

These are people who who think they are better than anyone else, who undervalue others and who, when challenged, tend to act aggressively because they feel their ego is being threatened. Studies state that at least 6.2% of the population is narcissistic and that the majority are male. Narcissists are often associated with a variety of problems, from childhood behavioral disorders, exercise addiction (e.g., runnorexia), depressive disorders or anxiety.

Narcissists are empty people

The narcissist puts on a mask because they are actually empty inside. What they appear to be is not really what is behind their facade. The narcissist makes friends easily since they are usually open to others at first, even becoming sweet. But they have serious difficulties in maintaining relationships, because it is difficult for them to really care about another person. Sooner or later, friends of narcissists tend to move away from these characters because of their selfishness and because they are not trustworthy.

Narcissists give themselves away in the long run, because their need to always be first does not help them forge lasting friendships.. And although they always brag about their accomplishments, they are really weak people. They may be attractive and intelligent, and they may love to be in public, but they become extremely cold in private, when no one is looking.

Now, that's not to say they don't surround themselves with people. Narcissistic people need others to feel that they are being admired. They fear loneliness, they fear being alone with themselves, because this may mean doing a serious soul-searching, which is the biggest nightmare for them. Narcissists fear getting in touch with their own reality because they have to accept that their true "I" is not what they try to make others believe.

Detecting a narcissistic person

But how can we identify a narcissist? What clues do these people give us? Today we are going to discuss the key characteristics of a narcissistic person, so you can recognize that you are dealing with one of them.

1. They take selfies and retouch photos constantly

We've all taken selfie at one time or another, and this doesn't have to be a bad thing. But narcissists spend all day taking selfies of themselves and posting them on social networks.. Social networks can be really harmful for these individuals, as they may be constantly online trying to show off and boost their ego. In fact, the opposite effect occurs and they can suffer from FOMO Syndrome, feeling that other people's lives are more interesting. Therefore, they enter a vicious circle that ends up negatively affecting their mood and self-esteem.

Regarding the use of social networks, a study conducted in 2014 with a sample of 1,000 subjects showed that narcissists differed from others for three reasons:

• They spend more time on social networks than non-narcissistic people.

• They post more selfies

• They edit more selfies until they get a "perfect" picture.

2. They constantly criticize others

A narcissist will rarely talk about others, and if they do it will be to criticize or belittle the work of others.. With this attitude they may believe that they are powerful or better than others, but in reality this does not leave them in a good place, as it is a symptom of insecurity.

3. They think that the world revolves around them.

Narcissists are unconcerned with the feelings of others because they are too focused on themselves.. If they talk to others they may give the impression of only one personal interest, their own. Therefore, if you ever encounter a narcissist, they will constantly try to talk about themselves and inflate their self-image. Although they may be warm at first, their insensitive actions soon follow. This is because they only think about themselves and always seek to be the center of attention.

4. They are charming at first

Narcissists know how to win others over, and they have a very seductive personality.. Not always, but they are often physically attractive. Their confident appearance attracts people and they become a magnet that hooks those who meet them. At first, their loquacity facilitates their access to others, but their friendships are short-lived because they are not people who like intimacy.

5. They tend to initiate many love relationships

Narcissists tend to initiate many love relationships, although they are usually short-lived.. As I mentioned in the previous point, they are people who tend to be seductive, and the opposite sex is attracted by their magnetism. But the relationships do not last long because they do not meet the requirements of a good loving partner. Therefore, their relationships break up after a short time.

6. They are intransigent and think they know everything.

Seeing others as inferior, they always think they are right.. Worst of all, they don't mind being criticized for not being empathetic and intransigent. They are very intolerant of others, and since they think only of themselves, they do not have to make concessions and give in to other individuals.

7. They need to be the best in everything

This type of person are not very humble and have very high goals, almost always irrational.They have very high, almost always irrational goals. In addition, they always want to go to the best doctor, the best hairdresser, the best restaurant, work at the best place, etc. So they can brag about it and post it on social networks for everyone to know.

8. They tend to dress impeccably

Narcissists constantly seek attention, and physical appearance is very important to them.. That is why they always dress impeccably and tend to always be fashionable. Such is their obsession with dressing well that it is their priority, even if they have to sacrifice their needs.

9. They do not accept criticism

Narcissists do not accept criticism and tend to be very aggressive when they receive it.. They always want to be the best at everything, and if they see that their ego is being threatened, they become defensive.

10. They are proud to be narcissistic and admit it.

A study conducted at Indiana University in 2014 identified that to the simple question, "Are you a narcissist?" they proudly answered yes. This answer that may seem counter-intuitive to most mortals, to a narcissist is quite special. These results generated some skepticism in the scientific circuit, so Sander van der Linden decided to conduct another investigation to find out if it was true. To his surprise, the new study yielded findings that were the same as the original study.

Relating to narcissistic people

Before judging narcissistic people negatively on the basis of the characteristics they display, it should be borne in mind that, in part, they act in this way because they have learned to adopt such habits and customs. This means, on the one hand, that these people can change (and therefore it makes no sense to label them as if the fact of being a narcissist could not be modified) and on the other hand, that in their eyes their behavior is normal, it is spontaneous for them.

Unlearning certain habits will enable them to relate more satisfactorily to others, but this requires time and effort.