6. Bullying and Putting Others Down
To maintain their inflated self-image, narcissists often belittle or bully others. They’ll devalue anyone they perceive as a threat, especially their exes. If they constantly speak poorly about former partners, coworkers, or even friends, this is a major red flag. They will have many sob stories to make you feel sorry for them. They thrive on making others feel small so they can feel powerful in comparison.
7. Manipulation
Narcissists are skilled manipulators. They twist situations to make themselves look like the victim, turning the blame on you for any issues that arise. If you find yourself apologizing for things you didn’t do, constantly questioning your actions, or feeling guilty for their mistakes, you’re likely being manipulated.
8. Unstable Relationships
Narcissists struggle to maintain stable, long-term relationships because they’re so self-centered. Friendships fade, family ties are strained, and romantic relationships are tumultuous. You’ll notice they often have a pattern of failed relationships, and their exes are frequently blamed for everything that went wrong.
9. Craving Admiration
Narcissists are addicted to praise and admiration. They need external validation to prop up their fragile egos. You’ll often find them fishing for compliments, boasting about their achievements, and needing constant reassurance. Their sense of self-worth is entirely dependent on others’ approval, making them emotionally needy and draining to be around.
10. Gaslighting
One of the most insidious tactics a narcissist uses is gaslighting. This form of manipulation involves making you question your reality. They’ll deny things they’ve said or done, accuse you of being overly emotional or irrational, and twist facts to suit their narrative. Over time, you may begin to doubt your own perceptions and feel like you’re always in the wrong.
Photo Credit Niki Sanders