There’s a lot of talk about narcissists in the media lately, and we hear that social media is the ultimate narcissist’s playground, but this begs certain questions.

You might wonder, “What is a narcissist?” or “How do I know if I’m dealing with one?”

Having a narcissist in your life can be an incredibly traumatic experience, so you need to know what you’re dealing with. In this guide, we’ll explore the narcissist personality in detail, providing an overview of their traits, signs to look for, and what you can do if you encounter one.

What Is a Narcissist?

The narcissist personality is characterized by grandiose thoughts and behaviors, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy. Narcissists are often incredibly charming and charismatic, making them very difficult to deal with because they can hold your attention easily. They’re also master manipulators, so they must be aware of their tactics.

Narcissism is a personality disorder, but it’s on a spectrum.

We all have a degree of narcissism within us, and it may show from time to time. However, most people can manage their personality, and such traits will be balanced out with empathy, humility, selflessness, and compassion and are not usually problems.

On the other hand, others are on the higher end of the spectrum that can be incredibly manipulative, toxic, and selfish.

Signs You’re Dealing With a Narcissist

There are certain signs you can look out for that indicate you’re dealing with a narcissist. Here are some of the most common ones:

• They have an inflated sense of self-importance and believe they’re better than others.
• They need constant praise and admiration and will fish for compliments.
• They’re extremely charming and charismatic.
• They’re preoccupied with success, power, and beauty.
• They have a sense of entitlement and believe they deserve special treatment.
• They take advantage of others and are willing to use them to get what they want.
• They lack empathy and don’t care about the feelings of others.
• They’re often jealous and envious of others.
• They’re constantly seeking attention and validation.

Now, some of these might have alarm bells ringing.

You might know someone who’s extremely confident and charismatic, and now you’re worried. Perhaps you’re that person. No worry, having one of these signs doesn’t mean you’re dealing with a narcissist.

It’s when you start to notice several of these signs that you’ll want to proceed with caution.

What Do You Do If You Encounter a Narcissist?

If you find yourself dealing with a narcissist, the best thing you can do is to protect yourself. Here are some tips on how to do that:

Set boundaries and stick to them.

Setting boundaries means being clear about what you will and won’t tolerate. Narcissists will try to take advantage of you, so it’s important to be firm.

Keep your emotions in check.

Narcissists are experts at manipulation, so they’ll often try to provoke an emotional reaction from you. If you can keep your cool, it’ll be harder for them to control you.

Don’t take things personally.

Narcissists often say hurtful things as a way to get attention or put you down. It’s important to remember that it’s not about you and that their words are not true.

Keep your interactions short and to the point.

The less time you spend with a narcissist, the better. They thrive on attention, so if you can limit your interactions, it’ll be less rewarding for them.

Avoid giving them compliments or attention.

Narcissists love compliments and attention, so if you can avoid giving them what they want, it’ll be less rewarding for them. If you do, they’ll highlight you as a source of validation, and they’ll manipulate you into keeping you around. This is how they’ll take advantage of you.

Seek support from others.

It’s important to have a support system when dealing with narcissists. Talk to someone you trust about what you’re going through and get their help and advice.

Remember, narcissists are experts at manipulation, so it’s important to be aware of their tactics. If you can keep your emotions in check and set boundaries, you’ll be better equipped to deal with them. And if all else fails, remember that you can always walk away. Narcissists thrive on attention, so the best thing you can do is ignore them and take away their power.

And, if you’re struggling to understand whether you’re in a harmful situation or not, or you’re experiencing narcissism yourself, always get in touch with a professional. They can help you understand what’s going on and how to best deal with it. Narcissism is a serious issue, so don’t hesitate to seek help.

Remember, you’re not alone. There are people who care about you and want to help. So, don’t be afraid to ask for it.