A narcissist is someone who has narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) or exhibits strong elements of narcissistic behavior. Here’s a breakdown of the key characteristics:
Self-Centeredness: Narcissists have an inflated sense of their own importance, achievements, and abilities. They often believe they are superior to others and deserve special treatment.
Need for Admiration: They have an intense need for admiration and validation from others. They crave constant praise and recognition.
Lack of Empathy: Narcissists struggle to understand or share the feelings of others. They often show little regard for the emotions or needs of those around them.
Grandiosity: They often have a grandiose sense of self-importance and believe they are uniquely talented or gifted. They may exaggerate their achievements or talents.
Interpersonal Exploitativeness: Narcissists may exploit others to achieve their own goals or get ahead. They may manipulate or use people for their own benefit.
Arrogance: They often have an arrogant or haughty attitude. They may look down on others and consider them inferior.
Envy: While they crave admiration, they may also envy the success or happiness of others.
Fantasy: They may be preoccupied with fantasies of power, success, and ideal beauty.
Sense of Entitlement: They often believe they deserve special treatment and have a sense of entitlement.
Relationship Issues: Due to their lack of empathy and need for admiration, narcissists often struggle to maintain healthy relationships.
It’s important to note that narcissism exists on a spectrum. Not everyone who displays some narcissistic traits has NPD. However, if these traits are pervasive and cause significant problems in a person’s life and relationships, then NPD might be a diagnosis to consider.