10 common characteristics of narcissistic people

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

These are people who they believe they are better than anyone, that they underestimate others and that when challenged they tend to act aggressively because they feel that their ego is being threatened. Studies affirm that at least 6.2% of the population is narcissistic and that the majority are men. Narcissists tend to be associated with different problems, from disorders behavior in childhood, addiction to physical exercise (for example, runnorexia), depressive disorders or anxiety.

Narcissists are empty people

The narcissist puts on a mask because he is actually empty inside. What they appear to be is not really what is behind their facade. The narcissist makes friends easily since he is usually open to others at first, even being sweet. But he has serious difficulties maintaining relationships, because it is difficult for him to really care about another person. The friends of narcissists, sooner or later, tend to distance themselves from these characters due to their selfishness and because they are not trustworthy.

Narcissists eventually give themselves away, because your need to always be first does not help forge lasting friendships. And although they always boast of their achievements, they are really weak people. They can be attractive and smart, and they can love being in public, but they become extremely cold people in private, when no one is looking at them.

Now, that doesn't mean they don't surround themselves with people. Narcissistic people need others to feel like they are being admired. They fear loneliness, they fear being alone with themselves, because this can mean doing a serious analysis of conscience, which is the biggest nightmare for them. Narcissists fear coming into contact with their own reality by having to accept that their true "self" is not what they try to make others believe.

Spot 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 that you can recognize that you are dealing with one of them.

1. They take selfies and retouch photos constantly

We have all done some selfie on occasion, and this doesn't have to be a bad thing. But narcissists spend all day taking selfies and posting them on social media. Social networks can be really harmful for these individuals, as they can be constantly connected trying to show off and boost their ego. In fact, the opposite effect occurs and they may suffer the FOMO syndrome, feel that the lives of others are more interesting. Therefore, they enter a vicious circle that ends up negatively affecting their mood and their self-esteem.

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

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

• Hang more selfies

• They edit more selfies until they get a "perfect" image

2. They constantly criticize others

A narcissist rarely talk about others, and if he does 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, since it is a symptom of insecurity.

3. They think the world revolves around them

Narcissists are unconcerned with the feelings of others because they are too self-centered. If they talk to others they can give the feeling of a unique personal interest, yours. So if you ever come across a narcissist, he will constantly try to talk about himself and inflate his image of the person. Although they may be warm at first, their callous actions soon appear. This is because they only think of themselves and always seek to be the center of attention.

4. They are lovely at first

Narcissists they know how to win over others, 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 know them. At first, their talkativeness makes it easier for them to access others, but their friendships are short-lived because they are not people who like intimacy.

5. They usually start many love relationships

Narcissists they tend to start many love relationships although they tend to be ephemeral. As I have commented in the previous point, they are people who are usually seductive, and the opposite sex is attracted by their magnetism. But relationships are short-lived because they don't meet the requirements of a good loving partner. So their relationships break down in a short time.

6. They are uncompromising 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 uncompromising. They are very little tolerant of others, and since they think only of them, they do not have to compromise and give in to other individuals.

7. They need to be the best at everything

This type of persons they are not very humble and have very high goals, almost always irrational. Also, they always want to go to the best doctor, the best hairdresser, the best restaurant, work in the best places, etc. So they can brag about it and post it on social media for everyone to know.

8. They tend to dress impeccably

Narcissists they are constantly seeking attention, and physical appearance is very important to them. That is why they always dress impeccably and are usually always in fashion. Their obsession with dressing well is such that it is their priority, even if they have to sacrifice their needs.

9. They don't accept criticism

Narcissists they do not accept criticism and are usually 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 get defensive.

10. They pride themselves on being narcissists and admit it

In a study carried out at Indiana University in 2014 it was identified that the simple question "Are you a narcissist?" they proudly answered yes. This response, which may seem counter-intuitive to most mortals, is quite special for a narcissist. These results generated some skepticism in the scientific circuit, so Sander van der Linden decided to carry out 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 for the characteristics they present, one must have take into account that, in part, they act this way because of having learned to adopt these kinds of customs and habits. That 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, they find it spontaneous.

Unlearning certain habits will make them able to relate more satisfactorily with others, but this takes time and effort.