How to spot a narcissist: Top signs revealed by experts
Amy Brunell, a psychology professor at Ohio State University, revealed that all narcissistic individuals share the same basic traits. She shared the three most common signs that a partner is a narcissist.
How can you recognize a narcissistic person? As it turns out, it's not difficult at all. According to Amy Brunell, narcissists exhibit the same basic characteristics, such as entitlement, egocentrism, and a lack of empathy for others.
"People are surprised when I say this, but when I meet someone very charming and sociable, a red flag goes up for me. Of course, some people are charming and are not narcissists. However, from my experience, it's wise to be aware and protect oneself," she said in an interview with the Daily Mail.
Three signs that a partner is a narcissist
Amy Brunell suggests it's worth identifying early if your partner is narcissistic. The three most common indicators can help:
- Love bombing is a red flag. At the beginning of a relationship, it often involves excessive flattery, gift-giving, and overwhelming attention. Although it may seem like an innocent expression of love, it is a common and simple manipulation tactic.
- A constant need for attention and admiration.
- Exploiting others and expecting favors without reciprocation.
Three types of narcissism
According to the latest research on narcissists and ways to deal with them, published in the journal Cambridge Elements, there are three types of narcissism. The first type mentioned by Amy Brunell is "Agentic Grandiose Narcissism", characterized by high self-esteem, extroversion, arrogance, and dominance. The second type is social narcissism, where individuals seek admiration while appearing caring and helpful, which may seem contradictory initially.
The third and final type of narcissism is vulnerable narcissism, characterized by low self-esteem and negative emotionality. Vulnerable narcissistic individuals often struggle with anxiety and depression. They tend to be socially inhibited, defensive, and vengeful. They also have difficulty trusting others.
