5 classic signs of a narcissist-- How to spot them and what to do

We all know someone who seems to be too self-centered, loves to be in the limelight and wants constant praise, controls or manipulates others. While we all show some such traits once in a while, reflecting these overtly can be major red flags in one's personality. How? Well, while confidence is healthy, there’s a fine line between self-assurance and narcissism. Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), often also called Narcissism, is a mental condition. But even without a clinical diagnosis, some people exhibit strong narcissistic traits that can harm their relationships-- be it personal or professional. Identifying these behaviours early on can help you protect your mental peace and emotional well-being and set healthier boundaries. So, here we list some classic signs of a narcissist and some tips to deal with them:

Narcissists love being in the spotlight, and getting praised by others. They always want to be the center of attention- even in group settings-- to feel important, while being praised by others or exaggerating their accomplishments makes them feel validated. But, when they stop getting admiration from others— even briefly— they may react with irritation, coldness, or passive aggression. This constant need for approval isn’t just tiring for those around them; it’s a sign of deep insecurity which is often masked behind their confidence.

One of the biggest signs of a narcissist is their inability— or unwillingness— to truly understand or care about other people's feelings. Have you ever felt that your partner brushes off your concerns? Or if you end up crying, they'll make you further feel bad instead of consoling you? Well, then you might be dealing with a narcissist. For narcissists believe that the whole world revolves around them and so, they consider other people's needs as inconvenient or irrelevant.

Because narcissists love being the center of attention and they feel they the world revolves around them, they believe they are better, smarter, more important or talented than everyone else. Such people love to talk about themselves or exaggerate their skills, or act entitled to special treatment. However, this inflated sense of self is often to mask on their deep insecurities.

Narcissists are skilled manipulators and they do so to stay in control of others. They twist facts, lie, and even gaslight others often simply to manipulate situations and people as per their convenience. Their ultimate goal is to gain control and maintain power over the narrative and others.

Narcissists are deeply insecure and hence they are highly sensitive to criticism and rejections. So much so that even mild feedback can trigger them to give extreme reactions. They may lash out, give the silent treatment, or turn the situation around to make you feel guilty. Their intolerance for criticism stems from an unstable self-esteem that relies heavily on external validation.

Dealing with a narcissist requires strong boundaries and emotional awareness. Avoid engaging in power struggles or trying to change them—it rarely works. Instead, stay calm, communicate clearly, and don’t take their behavior personally. Limit emotional reactions, as narcissists often thrive on control and attention. Prioritize your mental health by setting firm limits and seeking support from friends, therapists, or support groups. If the relationship becomes toxic or draining, consider distancing yourself or cutting ties. Remember, your peace of mind matters more than trying to fix someone who lacks empathy and self-awareness. Protect your energy and focus on your well-being.