Key traits of narcissism include:

Grandiosity – They have an over-inflated sense of importance and entitlement. They overestimate their abilities and exaggerate their achievements.

Attention-seeking – They crave admiration and validation from others and feel entitled to special treatment. They may fish for compliments.

Arrogance – They often come across as arrogant, conceited or boastful. They believe they are superior to others.

Lack of empathy – They are unable to understand or identify with other people’s feelings. They lack remorse or guilt for harmful behavior toward others.

Exploitativeness – They take advantage of others for personal gain. They manipulate and exploit relationships without regard for others’ feelings.

Envy – They resent others’ successes and may believe others envy their own supposed superior qualities.

Sense of entitlement – They expect favorable treatment and automatic compliance with their expectations. They become angry or humiliated when these needs are not met.

Narcissism exists on a spectrum.

In its extreme form it is categorized as narcissistic personality disorder. Less severe narcissism is a common feature in society today.

Being narcissistic entails consistently exhibiting self-centered and egotistical traits while simultaneously disregarding the emotions and needs of others.

Such individuals strive to manipulate and exert control over those around them, solely for the purpose of satisfying their own desires.

Ultimately, narcissism encapsulates an excessive preoccupation with oneself, paired with a profound lack of empathy towards others.

To deepen the understanding

Being narcissistic encompasses more than just having self-centered tendencies.

It involves consistently displaying behaviors that prioritize one’s own needs and desires while completely disregarding the feelings and needs of others.

These individuals have a strong inclination towards self-absorption and seek to manipulate and control those around them in order to serve their own interests.

By doing so, they demonstrate a profound lack of empathy and an inability to genuinely connect with others on an emotional level.

All Focus Is On The Self

As such, being narcissistic is characterized by an excessive and unhealthy focus on oneself, often at the expense of others. It goes beyond mere self-interest, extending into the realm of self-obsession, where the needs and well-being of others are consistently ignored. This self-centeredness creates an environment of manipulation and control, where the narcissist seeks to exert power over those around them to ensure their own fulfillment.

Narcissism Keywords & Definitions

Narcissism: A personality trait characterized by an excessive sense of self-importance, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others.

Narcissistic: Referring to behaviors and actions displayed by individuals with narcissistic traits, such as self-centeredness, grandiosity, and a disregard for the feelings and needs of others.

Narcissistic traits: Personality traits associated with narcissism, such as excessive self-importance, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others.

Exaggerated perception: An inflated or magnified view of one’s abilities, accomplishments, or self-worth.

Preferential treatment: The belief that one should receive special privileges or advantages over others.

Insatiable desire: A constant, unquenchable craving or longing for something, in this case, attention and validation.

Attention: The focus or regard given to an individual, often in the form of admiration or recognition.

Validation: The confirmation or acknowledgment of one’s worth, abilities, or accomplishments by others