07-05-2025
Five signs you're a narcissist with even children at risk of showing harmful traits
Narcissism can also be a part of a larger personality disorder that goes beyond just bragging
We are all guilty of being a little self-indulgent or needy at times. We may seek validation from others during a period of low confidence or not feel up to comforting friends and family if we are going through our own issues.
However, there is a difference between temporarily retreating from being an uber-positive force for others, and permanently show signs of being a complete narcissist - a quality that many will agree is just not appealing.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder, while it can just be a trait in some people, especially those who are flashy or just a bit in love with themselves, it is actually a mental health condition and not just a personality flaw.
The condition is characterised by five key traits you may recognise in others - or in yourself.
Melinda Ratini, Medical Reviewer at WebMD, says people who show signs of narcissism "can be charming and charismatic and often don't show negative behaviour right away, especially in relationships."
"People with narcissism often surround themselves with people who feed their ego," Ratini shared.
"They build relationships to reinforce their ideas about themselves, even if the relationships are shallow."
Alarmingly, NPD can even show up in youngsters.
Children as young as two years old able to show signs of narcissism, says the American Psychiatric Association.
"Children who are encouraged to believe they're extraordinary and always deserve the best, even at the expense of others, may develop NPD," Ratini explained.
"Traits such as confidence are rewarded as they grow up, but qualities such as empathy aren't," she went on.
"Childhood trauma or neglect can also lead to narcissism.
So, what are the most common signs of narcissism?
Most common signs of narcissism
Sense of self-importance
"A common sign of people with narcissism is the belief they're superior to others and deserve special treatment.
"They believe others should obey their wishes and that rules don't apply to them," Ratini said.
Manipulative behaviour or exploitive behaviour
"A narcissist will at first try to please you and impress you, but finally their own needs come first," Ratini warned.
"They may try to keep people at a distance in order to keep control.
"They often exploit others to gain something for themselves."
Need for admiration
"This is one of the most common signs of a narcissist," Ratini revealed.
"People with this behaviour need validation from others.
"They often brag or exaggerate their accomplishments for recognition.
"They like to feel appreciated to boost their ego."
Lack of empathy
Perhaps one of the most unnerving signs, narcissists are unable to empathise with the needs, wants, or feelings of other people. Ratini makes clear this makes it difficult for them to take responsibility for their own behaviour.
Arrogance
"People with narcissistic behaviour see themselves as superior to others," Ratini stated.
"They may become rude or abusive when they don't receive the treatment they think they deserve.
"They may speak or act rudely toward those they consider inferior."
Common signs of NPD are often called by the acronym SPECIAL ME:
S ense of self-importance
P reoccupation with power, beauty, or success
E ntitled
C an only be around people who are important or special
I nterpersonally exploitive for their own gain
A rrogant
L ack empathy
M ust be admired
E nvious of others or believe that others are envious of them
"Not every narcissist has narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), as narcissism is a spectrum," Ratini concluded.
"You can have narcissistic tendencies, such as bragging, that are OK sometimes.
"But NPD is different, as your behaviors and symptoms are more severe, and they happen in all kinds of situations.
"NPD isn't a character flaw or defect, it's a mental health disorder. With NPD, your symptoms make it hard or impossible to have satisfying relationships," before adding: "There's no gene for NPD. You aren't born with it."
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