How to spot a narcissist: 5 signs and red flags to watch out for

With many relationships not working out, narcissism has become a common term used these days. It refers to people, often called Narcissists, who are too selfish to care or love anyone else but themselves-- even in romantic relationships. Narcissists often come across as confident, charming, and even magnetic. But beneath the mask, their behaviour can be emotionally draining and manipulative towards their partner. Such relationships are not just hard to maintain, but also difficult to sustain the test of time. And people in romantic relationships with Narcissists often end up walking away from them, thus leading to their ultimate breakup.


To avoid this, it is important to recognise the signs of narcissism early on in a relationship as it can help you save from a heartbreak in future and protect your mental health. Whether you're dating, working with, or friends with someone who shows these signs, staying informed can help you make better decisions about your relationships. So, here we list some common red flags that could point to narcissistic behaviour:


1. They constantly seek admiration

Narcissists thrive on attention and validation from other people. They are selfish and they like to dominate most conversations, brag about their achievements, and fish for compliments from others. While this boosts their ego and sense of superiority over others, it also reflects that deep down they are highly insecure people. If someone always needs to be the center of attention, even at the expense of others, it’s a warning sign one should watch out for.


2. They lack empathy
A classic trait of narcissism is their inability— or rather refusal— to understand or care about how others feel. Why? Because this can often lead to other taking the spotlight, whereas narcissists love to be the center of attention-- always! And so, they might seem cold-hearted and dismiss your emotions, downplay your pain, or twist your words to avoid accountability. And their lack of empathy shines bright when someone cries-- as they are simply unable to care for or even pacify them! That's a classic red flag about narcissists and it's better to keep them out of your life.


3. They exploit others
For narcissists, all relationships are simply transactions and they often form bonds with others-- be it romantic or platonic-- only for their own benefit. They often use people to get what they want— emotionally, physically, financially, or professionally. They may charm you first, then manipulate your trust for personal gain without guilt or remorse.


4. They’re extremely sensitive to criticism
Ironically, while narcissists are cold-hearted towards others, they want everyone else to always be nice to them and care for them!
Even mild negative feedback or criticism can spark anger, defensiveness, or passive-aggressive behaviour in a narcissist. Despite appearing confident, their self-esteem is extremely fragile and heavily dependent on external praise and validation from others.


5. They display a superiority complex

In their head, narcissists are the best and they always want to be the center of everyone's attention. And so, they may belittle others, act entitled, or assume they’re always right. This arrogance can make them dismissive, controlling, or condescending—especially in relationships where power dynamics matter.