
For example, narcissists might say that you look great in an outfit that hides your wide hips or tell you that they admire how far you've come in your job in spite of your limited intelligence. They will use language carefully so that what they are saying sounds positive at first but is then turned into an insult. Narcissists are always looking for ways to make themselves feel superior to others, and one way they do this is through backhanded compliments. Partners and relatives of narcissists learn quickly not to call them out on inappropriate behavior because they don't want to be hurt. When you say anything to a narcissist that feels to them like you are disapproving of their actions, they will typically respond by lashing out and attacking you. This means that they will often take innocuous remarks as criticism and will blow up. They tend to obsess over it and they are always waiting for someone to say something reproving to them.

Narcissists constantly seek to be built up, and they can't stand to be criticized. They are sensitive to perceived criticism. They have very little, if any, ability to empathize with others, so they will probably never be able to understand your point of view. Narcissists view the world and everything in it through a filter that shows how every topic and situation relates back to them, so their responses to what you say will always put their own perspective back in the spotlight. Narcissists are obsessed with themselves, and that means they are their own favorite subjects. They talk about themselves almost all the time. This can be mistaken for romance but is really a technique to gain control. In a romantic relationship, a narcissist will often bring up love very early and try to get you to commit before you are ready. Watch out for someone who showers you with praise when they are just getting to know you. Other people may comment on how fun and positive they are. They will often be the first person to volunteer help or to make themselves useful in a tricky situation. One of the hallmarks of narcissists is that they are friendly, likable people when you meet them.

Here are 7 characteristics of a narcissist you should consider to be red flags.

If you are dating a narcissist, or if your friend is showing narcissist tendencies, you may want to consider backing out of the relationship. It isn't always easy to identify a narcissist, but there are some clues and characteristics that will get you started. Narcissism is a buzzword you may have heard lately to refer to people who are so self-centered that they are toxic to the people around them.
