Narcissists need constant attention and people's admiration to validate their sense of self. They lack empathy or the ability to care about others' feelings. According to the Mayo Clinic (2022), behind the mask of extreme confidence, people with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) are unsure of their self-worth. That is why they are easily upset by the slightest criticism.

Some of the most common traits include:

Having an inflated sense of entitlement.

Needing constant admiration, recognition, and attention.

Expecting special treatment.

Exaggerating their achievements and talents.

Reacting negatively to criticism.

Creating unrealistic narratives around success and relationships.

Taking advantage of others (exploiting others for their own gain).

Lacking empathy or the ability to care about others' feelings.

Looking down on other people they perceive as "inferior" (associating with those they believe are "successful" or "talented").

Being aware of narcissism is vital for several reasons:

Recognizing manipulative behavior: When aware of narcissism, you can identify the signs of selfish behavior in others. This helps you avoid getting involved in relationships with self-absorbed individuals, who naturally become manipulative and abusive.

Protecting your mental health: Narcissistic people are emotionally draining and can negatively impact your overall health. Being aware of narcissism can help you set boundaries and protect yourself from toxic behavior.

Avoiding self-doubt: Narcissistic people often use manipulation and gas-lighting techniques to make their victims doubt themselves. Awareness of narcissism can help you recognize their tactics and avoid falling prey to people with this disorder.

Improving your communication skills: Narcissistic people can be challenging to communicate with. They often twist your words as they try to control the conversation. Being aware of narcissism can help you develop effective communication strategies to deal with them.

Promoting healthy relationships: When aware of narcissism, you choose wisely who you spend time with; you can cultivate healthy relationships based on mutual respect and trust. This can lead to a happier and more fulfilling life.

Awareness of narcissism is crucial for protecting your mental health and self-worth, avoiding toxic relationships, promoting healthy communication, setting boundaries, and radically distancing yourself from those who affect you negatively.

Build up your self-esteem, identify your needs, practice self-care, detach from others' drama, and go no contact. Learn about the importance of having clear boundaries: