Narcissist red flags: 3 signs your partner might not be what they seem
Amy Brunell, a psychology professor at Ohio State University, has revealed that all narcissistic individuals share the same basic traits. She shared the three most common signs indicating that a partner might be a narcissist.
How can you recognise a narcissistic person? It turns out, it's not difficult at all. According to Amy Brunell, narcissists display the same fundamental characteristics: entitlement, egocentrism, and a lack of empathy for others.
"People are often surprised when I say this, but when I meet someone very charming and sociable, a red flag goes up for me. Of course, some people are charming and are not narcissists. However, in my experience, it's wise to be aware and protect oneself," she explained in an interview with the Daily Mail.
Three signs that a partner is a narcissist
According to Amy Brunell, it is beneficial to identify early on whether your partner is narcissistic. The three most common signs are:
- Love bombing, which is a red flag. At the beginning of a relationship, this often takes the form of excessive flattery, gift-giving, and overwhelming attention. Although it may seem like an innocent expression of love, it is actually a common and simple manipulation tactic.
- A constant need for attention and admiration.
- Exploiting others and expecting favours without reciprocation.
Three types of narcissism
According to the latest research on narcissists and ways to deal with them, published in the journal Cambridge Elements, there are three types of narcissism. The first, mentioned by Amy Brunell, is 'Agentic Grandiose Narcissism', characterised by high self-esteem, extroversion, arrogance, and dominance. The second type is social narcissism. Such narcissists primarily seek admiration while appearing caring and helpful, which may initially seem contradictory.
The third and final type of narcissism is vulnerable narcissism, characterised by low self-esteem and negative emotionality. Vulnerable narcissists often struggle with anxiety and depression. They tend to be socially inhibited, defensive, and vengeful. They also find it difficult to trust others.
