The word narcissism gets tossed around constantly these days, often to describe anyone who seems self-centered or arrogant. But being self-absorbed doesn’t necessarily mean someone is a true narcissist.
So for real, what actually defines narcissism?
A narcissist holds an inflated sense of self-importance and expects the world to revolve around them. They may be impatient, critical, and lack empathy. They may blame you for problems you didn’t cause, insists you’re plotting against them, and might threaten to cut you off, sometimes following through.
Perhaps most destructively, they can make you question your own reality, twisting facts until you doubt what you saw or felt. Also known as gaslighting, and for narcissists, it is a familiar tool of control.
When this pattern dominates someone’s relationships across the board, it is often classified as narcissistic personality disorder.
But not every selfish or self-focused person is a narcissist. Many people display narcissistic traits without meeting that definition.
If you love someone who fits that description, what can you do?
