We have all heard the term narcissist and we all know that it is mainly associated with a negative meaning.
But what does it actually mean to be a narcissist? Well, according to the DSM-V Psychiatrist’s Handbook, there are nine criteria for narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), but you only need five out of nine traits to be diagnosed.
But beyond the official criteria, there are other traits that show you have NPD, so how do you know if you’re a narcissist?
- You get angry when someone disagrees with you
Narcissists may react to opposing views with anger because they have deep-seated fears and anxieties that emerge when someone disagrees with them.
If you’re likely to assume that the other person is definitely wrong because you can’t possibly be, then you’re probably on your way to becoming a narcissist.
- If you are legitimate to others
Projecting certain traits about yourself onto others is an informal trait of the narcissist. You can’t assume that you might carry a certain trait, but somewhere in your psyche, you recognize it – so when you argue with others, you automatically claim they have that trait. - If you see others as extensions of yourself
Narcissists often see others as a means to satisfy their own needs and achieve their own goals—rather than having people with their own feelings and needs. They usually expect things from other people and feel as if they deserve certain things, and act badly when they don’t receive them. - If you can’t handle cash
If you’re offered some criticism that makes you angry or defensive, you may have some of the traits of a narcissist. They often have an inflated ego that doesn’t like being told anything negative about themselves, which can mean that they have difficulty hearing constructive criticism at times. - If you don’t feel empathy
Lack of empathy can be a feature of psychopathy or many other personality disorders. But if you do not easily feel empathy for the feelings, needs, and desires of others, you are likely a narcissist.
It can be somewhat difficult to analyze these self-traits, but if you recognize some or all of these traits in yourself or others, you may be a narcissist.
However, this article is not a psychiatric diagnosis, and unless you have been diagnosed by a professional using the DSM-V guidelines, you should not take this article as professional advice.
Try to find ways to use narcissism to your advantage and turn it into a positive trait rather than a negative one. Do you think you have any narcissistic traits or do you know any of these traits in those around you? Let us know in the comments!
