You’ve probably encountered a narcissist or two in your life. Maybe your ex can’t put your needs first. Or maybe you worked with someone who couldn’t stop touting their accomplishments long enough to get any work done.

Whether your encounters are professional or personal, there are signs that you are dealing with a narcissist. When you are, set healthy boundaries and maintain emotional distance.

How to know if someone is a narcissist:

1. They make it clear that they know everything.

Narcissists do not hesitate to educate lawyers about the legal system or enlighten doctors about medicine. After all, they know more about everything than anyone else, and they’re not afraid to show it. In fact, they are expected to argue with you, educate you, and tell you on almost every topic you bring up in conversation: “This is where you went wrong.” “That’s what most people think, but that’s not actually true.”

They do not shy away from disagreements or opportunities to teach others their way of thinking.

Related: If The Man You Love Does These 13 Things, You May Be In A Toxic Relationship With A ‘Grandiose Narcissist’

2. They insist on being the exception to the rule.

Rules are for people who are not smart enough to make good decisions for themselves, the narcissist believes, but they know they are exceptional. Therefore, the usual rules, laws or policies do not apply to them. They are often good at manipulating others to bend the rules in their favor, which reinforces their belief that they should not be subject to the same rules as everyone else.

3. They project an image of superiority

Narcissists care a lot about their image. They want to make sure they look rich, popular, and elite. They are often materialistic and take great pleasure in name-dropping, because associating themselves with the hottest brands or famous friends makes them feel important.

4. They make a great first impression, but quickly wear out their welcome.

Charming narcissists tend to win over new people at first. They may come across as confident and interesting – perhaps the most likable and attractive person in the room. But as time goes by, their selfish tendencies make people run in the other direction.

5. They boost their ego by suggesting that others are inferior

Not only do narcissists need to prove how superior they are, they also tend to suggest that everyone else is less intelligent, experienced, or likable. No matter how much training or education another person has, the narcissist believes they are the true expert.

6. They assume that everyone adores them

The narcissist truly believes that everyone, from former co-workers to former lovers, has high regard for them, and they assume that anyone who doesn’t like them must be jealous. But although they can be very sensitive to criticism, outwardly they try to dismiss any negative comments about their personality or performance, and may try to punish anyone who dares to express a negative opinion of them.

Related: Narcissistic Supply: 5 Reasons Narcissists Target Strong, Confident Women

7. They put their own feelings before the needs of others
   Lack of empathy is one of the most glaring ways of how to tell if someone is a narcissist. They don’t care about what others need or how they feel. Everything they do revolves around what they want and need. They don’t care what kind of pain they inflict on others.

Although they are fundamentally unsupportive and manipulative, they can fake empathy when it helps them seem better. But they lack a real desire to put anyone else’s needs above their own desires.