You’ve met them, haven’t you? The one who walks into a room looking like he just won an Oscar, ready to stand up and applaud them—except, wait for it… he’s done nothing to deserve applause. That’s the Grandiose Narcissist for you: a walking, talking, human-sized ego balloon, inflated and ready to burst!
They’re the type who thinks the world revolves around them, with a level of self-importance that can only be described as “larger than life.” But don’t be fooled—just because they act like royalty doesn’t mean they’re untouchable. They may have the charisma of a celebrity, but their tactics are often more subtle than a late-night infomercial.
In this post, we delve into 20 signs that you’re a “Grandiose Narcissist.” Whether you’re navigating them in the workplace or avoiding them in your social circles, you’ll need to know how to spot the signs. Let’s get started.
- They Believe They’re Modern-Day Superstars
Grandiose narcissists truly believe they’re the best at everything they do, from their careers to their choice of pizza toppings. They’ll compare themselves to celebrities, historical figures, or even fictional characters, making you wonder if they were born with their own spotlight.
- They Exaggerate Their Accomplishments
Expect to hear about their “once-in-a-lifetime” accomplishments that sound too good to be true. Like how they “single-handedly saved an entire company” or “wrote a best-selling novel” without ever mentioning it. Their stories will always sound a bit… embellished.
- They Need Constant Admiration (like, all the time)
They can’t go 10 minutes without being the center of attention. And when they don’t get the applause, they either complain or plot their next big moment of glory. If you’re around them, get used to being in a non-stop “Look at me!” show.
- Their “humble brag” is a full-time job
They’ll say things like, “I don’t mean to brag, but I just got asked to give a TED talk…” Meanwhile, they’ve never been invited to a reading event at a local library. Humble braggadocio is an art form they’ve perfected.
- They feel entitled to special treatment
Walking into any restaurant, they expect to be seated in the VIP section—even if it’s a Tuesday night and the place is empty. The rules? They don’t apply to them. Their sense of entitlement is like a VIP pass to the world. Enjoy the ride—if you can keep up!
- Everything is always about them
Conversations? All about them. Stories? You guessed it—about their “important” life moments. Your weekend trip to the beach? Irrelevant. Their weekend trip to the moon? That’s what they’ll be telling everyone now.
- They Believe They Can Control Every Situation
Their need for control is overwhelming. Whether it’s a group project or a family dinner, the grandiose narcissist is convinced that their way is the only way. They will always assert that they are the “expert” in any given situation, even if it’s completely out of their league.
- They Believe They’re Unique
To them, everyone else is just a backdrop to their greatness. They’ll claim that no one else truly understands them because they’re so “special” (spoiler: they’re not). These individuals live in a world where only a select few deserve to share their space.
- They “just happened to be in the right place at the right time”
Their success isn’t really earned, is it? According to them, they just happened to be in the right place at the right time. It’s not about their talent, skill, or hard work—no, it’s all about pure luck.
Related : 20 Signs of a Vulnerable Narcissist – And How to Spot Them Before You Get Caught in Their Web
- They Feel They Deserve Unquestionable Respect
Respect is something that must be earned, but not in their world. For them, respect is given to them alone—no questions asked. Why? Because, well, they’re awesome. You have to bow down to their awesomeness just for existing.
- They can’t handle criticism (at all)
Just saying, “Hey, you might want to tweak that” will make them lash out. Grandiose narcissists treat any form of criticism as a personal attack. You better brace yourself for an emotional outburst—or, you know, some manipulation if they’re feeling particularly sly.
- They’ll cut you off if you stop liking them
Their friendships are conditional—if you stop feeding their ego, your relationship with them will be cut off. The moment you stop offering admiration and validation, watch how quickly they flip on you like a switch. Friendships built on narcissism? Never last.
- They constantly compare themselves to others (and always win)
Expect them to compare their accomplishments to everyone else’s and always outperform. “Oh, did that guy write a book? I’ve written three books and solved climate change, all before breakfast.” Yeah… well.
- They’re self-proclaimed “visionaries” of everything
In their eyes, they’re visionaries who see things that others can’t. Every idea they have is “revolutionary,” even though it’s just a common idea that anyone could think of. But, in their world? They invented sliced bread first.
- They never apologize (because they’re always right)
Admitting a mistake? Pfft. They’d rather walk through a field of Legos barefoot than apologize. It’s not in their DNA. They think their greatness exempts them from having to say “I’m sorry.”
- They’ll tell you they’re “too busy” with anything, but it’s just them
They’re “too busy” saving the world, writing their autobiography, or being a visionary that they don’t have time to throw your birthday party. But the funny thing is, they’ll post it on social media, acting like they’re so important.
- Their self-image is untouchable (even when it clearly isn’t)
No matter how many times you point out the flaws in their behavior, they refuse to see it. In their minds, they’re untouchable—like a flawless diamond. Okay, maybe more like a diamond with a few cracks, but hey, who cares?
- They “know people” (and drop names like it’s an Olympic sport)
Who do they know? Just everyone. They’ll casually mention that they “talked to this person at a party” or “had dinner with a senator last week”—when in reality, they just passed someone in the elevator and nodded awkwardly.
- They’re experts at the “I don’t have time for small talk” routine
They’ll make you feel like you’re wasting their valuable time, just because they’re interested in casual chatting. But the moment the conversation turns to their accomplishments? It is better to prepare to give a full presentation.
- They Believe They Can Do No Wrong (Even When They’re Clearly Wrong)
When they do make a mistake, they’ll find a way to convince you that it’s actually your fault. Grandiose narcissists never admit to being wrong, and they’ve mastered the art of blaming others. Why are you so confused? It’s just that you’re “too sensitive.”
Conclusion: Don’t Let Their Ego Overwhelm Yours
It’s easy to get swept up in the charm and confidence of a grandiose narcissist, but remember: their world revolves around them, not you. Stay realistic, trust your instincts, and don’t be afraid to set boundaries with people who think they’re above everyone else. After all, no one’s ego should be bigger than your own self-worth!
