If I could turn on the sirens and flash red lights, this would be the occasion I would do both. I would call out your names, one by one, to get noticed!

As the word “narcissist” becomes more and more common in the world, I wanted to take a moment to explore exactly what you might mean by it.

There are many ways a person can be a narcissist. From the way they create drama to the way they present themselves, to the damage they cause—all in one name.

I want to highlight these names so you can better understand the toxicity you’re facing.

There Are Some…

“Narcissist” is a bit like an umbrella, but it encompasses all types of toxic personalities and behaviors.

I don’t want to lump them all into one category because that would be wrong and inappropriate.

All narcissists are dangerous, but it’s how they present themselves that sets them apart. #ToxicIsToxic

Am I right?

Related : You’re Shocked to See Where Narcissists Really End Up

Toxic people mean exactly what you think, but if you’re in doubt:

• They judge everyone all the time
• They won’t stop criticizing no matter what
• They get angry a lot
• They’ve been known to mislead you
• They lie… and lie!
• They love to gossip
• They’re good at deceiving you
• You feel completely drained of energy after being around them
• They’re always competing with everyone—even you!

There’s no reason to suspect someone is toxic if you can spot these signs!

Let’s Cover All the Bases of Narcissism!

Covering all the bases of narcissism helps you understand that there are ways a narcissist can abuse or upset you.

Obvious ways and ways you might completely miss them for months or even years. Even when people are screaming at you to see them, you still can’t find them.

This is because the narcissist’s toxicity has reached such depths that they can trick you into believing that toxicity itself is normal.

The Covert Narcissist

Let’s talk directly about the covert narcissist.

The covert narcissist is like a hidden version of the overt narcissist. All the toxic stuff is still being done, but in silence.

Related : Why Your Ex Is Likely Not the Narcissist You Think They Are

It’s almost like stealth, and when your suspicions start to surface, the narcissist will do their best to cry foul, acting like the victim they aren’t.

Yes, they’re still selfish. They’re definitely still as manipulative as ever.

But they have a brilliant way of covering up this sick, fake empathy. They like humility and quiet. Nothing bothers them, but everything bothers them.

You’d better believe they’re still selfish, that they’re only thinking about their own wants and needs.

The covert narcissist’s famous secret weapon is their charm, but they use it in less subtle ways than the more overt narcissist. They really know how to exploit your likes and turn them into nothing.

The covert narcissist’s tricks are dangerous but subtle, so expect drama to unfold little by little and often.

The Community Narcissist

Oh my, these are the masters of public charm!

Narcissists who are obsessed with ensuring their image is only woven into the community they live in bear all the usual hallmarks of narcissism.

Because of their obsession with the “good guy” image, you’ll notice communal narcissists everywhere you go. Some will run for local government office because their community is at the heart of their concerns.

Others may go out of their way to have their pictures featured on all local websites, to raise funds, to support something, to advocate for something, or to protest something else.

Related : The One Secret The Narcissist Knows About You

I know people do this all the time, and they’re not narcissists, but this is how they cope. Think about it:

They want attention—and they get it.

They want to be seen as kind and humble—and they get it.

They want to look interested—good.

They want to look like they put others before themselves—good.

Seeing how they use their toxic and dangerous traits to literally deceive entire cities or communities—it’s truly shocking—and yet it happens all the time.

Malignant Narcissist

Malignant narcissists have a very dark side, which is usually hidden beneath the surface. This is typical; if you think it can’t get any worse, it does.

You’ll find a malignant narcissist:

Unable to handle any criticism
Overly concerned with their appearance
Tends to attack others
Want to dominate conversations and control
See the world as black and white, all or nothing, etc.
Unconcerned about hurting others
Protects themselves at all costs
Want to win—no matter the cost
May develop paranoia

Malignant narcissists will take your good personality and replace it with a superficial version of your former self.

They’ll trick you into trusting them, and once you do, you’ll become…

Psychopathic Narcissist

Take everything you know so far about narcissists, multiply it by 1,000, and give it some steroids…

…So you have a way to know who a psychopathic narcissist is.

*Related : 11 Reasons Why Women Stay With Abusive Men

They are the most hurtful, toxic, and dangerous people, and they will destroy the life of anyone they encounter.

If you question a psychopathic narcissist, you will be punished.

If you disagree with one, you will be next in line for a smear campaign.

In fact, it doesn’t take anything at all to offend them, but it’s more than bad; it’s ugly.

It’s so serious that reports indicate that over 35% of prisoners suffer from this extreme form of Narcissistic Personality Disorder. This suggests that narcissism is really just the tip of the iceberg.

Overt Narcissist

Traits of Overt Narcissism You’ll Find in Normal Narcissists These include:

Insecurity and hidden vulnerabilities

Lack of empathy

A sense of self-importance

Lack of boundaries

False empathy

Underlying depression or anxiety

These traits are present in all narcissists, but overt narcissists are completely balanced in their personalities and identities.

Related : 13 Toxic Phrases Narcissists Use To Destroy Your Confidence

The level of narcissism here is lower than that of a psychopathic narcissist, but it’s still there, and it can ruin your life.

Never underestimate the knowledge you can gain when it comes to narcissists, as it will ultimately save you from falling into the trap of abuse from one of them.

If you’re seduced or attracted by a new person in any way, take that attraction as an immediate warning sign and save yourself!