Are you ever left feeling like you’re just a character in someone else’s drama-filled life story?

If you’re dealing with a narcissist, chances are you’ve been there. Their behavior can leave you confused, tired, and wondering if it’s not all in your head.

But there’s a pattern to their actions, clear signs that scream “narcissism.”

Narcissists want to overshadow you in every aspect of your life. They want to control you and feel appraised by everyone around them.

This list of 30 signs of a Narcissist is a bit more unusual than all the boring articles you might read about the Signs of Narcissism.

If you have ever encountered a Narcissist, you will probably recognize many signs in this list.

#1 They Always Talk About Their Latest Success

Narcissists can’t wait to tell you about the great things they’ve done, even if it has nothing to do with what you’re talking about.

This happens because they want to be seen as the most successful person.

Whether you’re chatting about a movie or someone else’s birthday, they’ll find a way to steer the talk back to their own achievements.

They’re hoping for praise and to look more important than anyone else. It’s their way of making sure they stand out and get noticed.

#2 They lose Interest When Someone Else Receives an Appraisal

Narcissists often don’t seem very excited when it comes time to clap for someone else. They prefer the spotlight to be on them all the time.

If the group is celebrating someone’s promotion or a job well done, narcissists might not listen, or they might try to talk about themselves instead.

They act like this because they don’t like it when other people get attention. In their minds, they should always be the star, and when they’re not, it bothers them.

#3 The narcissist is Never Wrong and it is Never their fault

When something goes wrong, you can bet a narcissist will say it wasn’t their mistake. They find someone or something else to blame fast.

That’s because the idea of messing up doesn’t fit with how they see themselves.

They work hard to keep things looking like they always know what they’re doing.

So if there’s a problem, they’ll be the first to say, “Not me!” and point to someone else, keeping their image spotless.

#4 They Always Play The Victim

Narcissists are good at playing the victim. If something’s not going their way, they’ll make it seem like they’ve had the toughest time ever.

This isn’t just to get you to feel sorry for them; it’s also a way to try and control the situation.

They might say everyone’s against them or make a small issue sound huge.

They do this to get attention and make people do what they want while making themselves look like they’ve overcome big challenges.

#5 They Will Give You Empty Promises

Narcissists will promise the moon, but they often don’t keep these promises. They say “yes” to a lot, maybe to get you to like them or because it makes them seem generous.

But when the time comes to do what they said, they might make excuses or forget all about it.

They often don’t think about the details of following through because, for them, it’s more about the moment of looking good and less about actually doing what they agreed to do.

#6 They have a bottomless need for compliments and approval, and they’re not shy about fishing for them

Narcissists love being told they’re great, and they never seem to get tired of hearing it.

They go out of their way to get compliments, like fishing for them with hints or outright asking if you liked what they did.

It’s because these compliments make them feel important. So, they might show off a new outfit or talk about a big project, hoping you’ll say something nice.

#7 When confronted with their mistakes, they weave a web of excuses rather than confront the problem head-on

If a narcissist does something wrong, don’t expect a straight “I messed up” from them.

They’re more likely to give you a bunch of reasons why it wasn’t really their fault. They might blame someone else, blame the situation, or say things were out of their hands.

The bottom line is they don’t like admitting they’re not perfect, so they pile up excuses to protect themselves from feeling bad or looking bad to others.

#8 They Always Blame Others

Narcissists are masters at the blame game. If something doesn’t go as planned or there’s a mistake, they won’t look in the mirror.

They’ll quickly point at other reasons or people they think are to blame. They might say, “It’s because you didn’t remind me,” or “Well, the instructions were wrong.”

Owning up to their part isn’t their style; they’d rather keep their own image and ego untouched.

#9 They Get Angry Very Quickly

If someone disagrees with a narcissist or calls them out, watch out— they often snap back in anger.

They think they’re always right and get mad when you dare to say otherwise. For them, being perfect is everything, so they get very angry, very fast, if you question them.

#10 They Always Play The Sympathy Card

Narcissists can tell a sad story like no one else, especially if it makes them look like they’ve been wronged.

They love the sympathy that comes with it, and guess what? It often helps them get their way.

By playing the victim, they pull at your heartstrings and manipulate the situation.

#11 They Always Want To Be In Control

Have you noticed that a narcissist always wants to be in control? Yep, they want power in nearly any situation or relationship.

They believe they’re entitled to it. This desire to be ‘on top’ can make them pushy. They often pull the strings, always trying to steer things the way they want.

#12 They Don’t Care About Your Feelings

Narcissists often seem not to care about how others feel. They can be hurtful without realizing it or, sometimes, not care if they do.

They focus on themselves and forget that other people have feelings too. This can make being around them really hard, especially when you’re upset, and they just don’t get it.

#13 They Demand Your Undivided Attention

Like actors who always want the spotlight, narcissists need to be the center of attention.

They look for ways to keep all eyes on them, whether it’s talking loudly, making scenes, or just always making sure they’re noticed. They thrive on this attention and feel lost without it.

#14 They Are Envious About Your Success

Narcissists have a hard time being happy for others. When someone else does well, they might get jealous or feel it’s taking away their success.

They find it challenging to be glad for others; they often compare and wish they had what others do.

#15 They Are Charming but Superficial

Narcissists can be really charming, which is how they draw people in. But often, this charm doesn’t run deep.

It’s a skill they use to get what they want, not a sign of their true feelings for others. They know how to say everything right, even if they don’t mean them.

#16 They Don’t Care About Your Feedback

Narcissists typically dismiss or ignore feedback, especially if it doesn’t align with their view of themselves.

They often regard themselves as above reproach, so your input might be met with indifference or even hostility.

Instead of considering your feedback, they might brush it off with a comment like, “I think I know what I’m doing.”

#17 They Live in a Fantasy World

Narcissists love to dream big, which isn’t bad, but they often expect the world to live up to their fantasies.

When things don’t go exactly as they imagined, they can become frustrated and blame others for not meeting their high expectations.

#18 They Exaggerate How Important They Are

A narcissist often acts like they’re more important than anyone else, exaggerating their role or contributions.

They want to be seen as the most valuable person in the room and will stretch the truth to make sure everyone believes it.

#19 They Are Experts in Holding Grudges

If you upset a narcissist, be prepared for them to hold onto that anger. They can keep a grudge for a long time, often bringing up old arguments or issues well after everyone else has moved on.

#20 They Have Shallow Relationships

Narcissists sometimes struggle to form deep, meaningful relationships. They focus on what others can do for them, not on building genuine connections.

This can make their relationships feel one-sided and empty. They also have a strong tendency to cheat.

#21 They Disrespect Your Boundaries

Narcissists often don’t see other people’s limits. They may push into your personal space or ignore your feelings, just to suit themselves.

They see your “No” as a “Maybe,” which shows they care more about what they want.

#22 They Have Fantasies of Grandeur

They dream of being at the top— the richest, most famous, or the best. Narcissists have big ideas about their future that are often out of touch with reality.

They get caught up in these dreams and might get mad when others don’t take them as seriously.

#23 They Are Hyper-Sensitivity to Criticism

Even a tiny bit of criticism can set off a narcissist. They take it very personally, even if it’s meant to help them.

They might react to a small comment as if it were a huge insult, which can be surprising and tough.

#24 They Will Manipulate Your Emotions

Narcissists can play with your feelings to keep you close and maintain control.

They might make you feel guilty or say things to make you doubt your own thoughts. It’s a way to keep you unsure and off-balance.

#25 They Like Drama

Narcissists can stir up drama because it keeps the attention on them and makes them feel important. 

When life is calm, they might start a fight or gossip just to liven things up, but it often hurts people around them.

#26 They Always Lie

Narcissists often twist the truth to fit their narrative, creating a version of reality where they’re always in the right. 

Lying can be a tool for them to maintain their image of perfection and to manipulate situations to their advantage.

Lying comes as naturally to a narcissist as breathing. They’ll lie about big things, like their past achievements or where they were last night.

It’s all about keeping that illusion of themselves they want the world to believe in. 

It can be frustrating because you never quite know what’s true and what’s not, making it hard to trust them. 

They’re playing a game where they’re trying to keep one step ahead, always trying to sculpt the world around them so they can stay on top and in control.

#27 They Mirror Your Behavior

Narcissists may copy your behaviors, interests, or mannerisms to create a sense of affinity or manipulate your perception of them.

This mirroring can be their way of getting closer, gaining your trust, or keeping you tied to the relationship.

When a narcissist mirrors you, it’s like they’re trying on clothes in a dressing room, looking for the perfect outfit—in this case, your personality traits—to win you over. 

It’s both flattering and disconcerting. They might start liking the same bands, using the same phrases you do, or adopting your hobbies as their own. 

At first, it feels like you’re just in sync, but over time, you might notice it’s less about genuine shared interests and more about keeping you hooked. 

By reflecting your identity at you, they’re attempting to show that they’re your perfect match, often to hide their true selves and motives.

#28 Their Apologies Are Mostly Fake

When narcissists apologize, it often lacks sincerity and is typically used as a tactic to move past a conflict without addressing the underlying issues. 

Their apologies serve to alleviate or manipulate rather than express genuine remorse or a commitment to change.

You might hear a narcissist say “sorry,” but watch closely—there’s often a “but” that follows, shifting blame or making excuses. 

These apologies are more about getting what they want—like forgiveness or a clean slate—than feeling sorry. 

They might say, “I’m sorry you feel that way,” which puts the responsibility for feeling hurt on you, rather than acknowledging their role in causing the pain. 

It’s a subtle way of staying in control, avoiding true accountability, and keeping the door open to repeat their behavior without real consequences.

That’s it. How many items in this list did your Narcissist portray?

What Do Narcissists Fear the Most?

The 20 Biggest Fears Of Narcissists

They don’t look like they fear anything, do they?

Narcissists really do walk around acting as if they are perfect. If you were to ask them what they’re scared of, they’d laugh in your face and tell you to move out of their way.

Well, I’m here to tell you the truth.

Narcissists are petrified of more than you have ever known…

…Until now.

Here, I unlock the 20 biggest fears of narcissists, so you don’t need to embarrass them by asking them what they’re scared of ever again.

When The Narcissist Can’t Sleep At Night

Tick, tock, tick, tock,

3am?!

What’s keeping the narcissist up at night?

It’s likely to be thinking about their fears, as believe it or not, they cross their minds from time to time. 

Those fears remain buried under the guise of the charmer – the person everybody sees when they initially speak to the narcissist. 

Well, I’ve got my shovel, and I am about to dig each fear up.

#1 It’s Expose Time! 

Imagine the look of terror on the narcissist’s face when you expose them. It’ll be brief, sure. If you blink, you miss it.

Because soon enough – that fear will convert into rage – an emotion you’re probably much more familiar with when you think about the narcissist in your life. 

Before that rage, that fear will be evident. The idea of you telling everybody the true character of the narcissist fills them with an impalpable dread. 

It all starts to crumble.

They’ve nowhere to hide, and they cannot fool everybody anymore. At least some people will believe you, and that’s all you’d need to expose them fully. 

So yes – it keeps the narcissist up at night to think you could do such a thing, knowing as soon you do so, their power diminishes. 

#2 Control: Officially Lost

Get ready for the narcissist’s foundation to shake, rattle and roll.

Losing control is last on their list of ideals, but it’s a stark possibility when the victim turns to victor.

Seeing through the narcissism to a person who, underneath it all, is just a small-minded, afraid nobody, makes them more worried than you could imagine. 

If that control goes – what do they have?!

#3 The Truth is Feared

What is the truth?

We all know, don’t we?

We’re dealing with a person, or several people if you’re really unlucky, who aren’t who they say they are.

There is a truth behind the lies, and behind that is the ongoing fear from the narcissist that their lies will be exposed. 

Believe me when I say that the narcissist will do what it takes to silence their victims, but that doesn’t mean the truth will never prevail.

#4 The Ordinary 

Ordinary means what to you? For me, it’s just an average day, with nothing standing out. No one big moment.

Narcissists hate not standing out. They always want to be the center of attention, and if they’re seen as normal, or ordinary, that will be the biggest threat – and fear – to their grandiose personality. 

#5 Being Alone

Imagine having nobody to manipulate. When they need to suck the life out of another – there’s not a soul available. 

Narcissists need people around not just to do this with, but also, those people are needed to influence. 

The absence of others is the absence of validation and supply, and without a push from others for attention, the narcissist won’t fully know how to function.

They fear being alone for that very reason.

#6 Bye Bye, Attention

Invisibility is the true enemy of the narcissist. They need to be the honey, while the bees buzz around them constantly.

Without that noise, there is silence.

And in silence, there will be zero attention.

#7 Others… Happy… Really?

No single soul on the planet has the right to be happy (according to the narcissist). If you’re so happy, what could you possibly be so happy about? 

How dare you!

Your smile is enough to have it wiped right off your face, and the narcissist is going to love doing so.

Passing judgment. Criticizing you. Bringing you down. Triggering you. Disappointing you. Giving you the silent treatment and yelling at you. Whatever it takes. Why? 

Simple! They fear that your happiness will create this brand new version of you that will tolerate the narcissist just that little bit less. 

#8 How Victims Self-Love

Listen, if you’re loving yourself, then you are loving the narcissist less. It’s great for you – and that’s exactly why it isn’t good for them. 

The fear that comes from you loving yourself is that you will decide you’re too good for them – and leave. 

#9 Financial Independence

You’ve got your money sorted, you earn a large buck or two, and there’s nothing they can do about it.

Seeing you take care of your finances so well, there’s little to no chance of them taking it all away from you – leaving you dependent on them. 

Big fear!

#10 “So What?”

Ah, so you’re indifferent, are you?

That’s a big ache in the gut for the narcissist, who thrives on your reactions. If you don’t have any ones to give, consider yourself immune to the narcissist…

…New narcissist fear unlocked!

#11 Brave Enough To Be Accountable

Accountability is a huge fear of the narcissist, who usually ensures that what they’re doing will never be found out.

They don’t want to own up to any wrongdoing – so you can safely tick this as a huge fear of theirs. 

#12 Losing to Legality

If you want to really send shivers down the narcissist’s spine – threaten them with legal action.

It’s the epitome of doing wrong for all to see as well – which only adds to their nightmare!

#13 New Victims: Gone

Just when they thought they had a good victim in you – you up and leave.

Their plans turn to dust, and they become vulnerable all over again, with no supply!

#14 Strong? Good!

Your strength kills narcissists. It acts as such a strong repellent that you would be hard pushed to see any narcissist stick around.

They’re scared of you! What narcissist wants to admit that they’re scared of somebody?!

#15 Being Alone

You can forgive babies for not wanting to be alone – but grown adults? This isn’t about normal loneliness that can really affect people – this is the fear of having no life to suck out of anybody. 

#16 Mirror Mirror On The Wall

Don’t look into it if you’re a narcissist, because we all know – including you – that you are not the fairest of them all!

The biggest fear of a narcissist is doing so, and seeing that ugliness stare back at them. 

#17 “No Thanks, Bye”

Rejection.

Ouch.

A narcissist experienced enough of this as a child, and it is a huge trigger for them; a reminder that they aren’t good enough for somebody. 

#18 Criticism

What do you mean they aren’t perfect?

You cannot tell a narcissist that they have faults! That’s their job to make you feel shitty – not the other way around!

#19 Partners In The Know

Knowing who the narcissist really is means the power shifts from them, to you. 

What does that mean for you? Well, you’re likely to be a person who wants to do bad with their power, but it does mean you no longer get played by them.

They fear this – they fear you having an education in narcissism. You have the power to expose and all them out.

A powerless narcissist is not a happy narcissist. 

#20 Getting Over: Moving On

If you’ve gotten over a narcissist and moved on – you’ve done what they thought you’d never do.

Always expecting you to be around to use and abuse, you’ve finally made your way out of it.

While that’s a moment for real pride, it’s a moment of fear for them.

What do they do now?