10 Telltale Signs of a Narcissistic Friend

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Having friends is an essential part of life, but what happens when one of those friends is a narcissist? A narcissistic friend can have a significant impact on your life, leaving you feeling drained, manipulated, and unimportant. Here are the signs of a narcissistic friend and how to deal with them.

The Impact of a Narcissistic Friend on Your Life

Dealing with a narcissistic friend can be emotionally exhausting. These individuals are self-absorbed and lack empathy for others. They have an inflated sense of entitlement, constantly seeking admiration and attention. As a result, they often turn others against you, causing conflict and discord within your social circle. Their behaviors can leave you feeling invalidated and unimportant, affecting your self-esteem and overall well-being.

Signs of a Narcissistic Friend

1. Lack of Empathy for Others

One of the most prominent signs of a narcissistic friend is their inability to empathize with others. They are often focused on their own needs and desires, disregarding the feelings and experiences of those around them. When you share your struggles or achievements, they may respond with indifference or even try to one-up you with their own stories.

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2. They Have a Sense of Entitlement

Narcissistic friends believe they deserve special treatment and privileges. They may expect others to cater to their needs without considering the needs of others. Their entitled attitude can manifest in various ways, such as expecting you to drop everything to help them or feeling entitled to your time and attention.

3. They Turn Others Against You

Narcissistic friends are skilled manipulators. They may try to poison the opinions of others against you, spreading rumors or twisting the truth to damage your relationships. They thrive on control and power, and turning others against you gives them a sense of superiority.

4. They Are Full of Themselves

One of the most apparent signs of a narcissistic friend is their constant need to talk about themselves. They dominate conversations, often steering them back to their achievements, experiences, or problems. They rarely show genuine interest in what others have to say, as their primary focus is self-centered.

5. They Hardly Apologize When They Are Wrong

Narcissistic friends struggle with taking responsibility for their actions. They find it difficult to admit when they are wrong or apologize sincerely. Instead, they may offer insincere apologies or shift the blame onto others. This lack of accountability can be frustrating and damaging to your friendship.

Related: Things narcissists hate most

6. They Don’t Respect Your Boundaries

Respecting boundaries is crucial in any healthy relationship. However, narcissistic friends often disregard your boundaries, pushing you to do things you’re uncomfortable with or violating your personal space. They may dismiss your concerns or become angry when you assert your boundaries, making it challenging to maintain a healthy friendship.

7. They Try to Control You

Narcissistic friends often exhibit controlling behavior. They may try to dictate your choices, manipulate your decisions, or exert power over your life. They want to be in control at all times and may become manipulative or aggressive when they feel their control slipping away.

Related: Signs of a narcissistic mother

8. They Always Crave Your Attention

Narcissistic friends constantly seek attention and validation. They require excessive admiration and praise to fuel their fragile self-esteem. They may become upset or even angry if they feel they are not the center of attention. This constant need for attention can be draining and leave you feeling unimportant.

9. They Want to Be Admired All the Time

Narcissistic friends have an insatiable desire to be admired and idolized. They often fish for compliments, brag about their achievements, and seek validation from others. They thrive on being the “best” or “perfect” in every aspect of their lives, seeking constant reassurance from those around them.

10. They’re Too Proud

Narcissistic friends have an inflated sense of self-importance and pride. They believe they are superior to others and often dismiss or belittle the opinions and achievements of those around them. Their excessive pride can make it challenging to have a balanced and equal friendship.

How to Deal with a Narcissistic Friend

Dealing with a narcissistic friend requires careful consideration and self-care. Here are some strategies to help you navigate this challenging relationship:

Set Boundaries: Communicate your boundaries and assert yourself when they are violated.
Limit Contact: Reduce the amount of time you spend with a narcissistic friend to protect your emotional well-being.
Seek Support: Reach out to trusted friends or a therapist who can provide guidance and support during this difficult time.

Practice Self-Care: Prioritize your needs and engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment.
Consider Ending the Friendship: If the narcissistic behavior becomes unbearable and negatively impacts your life, it may be necessary to end the friendship for your well-being.

How Narcissistic Friends Manipulate and Exploit Others

Narcissistic friends are masters of manipulation and exploitation. They use various tactics to control and exploit those around them, including:

Gaslighting: Manipulating others by making them doubt their perception of reality.
Emotional Manipulation: Using guilt, shame, or fear to control and manipulate others’ emotions.

Triangulation: Creating conflicts and divisions between people to maintain control and power.
Projecting Blame: Shifting the blame onto others to avoid taking responsibility for their actions.
Exploiting Vulnerabilities: Capitalizing on others’ weaknesses or vulnerabilities for personal gain.

Related: How Narcissists make you feel

Conclusion

Having a narcissistic friend can be an emotionally draining and damaging experience. However, setting boundaries with people is important, especially if you discover that your friends are not worth it.