During our lives, we meet all types of people. Most of them become nice memory or stay with us forever. However, there are still some people, such as narcissists, that we wish we never met. If you’ve dealt with him, then you probably wish you knew how to expose a narcissist before he messed with your life.
You’re not the only one! There’s not a single person in this world who’s never come across a narcissist and ignored all the red flags. It happens in friendships, relationships, workplaces, and even at home. Unfortunately, it’s becoming one of the more common types of personalities.
If you’re here because you’re sick of constantly watching narcissists walk over people and you want to expose them before it’s too late, then you’re at the right place. It’s time to say no to their lies and their manipulative ways of getting whatever they want.
Let’s learn how to recognize them and show the rest of the world who they’re dealing with. He’s not what he’s pretending to be, and it’s time to expose him. Are you ready to make a change that’s absolutely necessary? I’m sure you are, so let’s scroll down.
Who is a narcissist?
To expose a narcissist, we first need to learn how to recognize that person, so we don’t make any mistakes. So, who is a narcissist? A narcissist is a person who displays narcissistic traits. They usually include an exaggerated sense of self-importance, a lack of empathy for others, and a need for admiration.
However, that’s not everything. Narcissists find attention and validation from other people essential. On top of that, it’s important to mention that they also have a strong power to manipulate or exploit others in order to get whatever they want.
They may also have an excessive sense of entitlement and it’s not uncommon that they turn to anger or aggression when their needs aren’t met. Just like every other personality trait, narcissism can also range from mild to severe.
It’s generally thought to be caused by a combination of environmental and genetic factors. It’s essential to remember that not all people with narcissistic traits will be diagnosed with a narcissistic personality disorder. It is a more severe and persistent form of narcissism that requires professional treatment.
Yes, everyone has narcissistic traits to a certain extent. We all need to possess a healthy sense of self-esteem and self-importance if we want to succeed in life.
However, when these traits become extreme and they start interfering with an individual’s ability to function in their personal and professional lives, then it becomes one of the most common signs of narcissistic personality disorder.
7 most common signs you’re dealing with a narcissist
To expose a narcissist, we first need to learn how to recognize him. Even though it sounds like a difficult task, there are actually some signs that can tell you who you’re dealing with.
So, today, you’re going to learn the 7 most common signs that show you have a narcissistic person in your life. I know how tiring and heartbreaking it is to find out that your partner fits in this personality type, however, it’s better to expose him, than to spend the rest of your life with someone like that.
It might hurt now, but it’s what needs to be done to ensure you have the brightest future. So, let’s take a look at these signs.
1. An exaggerated sense of self-importance
The first trait we’re going discuss is their exaggerated sense of self-importance. But what does that mean? Of course, we all love ourselves, so what makes them different from us? The thing that makes them different is the fact that everything is over the top when it comes to narcissistic individuals.
If your partner thinks he’s best in everything he does, then it’s likely you’re dating a narcissist. They will overestimate their talents, skills, and everything they’ve ever accomplished. But, what’s most difficult to deal with is their feeling of being entitled to special treatment and admiration for other people.
2. A need for admiration
If your partner has a strong need for admiration and constantly seeks attention, recognition, and validation from other people, then he’s showing some signs of a narcissistic personality type. Those people are motivated by the fact that they’ll be valued and appreciated if they do something right.
That’s why they often choose leadership roles and jobs that will give them a chance to engage in dramatic and attention-seeking behaviors. At first glance, this doesn’t seem as problematic as it really is. Why would someone who’s just motivated to succeed be considered a narcissist?!
Because there’s a difference there. People with an excessive need for admiration can be very demanding partners. That’s because they often deal with low self-esteem, they can’t handle criticism, and therefore, they can never maintain a long and healthy relationship.
3. Difficulty handling criticism
Here’s the thing, it’s completely normal for people to feel upset and even hurt after they receive criticism. And that’s especially true if we feel like it’s unfair or it was said in an extremely harsh way. As we said, it’s fine and it would be unusual if we felt totally fine every time someone pointed out our mistakes.
However, one of the most common signs of narcissism is difficulty dealing with criticism. Those people often react to it with very strong negative emotions and it’s not uncommon that they engage in aggressive behaviors. On top of that, they’ll also act defensively and possibly even deny their mistakes.
4. A lack of empathy
What do we mean when we say someone is empathetic? That’s a person who has the ability to understand what other people are feeling but as well talk about their own feelings. Those who lack empathy struggle with understanding this and it’s difficult for them to feel any compassion or concern for others.
If you’ve noticed that your partner seems like he only cares about himself and his problems, then you will probably soon expose a narcissist. Especially if he never seems to pay attention or even try to understand what you’re going through.
This type of person finds it difficult to form a long-term relationship, but it’s not that difficult to understand why. On top of that, they also often have problems in other forms of social situations and events.
5. A sense of entitlement
Narcissists have a sense of entitlement and that’s one of the most obvious signs that you’re dealing with someone who belongs to this personality type. A sense of entitlement is a feeling that tells you that you’re more worthy than other people around you.
It makes you believe that you are more deserving of certain privileges and benefits, even though you haven’t really earned them. Those people always think that they need to receive special treatment and great privileges, and if they don’t, they become extremely frustrated and angry.
It’s difficult for other people to be around them as this kind of behavior is almost always unreasonable and very demanding. It creates a toxic environment in which people can’t stay for a long period of time.
6. A lack of accountability
As we’ve agreed, if you want to expose a narcissist, you need to learn how to recognize him first. So, here’s one of the most obvious signs that you’re in a company of a narcissist. They show a lack of accountability, but what does that mean?!
They will never admit their mistakes and will always try to find a way to make them disappear. Deep down, they’ll know they did something wrong, but you’ll never hear them admit it. Instead, they will find a way to blame other people for their actions.
7. Manipulative behavior
Finally, we’ve reached a narcissist’s strongest field – manipulation. When it comes to manipulative behavior, there isn’t a more powerful personality type than a narcissist. They know how to lie and always get what they desire. Unfortunately, most people don’t even figure out they’ve been manipulated into acting a certain way.
People with narcissistic personality disorder use other people around them to achieve their goals. And since they lack empathy, they’ll do whatever it takes to finally get what they’ve been dreaming of. This means that they often hurt a lot of people who actually care about them.
So, it’s not surprising to understand why their relationships never last long. And we’re not only talking about romantic ones, but also their connection to their families, friends, colleagues, and acquaintances.
How to expose a narcissist: 7 proven ways
We’ve finally reached what we’ve been waiting for – a list of the 7 best tips and tricks that will help you expose a narcissist. It’s time to make the change we’ve been talking about. So, if you’re ready, let’s learn something new!
1. Educate yourself
Okay, the first step is to educate yourself about this topic. It’s impossible to make a tasty cake if you don’t know the recipe. That’s why if you want to learn how to expose a narcissist, you first need to get familiar with them and how to always recognize their traits.
However, if you’ve read the previous part of this article carefully, then you’ve already made this first step and you’re ready to go and achieve your goal. It’s time to stop the narcissist from ruining your mood on a daily basis. You deserve so much more than him!
2. Document his behavior
Since narcissists are very powerful when it comes to manipulation, you need to learn how to play by their rules.
Of course, you shouldn’t become a toxic person and deal with a situation in an unethical way. However, you need to prepare yourself well in order to deal with someone who belongs to this personality type disorder.
To make sure you have everything you need to fight this battle, you’ll need to document everything about his behavior. Keep a record of his actions and words. Try to pay attention to things he uses when he tries to manipulate you.
Also, it’s good to write down all his ways of exploitation and examples when he showed a lack of empathy. That will definitely help you when you finally collect enough proof and decide to expose a narcissist.
3. Stop making excuses for his behavior
When you care about someone so much, it’s difficult to admit you’ve started noticing some of these signs. Therefore, people usually tend to make excuses and try to defend their partners when other people point out their mistakes and behavioral issues.
The first steps are always difficult to take, however, you need to keep in mind that this needs to be done. Dating a narcissist never turns out well, and the sooner you leave, the sooner you’ll find someone who appreciates you and treats you the way you deserve.
So, what you’ll need to do is to stop making excuses for his behavior. Once you do that, you’ll be able to fully open your eyes and you’ll see even bigger issues that you’ve been blind to so far.
4. Seek support from others
In moments like these, we tend to think we’re alone in our suffering. But, just because you figured out your partner isn’t who you think he is, doesn’t mean that the rest of your friends and family members aren’t. Don’t forget that they are always there for you, and don’t be afraid to seek their support.
Talk to them about all the information you’ve gathered so far and ask them for their opinion. They will definitely support you, and you’ll feel confident enough to continue what you’ve started. And before you know it, the narcissist will be exposed.
5. Catch him in a lie
As we’ve already learned, narcissists will never admit their mistakes. However, if you followed all the previous steps carefully, that means that you will easily catch him lying to you.
If you can push him to contradict himself, he’ll definitely get caught up in his own lies, and he’ll either back down or give you even more proof of his awful behavior.
Then you will be able to use it to expose him afterward. If you want to be extra cruel (and most narcissists deserve that treatment), you can call him out in public. You’ll see how quickly the table will turn.
6. Confront the narcissist
Narcissists aren’t used to people confronting them. That’s because most people get annoyed by their behavior and choose to ignore it. Or some even get manipulated by them and they don’t even realize there are reasons to confront a narcissist.
If your partner belongs to this personality type disorder, then you must be really tired of his behavior. Once you feel comfortable and safe doing so, you should definitely confront him about the way he treats you and the people around you.
You’ll need to be specific and factual. That’s the only way you’ll manage to expose a narcissist. And keep in mind that he’ll definitely try to defend himself by denying any responsibility. So, try to avoid getting emotional. He would want that to happen because it would make you easier to manipulate.
7. Keep thriving
Finally, since every narcissist hates seeing other people succeed, so you’ll hurt him the most if you continue thriving and achieving your goals. Even though he’ll still feel like he’s more worthy than you are, deep down, he’ll know that that’s not true.
Focus on yourself, your goals, the people that love you, your hobbies, and everything else that makes you who you are. Celebrate your accomplishments, and that’s the best way you’ll expose a narcissist. How? He’ll definitely try to put you down in front of other people! Don’t let him steal your joy, girl!
What will happen when you expose a narcissist?
If you choose to expose a narcissist, then you’ll reveal his true nature and behavior to everyone around you who isn’t aware of it. It can be a painful experience for all people included. You, people who were blind to his manipulation, and of course, him, who got exposed.
Since narcissists usually rely on their ability to manipulate and control other people, and that’s what makes their self-esteem high, this situation won’t be easy for them. When their true nature gets exposed, they usually feel vulnerable and threatened. And that’s not something they’re used to.
Some of them react with anger and aggression. The others might turn to denial and blaming other people. A narcissist will definitely try to minimize the impact of his actions, and he might even continue trying to manipulate the situation and make it seem like he’s the only victim.
However, exposing a narcissist is a challenging task. He’s very skilled in hiding his motives and manipulating people and situations. And even after he’s been exposed, he won’t give up easily. Therefore, be prepared that he’ll use gaslighting as one of his ways to get out of this mess.
Luckily, with the tips and tricks that we’ve talked about, you have all it takes to finally take him down. So, don’t be afraid to make your case against him when you collect enough evidence.
Final words
Congratulations! Now you know how to expose a narcissist, and there’s no way you’ll fall for his tricks ever again. I know how difficult it is to admit that you’ve been dealing with one, but now you’re stronger and wiser. Your pain has taught you a valuable lesson that will make your life better.
It’s time to say goodbye to all the narcissistic people that surround you and find someone who’ll treat you the right way. However, before you go, it’s important that we revise something we’ve learned today.
There are differences between people with narcissistic traits and those who are diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder. Therefore, you’ll need to treat them differently, too. Keep that in mind, and you’re ready to go!
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