We’ve all met people who believe they’re the best at everything — the most talented, the smartest, and the most deserving of praise. They crave admiration but struggle to listen to others or show genuine empathy. Such individuals often place themselves at the center of every conversation and relationship, expecting everyone around them to adapt to their moods and desires.

These people are known as narcissists. On the surface, they may appear charming, confident, and charismatic. But underneath that confidence lies a lack of emotional sensitivity and an excessive focus on self-image. Over time, their behavior can drain others emotionally and create unhealthy, one-sided relationships.

It’s important to recognize the signs early so you can protect yourself from their manipulative patterns. Here are five common habits that can help you identify a narcissist.

A narcissist never admits when they’re wrong. Even if it’s clearly their mistake, they’ll find excuses or twist the facts to protect their ego. Apologizing feels like defeat to them, so they’ll argue endlessly just to have the last word. Dealing with such people often leaves you emotionally exhausted — sometimes, the best way to protect your peace is to distance yourself.

Empathy is the ability to understand and feel what others are going through — something narcissists rarely possess. If you share your problems with them, they may dismiss your feelings with comments like “You’re overreacting” or “Stop being dramatic.” Their inability to connect emotionally makes genuine relationships with them difficult to sustain.

Narcissists love being the center of attraction. Whether it’s a social gathering or a casual chat, they want every spotlight on them. If someone else gets more attention, they may become irritated or withdrawn. Their need for admiration is so deep that they often create drama just to reclaim attention.

A narcissist thrives on control. They want everything — from decisions to emotions — to revolve around their preferences. They might use guilt, manipulation, or emotional blackmail to make others comply with their wishes. Over time, this behavior can make you feel trapped or powerless in the relationship.

Narcissists are obsessed with how others see them. They carefully craft a perfect image, often on social media, highlighting only their achievements or appearance. They give exaggerated compliments when it benefits them but rarely mean it sincerely. Their self-worth depends on constant validation from others.