A narcissist is someone who has narcissistic personality disorder. Identifying a narcissist is not an easy task, especially if it is someone super close to you. According to BioMed Central, narcissists are often arrogant, entitled, envious, and exploitative, with little empathy and a constant need for attention and admiration.
If your friend always wants to be the best, desires control, or always seeks praise, there is a high chance that they're narcissistic (via MindBodyGreen). Dealing with a narcissist is extremely challenging, as they lack the ability to perceive all the aspects of a situation and tend to approach things solely from their perspective. Narcissists deal with constant anxiety, and have a tendency to project this onto their loved ones and accuse them of being unloving or unsupportive.
According to Healthline, confronting a narcissist rarely works out. In most cases, they are resistant to change, and may even resort to lies and manipulation to get their way. When dealing with a narcissist, having a support system (and clear boundaries) is crucial. It is also vital to not let them affect your self-esteem. Engage in positive self-talk and have a self-care routine. Also, understand that narcissists require professional help. If the relationship gets abusive, move on. When the person starts throwing accusations, threats, and insults or attempts to manipulate or gaslight you, take it as a sign to officially sign out.
