Only a mental health specialist can diagnose Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). Narcissist Free is a site operated by survivors, not trained professionals. We share our experiences being in relationships with NPDs and how we recovered. What Narcissist Free can do is help you determine if the relationship you are in is unhealthy. By reading and learning about narcissistic abuse, you can determine if you want to continue a relationship with the person in question. However, it is very unlikely anyone can sustain a happy and fulfilling intimate relationship with a narcissist.

When we encounter people who are self-centered, self-confident, entitled, or mean, we might be quick to label them as narcissists without fully understanding the implications of the term. Today, narcissism is a buzzword and people are quick to label a self-centered, rude person a narcissist.

Consistently and repeatedly, narcissists’ behaviors are destructive in their relationships. A narcissist will be unable to maintain a history of healthy, meaningful relationships.

Narcissists can show healthy, kind, empathetic emotions as well, however, these characteristics cannot be sustained over time. The good, kind, loving parts of a narcissist will be present on occasion, (however, this is all manufactured), but once a narcissist is offended in some way, their true personality will come out. They may shift from positive to negative characteristics, and back again. This is all to keep you invested in the relationship. To better understand this, read The Journal entries such as Manufactured Soul Mate, Idealize, Devalue, Discard, or Am I Dealing with a Narcissist?

Here are a few characteristics commonly found in a person with NPD. Remember, these characteristics must be shown repeatedly throughout your relationship with them. They may show a few or all of these.

These behaviors may be overt or covert. They repeatedly exhibit some or many of these characteristics.
Learn more about the different types of Narcissistic behaviors.