You might wonder about narcissism if you’ve been told you’re self-centered, manipulative, or emotionally distant—or if you often feel misunderstood, rejected, or overly sensitive to criticism.
Common experiences include:
- Needing constant admiration or validation
- Feeling entitled to special treatment
- Becoming defensive or angry when criticized
- Struggling to empathize with others' feelings
- Wanting to be seen as successful or superior, even if it means exaggerating
- Difficulty maintaining close, mutual relationships
At the same time, people with narcissistic traits often experience insecurity, shame, or deep sensitivity to perceived rejection.
Working with a therapist specializing in narcissism can help you explore these patterns without judgment and identify whether narcissism is part of your experience.