How to Identify a Narcissist: Red Flags, Traits, and Emotional Impact

Narcissism is more than just self-centered behaviour—it’s a complex personality pattern that can deeply affect the people around them, especially in close relationships. A narcissist often presents as charming and confident at first, but over time their behavior can become manipulative, controlling, and emotionally damaging. Recognizing narcissistic traits early can help you protect your emotional well-being and set healthier boundaries.

At SereinMind, Dr. Arati Bhatt, a qualified counselling psychologist in Gurgaon, provides emotional support and therapeutic tools to help individuals navigate toxic relationships, including those involving narcissistic abuse.

Common Traits of a Narcissist

Not every person who is confident or assertive is a narcissist. Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) includes consistent patterns such as:

• Lack of empathy for others

• Sense of entitlement or superiority

• Manipulative and controlling behavior

• Need for constant admiration

• Gaslighting or distorting facts to shift blame

• Using others for personal gain

• Inability to accept criticism without becoming defensive or aggressive

  
  

  Individual Therapy with Dr. Arati Bhatt helps you recognize harmful relationship dynamics and rebuild your confidence.

  
  

Red Flags in a Narcissistic Relationship

You may be dealing with a narcissist if you often feel:

• Confused and emotionally drained

• Blamed for things that aren’t your fault

• Afraid to speak your mind

• Like you're "walking on eggshells"

• Like you’re not good enough—despite your best efforts

• Isolated from friends or family over time

  
  

  If you're unsure how to break free, Online Counselling offers safe and confidential support from wherever you are.

  
  

Why It’s Hard to Leave a Narcissist

Many people feel stuck in narcissistic relationships due to trauma bonding, fear of being alone, or believing the person will change. Narcissists often alternate between affection and cruelty, creating emotional confusion and dependency.

Learn more in our blog on Trauma Bonding in Narcissistic Abuse and why it’s so difficult to walk away.

How Therapy Can Help

Breaking free from a narcissist—emotionally or physically—can be difficult without support. Therapy can help you:

• Identify manipulation and gaslighting

• Rebuild self-worth and emotional clarity

• Establish and maintain boundaries

• Process grief, anger, and guilt

• Relearn what healthy relationships look like

  
  

  Also explore our blog on Self-Love to begin reconnecting with your true self after emotional harm.

  
  

You Deserve Respect, Not Control

Identifying a narcissist is the first step in protecting your peace. Whether you choose to leave, distance, or redefine the relationship, your emotional health must come first.

👉 Book a confidential session with Dr. Arati Bhatt at SereinMind and take the first step toward emotional clarity and freedom.