Are you dating someone overly confident, incredibly self-absorbed, and always putting their own needs above yours? If so, there is a chance that you may be dating a narcissist. Narcissists are often characterized as having an inflated sense of self-importance and an excessive need for admiration and validation. In a romantic relationship, they can be controlling, manipulative, and prone to outbursts of anger. To help you recognize if you’re in a relationship with a narcissist, here are ten ways to know if you’re dating one.

1. They love to talk about themselves

Narcissists are known for their self-obsession. They are constantly talking about themselves, their accomplishments, their goals and aspirations, and their experiences. They rarely ask questions about you or show an interest in getting to know you better. If your partner is always talking about themselves and rarely shows any interest in learning more about you, this is a vital sign that they are narcissistic.

They may also brag excessively and embellish the truth when talking about themselves, often exaggerating their successes or achievements. This need to appear superior can be a red flag that you’re dating a narcissist.

If your partner only wants to talk about themselves and doesn’t care to hear what you say, this could be a sign that you’re in a relationship with a narcissist.

2. They are always right

When dating a narcissist, you may find that they always think they are correct, even when you know you are. Narcissists often go to great lengths to prove their point or win an argument. They may insist on having the last word and may be unwilling to listen to your point of view. It can be challenging to feel heard or respected if your partner is a narcissist.

The truth is that, in most cases, a narcissist’s need to be “right” isn’t actually about being right—it’s about control. They gain a sense of power and superiority over you by insisting that they are right and refusing to consider your side of things. It can be highly frustrating, but it’s important to remember that the issue isn’t really about being right—it’s about control.

If you find yourself in a relationship with a narcissist who insists on always being right, it’s important to practice self-care and boundaries. Try not to take their behavior personally, and be willing to walk away from arguments if needed. You deserve to be heard and respected, and no one has the right to take that away from you.

3. They are charming

Narcissists can be very charming and charismatic in the early stages of a relationship. This is often how they hook their victims and make them fall for them quickly. They are experts at manipulation and can make you feel unique and desired with their charm. They know exactly what to say and do to make you feel wanted, loved, and appreciated.

They can be so convincing that it’s hard to tell they don’t honestly care about you. They may act like they are so in love with you and will do anything for you, but this is usually just a mask they wear to hide their true selves. Once they have trapped you in their web, the charm often fades away, revealing a different side of them. So watch out for their charm, as it could signify that they are not the person they appear to be.

4. They are very competitive

Narcissists have an insatiable need to be the best at everything they do. They will often compete against everyone else, even in relationships. They are often jealous of other people’s accomplishments and may make remarks about them in order to make themselves feel superior. In terms of dating, this could manifest in them expecting you to follow their lead or out-performing you in activities. If you feel that your partner is always trying to one-up you or is overly competitive, it may be a sign that they are narcissistic.

5. They need a lot of attention

Narcissists are always looking for validation and admiration. They need a lot of attention, often in the form of praise and compliments. They may also be prone to comparing themselves to others, needing to feel superior in order to feel good about themselves. This can often lead to manipulative behavior as they seek the attention and admiration they crave. They may also be possessive and jealous regarding their relationships, as they may worry about losing the attention of the person they’re dating. If you find yourself consistently trying to appease your partner and sacrificing your own needs and feelings, this could signify that you’re dating a narcissist.

6. They always want things their way

Narcissists are known for wanting everything to go their way. They tend to believe that the world should revolve around them and will often demand their way in any situation. They may refuse to compromise or even consider anyone else’s opinion. They may also use manipulation tactics such as guilt-tripping or gaslighting to get their way. If dating a narcissist, be prepared to have your opinions and feelings invalidated, as they will likely always be focused on meeting their needs. It is important to remember that your feelings and needs are just as important as those of your partner, and you should not be afraid to assert yourself when necessary.

7. They can be very controlling

When it comes to relationships with narcissists, they often have a need to be in control. This means they may attempt to manipulate their partner into doing what they want and acting how they want them to act. They may try to control their partner’s behavior by being overly critical, refusing to give compliments, or making threats.

They may also attempt to control their partner’s social life by deciding who their partner can and cannot hang out with. They might use guilt trips to get their way or use emotional blackmail as a tool for control.

Suppose you feel like you’re in a relationship where the other person is trying to control your behavior. In that case, taking a step back and evaluating if this is a healthy relationship is essential. While it’s normal for partners to care about one another and have preferences, it can be dangerous and damaging when it gets to the point of manipulation and control.

8. They often lie

One of the telltale signs that you’re dating a narcissist is their tendency to lie. Narcissists can be persuasive when it comes to lying and can often appear completely convincing. They are not above twisting the truth to suit their agenda and will use any tactic available to them to get what they want. This could range from exaggerating the truth or omitting facts in order to portray themselves in a positive light. They may also lie to manipulate you or gain power and control over you. It’s important to remember that narcissists are experts at manipulation and can be very convincing when they are lying. Hence, it’s essential to be aware of their tactics and to stay alert for signs that something isn’t quite right.

9. They can be very self-centered

Narcissists have a highly self-centered view of the world. They can be very focused on themselves and their own needs, and they often put their own desires ahead of those of their partner. They might think nothing of monopolizing conversations to talk about themselves and their accomplishments and will often ignore their partner’s thoughts or ideas in favor of their own. They may also try to control conversations so that all attention is directed toward them. Additionally, they will often dismiss their partner’s problems and needs instead of talking about themselves. If you’re in a relationship with someone who is constantly trying to take the spotlight away from you, you may be dating a narcissist.

10. They can be very arrogant

Arrogance is a crucial trait of narcissists and can be challenging to spot. People who display signs of arrogance often believe that they are better than everyone else and expect to be treated as such. They will boast about their achievements and put down those who don’t live up to their high standards.

If your partner is constantly bragging about themselves and consistently trying to one-up others in conversations, they could very well be exhibiting narcissistic traits. Furthermore, if they show little interest in hearing about your accomplishments and show no humility, this could also indicate that they have an inflated sense of self. Remember that arrogance can manifest itself in different ways, so paying attention to subtle signs that your partner may be exhibiting is essential.

It can be hard to know if you are dating a narcissist, as they can be very charming and convincing. The best thing to do is to take some time to observe your partner’s behavior and attitude. If you feel constantly exhausted, taken advantage of, manipulated, or controlled, it might be a sign that you are dating a narcissist. It’s important to remember that narcissism is a severe mental disorder and should not be taken lightly. If you think your partner may be displaying narcissism, it’s best to seek help from a mental health professional. With the proper support, you can learn how to have a healthy relationship and protect yourself from any further harm.