Number 2: Constant criticism of others.
Constant criticism of others is a big indicator you are talking to a narcissist. Narcissistic people are more negative by nature and will tell others how horrible people are to make themselves look better. Some narcissists will criticize the people they talk to by belittling the choices they make or how they decide to dress to make their egos grow. When the victim will question the hurtful things they say, the narcissist will usually respond that they are only trying to help or ask why they are being so sensitive. We call that gaslighting.
Gaslighting is turning the fault around on the victim to make them appear like they have a false sense of reality. We like to say here that gaslighting is a form of harsh criticism because the narcissist is telling the victim they are not strong or intelligent enough to understand their own feelings and reality. When speaking to a narcissist and all you hear is about how they feel personally attacked all the time because this person said this and that, it is usually exaggerated or made up completely. Narcissists are known to exaggerate stories or lie to make themselves appear better.
Number 3: They give unneeded advice.
To go along with the idea that they are always superior and more intelligent than everyone else in the room, many narcissists will give advice even when not asked to. Their advice most of the time does not help the victim at all. The advice is usually in a way to tear the victim down or make sure they won’t get better or excel. Narcissistic behavior includes the abuser being disgusted to see others doing so well so their advice will usually backfire on the victim. They will still offer this advice as if they truly believe it will help the victim.
The victim will feel flustered and possibly go along with it. It is important to tell the person you are speaking to that you appreciate the thought, but the advice is not necessary. If you believe this person you are talking to maybe a narcissist, then you need to always set boundaries if cutting off communication is not plausible. They want to appear so smart and quick to help but in reality, they do not care about the victim or the situation.
Many victims fall into this trap, listen to the advice, and when they act on it, it usually hurts or embarrasses them. Narcissists lack empathy, and empathy is usually the main ingredient in helping others.
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