08/07/2026
Continuing our exploration of commonly used terms borrowed from therapy, our goal is to provide a little more context, clarity, and understanding behind the words.
Today's term: ๐ก๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฐ๐ถ๐๐๐ถ๐๐บ
The word "narcissist" has become increasingly common in everyday conversations and on social media. It's often used to describe someone who is selfish, arrogant, manipulative, or difficult to be in a relationship with.
While these behaviours can certainly be unpleasant and harmful, they don't necessarily mean someone is a narcissist.
What makes narcissism more complex is that it exists on a spectrum.
Most of us display narcissistic traits from time to time. We may become defensive, seek validation, struggle with criticism, or put our own needs first. Those behaviours don't automatically mean someone has Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD).
Narcissistic Personality Disorder is a mental health condition characterized by a persistent pattern of grandiosity, a strong need for admiration, and significant difficulty empathizing with others. It affects how a person thinks, relates to others, and functions across many areas of life.
Whether someone has narcissistic traits, a personality disorder, or none of the above, the impact of repeated manipulation, disrespect, coercion, or emotional abuse is still important to recognize.
You don't need a diagnosis to recognize that a relationship isn't healthy for you.
