12 Narcissist Habits That Disgust Normal People

Has a narcissist ever waltzed through your life, leaving you suspiciously craving a shower? You’re not alone.

These charmers specialize in behaviors that churn stomachs (and sometimes bank balances), yet somehow always manage to look surprised when called out.

Let’s lift the curtain on the worst of their habits—so you’ll know what you’re smelling next time.

1. Hijacking Every Conversation

Ever asked a narcissist how their day was, only to find yourself in hour two of their monologue? They treat conversations like personal TED Talks, only without the insight or brevity.

Trying to steer the subject to anyone else is like wrestling a toddler for the TV remote—good luck.

2. Never Owning Up to Mistakes

If there’s one universal truth, it’s that a narcissist has never been wrong. Ever. A global pandemic is less rare than catching one muttering “my bad.”

Apologies become Olympian gymnastics: blame gets flung onto bosses, baristas, the weather, or, ideally, you.

3. Grandstanding (Even at Funerals)

Spotting a narcissist in a crowd is easy—they’re the ones performing.

At someone else’s celebration, they’ll find a way to make themselves the main act. Give them a wedding, and somehow their “tragic” childhood anecdote takes center stage. At a funeral, you’d think they’d lost a beloved pet, too.

4. Love Bombing—Then Withdrawing Affection

The beginning feels like you’ve won the romance lottery: messages, flowers, over-the-top affection. Then, just as quickly, the warmth gets yanked away, replaced by chilly indifference.

It’s emotional musical chairs, and you’re left standing when the music stops.

5. Manipulating with Guilt

Ever been made to feel like the villain for expecting basic respect? Narcissists wield guilt trips as their weapon of choice.

“If you really loved me, you’d…” is their unofficial catchphrase, usually followed by something utterly unreasonable (like canceling plans to admire their toenail art).

6. Boundary Bulldozing

Boundaries to a narcissist are like polite suggestions at an all-you-can-eat buffet: entirely optional. They’ll overstep, pry, and ignore your requests with the finesse of a toddler finger-painting on white walls.

When gently reminded? Expect confusion, offense, or a dramatic sigh.

7. Boasting and Name-Dropping

Someone once met a celebrity in an elevator. The narcissist? They practically invented that elevator. Every achievement becomes a golden trophy, every acquaintance a stepping stone to more self-promotion.

Meanwhile, mere mortals just roll their eyes and refill their drinks.

8. Weaponizing Silence

Silent treatment is their bread and butter. Need to discuss an issue? Suddenly, they’re starring as a silent film actor—every text, call, or plea goes unanswered.

This isn’t mature reflection; it’s emotional punishment. The more you chase, the quieter they become.

9. Turning Compliments into Insults

A narcissist’s idea of praise: “You look great—much better than you usually do!” or “I guess you’re smarter than you seem.”

Compliments come with a sting in the tail, turning every warm fuzzy into ice water down your back.

10. Playing the Victim Card

If gold medals were given for self-pity, every narcissist would have a trophy cabinet full. No matter the situation, they’re the ones suffering most.

Caught in a lie? Suddenly, you are too sensitive. Their catalogue of woes is endless, and you’re expected to be the number one fan.

11. Gaslighting the Obvious

Reality is flexible to a narcissist. Point out an issue, and prepare for a mind-bending reinterpretation of events: “That never happened,” or “You’re imagining things.”

Before long, you’re second-guessing the color of your own socks.

12. Competing with Everyone (Including Their Own Kids)

Everything’s a contest—and losing isn’t an option. They’ll outdo your story, outshine your new shoes, even out-sulk your toddler’s tantrum.

The narcissist is always (in their mind) one step ahead, and everyone else is an audience for their relentless showboating.

Spotting the Signs, Keeping Your Sanity

Close encounters with narcissistic habits leave most people reaching for extra deodorant and a strong drink. But now you know what to watch for—and how to swerve when you see it coming.

Consider this your permission slip: draw lines, call out the rudeness, and don’t bother arguing with reality-twisters. Healthy relationships aren’t powered by emotional sucker punches or marathon monologues.

And if you catch yourself tiptoeing around someone’s ego, remember—life’s too short to be a supporting character in someone else’s never-ending talent show.