22 Common Examples of Narcissistic Behavior in Men

Ah, narcissism—nature’s way of keeping therapists in business and friends, family, and romantic partners in a perpetual state of “Is it me, or is he just…a bit much?”

If you’ve ever found yourself tiptoeing around someone’s ego or watching an argument turn into a one-man show, you might already know the drill.

Spotting narcissistic behavior isn’t always as easy as pointing out spinach in someone’s teeth, but it sure is as uncomfortable.

Ready for a tour through the greatest hits of male narcissism? Popcorn not required, but a sense of humor is always helpful.

1. Making Every Conversation About Himself

Some guys treat a chat like open mic night. Share a win at work? He’s already talking about the time he “basically saved the company.” Mention your headache? Somehow, his migraines are always worse.

If you start to forget what your own voice sounds like, it’s not your imagination.

2. Taking Credit for Everything

Ever met someone who claims responsibility for things he barely touched? That group project? Nailed it, thanks to him. Your kid’s school play? He “inspired” that performance.

If you spot his fingerprints on every success, even when he barely lifted a finger, you’re not alone.

3. Never Apologizing (or Giving the Non-Apology)

True narcissists will contort reality to avoid saying “I’m sorry.” If you do wrangle an apology, expect something like, “I’m sorry you’re upset,” which, for the record, is not an apology. It’s a gentle finger point masquerading as regret.

4. Lashing Out at Criticism

Suggest a minor improvement or point out a mistake? Stand back. The reaction can range from sulking to full-blown rage. Even the world’s gentlest suggestion is met with defensiveness, blame, or the classic, “You’re just too sensitive.”

5. Blaming Others for Everything

The dog ate his homework, his coworker sabotaged him, Mercury is in retrograde—nothing is ever his fault. Narcissists are allergic to responsibility, and when things go sideways, someone else is always holding the bag.

6. Grandiose Boasting

Subtlety is rarely their strong suit. Tall tales about past glories, world-changing plans, or legendary prowess are standard fare. If his stories sound suspiciously like the plot of a superhero movie, you’re probably not far off.

7. Needing Constant Validation

A little praise goes a long way, but for these guys, it’s never enough. Compliments are their oxygen. Miss a day? Expect a cold front. Prepare for the “Do you think I looked good at that party?” text before you’ve even made it home.

8. Lack of Empathy

Empathy is not in the narcissist’s toolkit. If your boss yelled at you or you’re feeling down, don’t expect a hug or a sympathetic ear. If it isn’t about him, it hardly registers.

9. Using Others for Personal Gain

Relationships are transactional, and you’re the vending machine. Emotional support, favors, even your Netflix password—everything’s fair game. Once utility runs dry, don’t be surprised if he moves on.

10. Twisting Facts and Gaslighting

Memory gets creative when it comes to protecting his ego. He’ll deny things he said, rewrite arguments, or insist “That never happened.”

If you find yourself doubting your own recall, you’ve probably stepped into the gaslight district.

11. Fishing for Compliments

A classic maneuver: “I look terrible today, don’t I?” or “I’m probably not as smart as your friends.” Don’t take the bait—he’s angling for reassurance, not honesty.

12. Dominating Social Situations

At every gathering, he’s holding court. Stories, jokes, unsolicited advice—there’s only so much airtime, and he’s claiming it all. If you manage a sentence in, congratulations, you’ve found a rare opening.

13. Overreacting to Slights

A forgotten text, a missed invite, a small disagreement—each is met with drama fit for reality TV. The tiniest affront is an epic betrayal, and you might end up apologizing for things you never did.

14. Jealousy and Possessiveness

Suspicious of your friends? Annoyed by your coworker’s Instagram comment? Narcissists can be jealous and possessive, framing it as “caring,” but the real motivation is control.

15. Shifting the Goalposts

Trying to please a narcissist? Good luck. Praise is fleeting, expectations change without warning, and what made him happy yesterday is now “not enough.” You might as well chase your tail.

16. Triangulating and Playing People Off Each Other

Why have one person’s attention when you can stir up competition? He’ll pit friends or partners against each other, drop hints about “what so-and-so said,” and watch as tempers flare. Instigator, party of one.

17. Selective Generosity

Out to dinner? He’s happy to pick up the tab—when there’s an audience. Gifts and favors come with strings attached, and you’ll hear about his “generosity” for weeks. Pure altruism? Not quite.

18. Refusing to Compromise

Meeting halfway isn’t on the agenda. His needs, plans, and preferences are set in stone, and yours? Well, maybe next time. Relationships require give and take. With narcissists, it’s mostly take.

19. Sabotaging Others’ Success

A promotion, a new relationship, or even a new haircut—if it isn’t about him, he’ll downplay, dismiss, or quietly undermine your win. Jealousy in disguise, often paired with a side of “constructive” criticism.

20. Treating Boundaries as Suggestions

Set a limit? He’ll push, prod, or bulldoze right through it. “No” is a foreign concept, and your boundaries are seen as obstacles, not guidelines. Stick to your guns—someone has to.

21. The Silent Treatment

When charm fails, silence becomes his weapon of choice. Days of radio silence after a disagreement, chilly shoulders, or mysterious disappearing acts—the aim is always to punish and regain control.

22. Love-Bombing and Withdrawing

Early on, he’s all charm and fireworks—grand gestures, endless attention, and over-the-top affection. Then, just as suddenly, he pulls away. The whiplash keeps you guessing, always chasing the high of those love-bomb days.

Finding Your Way Forward

Spotting narcissistic behavior is both a relief and a headache. Relief, because it’s not all in your head (no, you’re not asking for too much).

Headache, because change is unlikely unless the narcissist wants it—which, well, don’t hold your breath.

Boundaries, self-care, and trusted friends are your best allies. If possible, seek support from professionals who get it (and won’t be dazzled by tall tales or crocodile tears).

If you’re deeply entangled with a narcissist, especially in a romantic relationship or co-parenting arrangement, counseling and firm limits can be life-saving.

Above all, trust your gut. If you feel drained, anxious, or invisible, it’s not you—it’s the behavior.

And while you can’t change someone else’s personality, you can absolutely decide how much you’ll tolerate.

No one deserves to live life on eggshells or play supporting actor in someone else’s self-obsessed epic.

Here’s to reclaiming your spotlight, one boundary at a time.