Yes, a narcissist tends to have an exaggerated sense of self-importance and an excessive preoccupation with themselves. They often believe that everything revolves around them, and they expect constant admiration and attention from others. This behavior is characteristic of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), which is a mental health condition defined by a pattern of grandiosity, a lack of empathy, and a need for excessive admiration.
Some common traits of narcissists include:
Grandiosity: They have an inflated sense of their own abilities, achievements, and importance.
Need for admiration: Narcissists constantly seek validation and praise from others to boost their self-esteem.
Lack of empathy: They struggle to understand or relate to the feelings and experiences of others.
Exploitative behavior: They may take advantage of others to fulfill their own needs and desires.
Sense of entitlement: Narcissists believe they are deserving of special treatment and may disregard the rights and feelings of others.
Envy of others: They may be envious of others' successes and believe they are superior to those around them.
Fragile self-esteem: Despite their grandiose demeanor, narcissists often have fragile self-esteem that can be easily bruised by criticism or perceived slights.
It's important to note that not all self-centered individuals are necessarily narcissists. Narcissistic Personality Disorder represents a more severe and pervasive pattern of behavior that significantly impairs the person's ability to function in various aspects of their life and maintain healthy relationships.