Are you dating a narcissist? The five warning signs to look out for

A narcissist is a person who has an excessive interest in or admiration of themselves. This can be very toxic in a relationship because most of the time, a narcissist can be selfish and mean.

Studies have confirmed that narcissistic behavior is a recognized mental condition. Sufferers of what's called narcissistic personality disorder aren't just vain; they're monumental about themselves to the point of obsession, charmingly manipulative, and often have a sociopathic lack of empathy towards others.

So, how can you tell that you are actually dating a narcissist?

1. Loves to talk about oneself

One of the easiest ways to detect a possible narcissist is by listening to the way he or she speaks. A pathological narcissist loves to talk about himself, often in exaggerated and impressive terms. They tend to dominate a conversation.

2. Emotional insecurity

Their over-sensitivity is extreme. If the narcissist doesn't receive enough attention in a group setting, he or she may stir up trouble or exit the scene, only to chastise you later and degrade you and anyone else perceived to have stolen the limelight. This insecurity may be so extreme that it provokes incredible jealousy and envy that can't be assuaged.

3. They don't care much about your feelings

This is the really terrible bit about narcissists. They literally cannot care about your feelings. Other people, in the narcissistic universe, exist purely to serve their own impressive self-image; it's difficult for them to understand that feelings exist, or to care if any have been hurt.

4. Instant gratification

Some narcissists, being highly self-centered and self-absorbed, expect instant gratification to fulfill their needs. This may range from pushing you to answer their texts or calls immediately, to pressuring you to do things their way. A quick way to detect a possible narcissist is to gently say “no,” or “let me think about it” to a request you’re not comfortable with, and see how your date responds.

5. Extreme sense of entitlement

If you spend some time with a narcissist, you will discover that they all about themselves and want everything to rotate around them. A narcissist's self-absorption, which is an integral part of their inner wiring, means they believe they deserve preferential treatment over and above all others