A list of thought-provoking narcissist quotes to spot narcissists in your life and how to deal with them
A young man sat by a river, gazing at his own reflection. “How beautiful he is. I wish I can be with him forever.” He murmured to himself, over and over again. Behind him was a long queue of women and men dying for his attention. But all he saw was this man – his own reflection. He was obsessed and couldn’t pull away. Eventually, thirst, hunger, and unrequited love killed him.
The name of the young man is Narcissus, the son of the river god in Greek mythology. His name later became the origin of narcissism – a term that is thrown around too often.
Not all narcissists today are as easy to spot as their Greek origin. But something doesn’t change – narcissists love themselves to the core, and others just don’t matter. And narcissistic personality disorder will not only harm the person himself but the people around him.
Wondering whether you are in a narcissistic relationship? What are the signs of a narcissist, and how to deal with one? Here is a list of narcissist quotes to help you identify and make the right call.
Narcissist quotes to spot them and walk away
Quotes about the signs of a narcissist
They only care about themselves and their image
When narcissists ask “how do you feel”, they are actually saying, “I am not feeling good, and now listen to me.”
– Emma Xu
He had never regarded other men as anything but puppets of a sort, created to fill up an empty world.
– Guy de Maupassant
The only principle that governs their minds is the question “How do I look?”
– Haruki Murakami
Narcissists care about the images. Almost everything they do, they do it to look good. They attach their physical appearances, achievements, and social status to their worth. And they will do anything in their power to glorify themselves.
Control freaks
No one gets more upset than a narcissist being accused of what they definitely did.
Narcissists are used to getting away from their wrongdoings. In their mindset, rules don’t apply to them as they are superior. When denial doesn’t work, they turn to rage. Behind the anger is their masked insecurity.
You learn a lot about people when they don’t get what they want.
Narcissists are much like fake friends. They use you only to get what they want. When they don’t, they show their true colors.
It’s never their fault
He stabs you and pretends that he’s the one bleeding.
Narcissists cheat and blame you for being clingy. They say they couldn’t commit unless you make them feel secure. All the damages are caused by them, but you are the one feeling guilty.
What narcissists don’t want you to know is that you’ve done nothing wrong except for one thing – falling for the wrong person.
You’ll never win the fight with someone who only lives in his reality.
Gaslighting is one of the games narcissists play with your mind. They deny what they have done and make you think you are the crazy one.
They are only sorry when they get caught.
Avoid people who blame you for wanting the same things they ask for.
– Emma Xu
You are not over-demanding to want attention and loyalty from your partner. They are the bare minimums, not luxuries.
Pay attention to the “but “s following an apology. That’s what they really want to say.
– Emma Xu
“I’m sorry that I call you names, but you really should look at yourself.” This is blame, not an apology. Narcissists don’t apologize because, in their minds, they are always right. They may make gestures, but never genuine.
The lack of empathy
If they have time to post selfies, they have time to reply to your text. Remember that.
– Emma Xu
Narcissists lack basic empathy. In other words, they don’t understand your frustrations. They don’t feel the same way you do. Keep waiting, and the wait is only going to get longer and longer.
He says he loves you but treats you like he hates you.
– r.h.Sin
You are breathing, but you feel yourself slowly disappearing.
– Emma Xu
Whether someone is a narcissist or not, if you are feeling dreaded, sad, and lonely in a relationship, it is clearly not healthy. You not being happy is enough of a reason to leave.
They seek validation
They are everywhere, doing everything, trying to be seen by everyone.
Self-absorption is a major sign of narcissistic personality disorder. Narcissists need admiration to feed their fragile egos. Thus they are usually the ones fighting for attention.
It’s worth noted that ego is not always a bad thing. Sometimes it pushes up to work harder and to achieve more. But when it becomes the reason behind manipulation, it’s not healthy anymore.
Manipulation
The boys who bully for attention don’t vanish. They grow into the men who shower you with “I love you” and handcuff you with your loyalty.
– Emma Xu
Those who are crying are not always innocent.
– Emma Xu
Half of the people lie with their lips, the other half with their tears.
– Nassim Nicholas Taleb
Narcissists don’t often show their vulnerable side because it may make them look bad. However, if they feel like they can use it to control you, it’s a different story.
That’s why compassionate people are more likely to fall victims to narcissists. They use your empathy and kindness against you.
“But I love you” is not a free pass for cheating and abuse.
– Emma Xu
Gaslighting
If your coffee tastes bitter, it is bitter. It’s not your tongue malfunctioning.
– Emma Xu
Narcissists treat people like an object. And they don’t like to be challenged by their possessions. When they are, gaslighting is what they use to mess with your mind.
They may deny what they have said and done and accuse you of being a lunatic. As Dr. Ramani Durvasula in an interview with MedCircle said, if you feel like you need a voice memo for your conversations, you are probably dealing with a narcissist.
They never tell the full story, just the part that makes you look bad.
Belittling
Run from people who say “you are so lucky to be with me”. If you really are, he won’t need to remind you.
– Emma Xu
Those who love you will let you know they feel lucky to have you, not the other way around. Belittling is what narcissists do to make you feel small just to gain respect and control.
You do all the chasing to earn a place. But you forget you are the catch.
– Emma Xu
Narcissists would, by all means, diminish your value. They play hard to catch and convince you that you don’t deserve any better. But you do. You are just lost in the mind games of a narcissist. As long as you shift your focus, you’ll rediscover your true worth.
Narcissist quotes on how to deal with them
Nice people don’t necessarily fall in love with nice people.
– Jonathan Franzen
Don’t blame yourself for attracting narcissists. You don’t deserve to be mistreated.
Stop giving someone your attention while all he deserves is your ignorance.
– Emma Xu
The best way to deal with narcissists is to avoid them and leave them once they show their true colors.
You can be a whole package and still end up at the wrong address.
Just because you are targeted by a narcissist doesn’t mean you are not a good person. You deserve better. Plus, it’s better to be happy and single than to be miserable in a relationship.
People don’t change. They just take their masks off.
You cannot heal in the same place that made you sick.
The best way to deal with a narcissist is to leave. Isolation helps to restore sanity. Once you are out of the influence of mind games, you will realize how much they don’t deserve you.
Read also: 34 Inspiring quotes about healing and moving on
You can’t change someone who doesn’t see an issue in themselves.
Love can’t change someone’s personality. Narcissists need consistent and professional help. If you are not a therapist, walk away.
If you have all the evidence, you don’t need a confession. Just walk away.
Whether they admit it or not doesn’t change the fact. If someone is toxic, he’s toxic no matter what. Trust your gut in this.
Remember, a narcissist will emotionally manipulate you back into a relationship just to dispose of you again. Be safe out there.
– VIRGO @missezrenee
You don’t have to wait for someone to treat you bad repeatedly. All it takes is once, and if they get away with it that once, if they know they can treat you like that, then it sets the pattern for the future.
– Jane Green
Once an abuser, always an abuser. Narcissists don’t change just because they promise to. But you can change how you treat yourself. Love yourself, guard your dignity, and say no to things and people that make you feel bad.
The only person that deserves a special place in your life is someone that never made you feel like you were an option in theirs.
– Shannon L. Alder
Which of these narcissist quotes resonates with you?
If these quotes about narcissists ring your bells about someone, it’s time to reconsider the relationship.
What are your experiences with narcissists? Let me know in the comment or tag me at @_ourmindfullife on Instagram.