Be Careful When Labelling People a “Narcissist” — It Likely Doesn’t Matter

Unless you’re a qualified professional and the person is looking for help, labels can be extremely destructive. I urge you to pause and think before labelling someone — these things stick.

The term “narcissist” was apparently first identified as a mental disorder way back in 1898 (I was surprised to learn this)— but only recently has it become more widely used, as well all know.

Everywhere you look, every friend you talk to, every bookstore, every podcast, every broken heart or person who doesn’t like their boss you’ll find something….Narcissist! Narcissus! Narcissism! Narcissistic! Narc!

Someone who takes too many selfies? Narcissist

Your self-centered asshole boss? Narcissist

Your partner who puts a lot of effort into the way she looks? Narcissist

Your partner doesn’t listen to you? Narcissist

Your mom was manipulative? Narcissist

Got dumped? You got it…Narcissist!

The temptation is real to jump to label someone when there are clearly traits about them that mimic the definition of a narcissist. Maybe they have a sense of entitlement that makes your skin crawl, or perhaps it’s that they lack empathy and you’re sitting there how the heck they couldn’t feel…