We’ve all come across them. Those individuals who seem to thrive on making every conversation about themselves.

The ones who always have the most fascinating stories, the biggest achievements, and the most dramatic life events.

Yes, I’m talking about narcissists.

Now don’t get me wrong.

We all have a touch of narcissism in us. A little self-love is important for maintaining a healthy self-image and self-esteem.

But there’s a line between healthy self-confidence and full-blown narcissism that some people seem to leap over without a second thought.

Here’s the kicker.

It’s not always easy to spot a narcissist from their words alone. But, their body language can often give them away.

Psychology reveals some interesting insights into the body language signs of those who are full of themselves.

So, if you’ve ever wondered “How can I identify a narcissistic person?” or “What are the tell-tale body language signs of someone who is full of themselves?” then this piece is for you.

Get ready to delve into the fascinating world of human behavior as we uncover 7 body language signs of narcissistic people who are full of themselves.

This isn’t just about identifying these individuals; it’s also about understanding how these behaviors can impact our interactions in personal and professional spaces.

Let’s dive in.

1) Excessive use of gestures

Have you ever been in a conversation with someone who seems to be conducting an orchestra?

They’re waving their arms around, making grand gestures, and generally dominating the physical space.

While this can sometimes be a sign of an enthusiastic or passionate speaker, it can also be a tell-tale sign of a narcissist.

Here’s why.

Narcissistic individuals often feel the need to make themselves the center of attention. One way they achieve this is by using exaggerated body language.

By filling the physical space around them, they aim to assert their dominance and control the conversation.

Psychology backs this up.

People high on the narcissistic spectrum tend to use more expansive postures and gestures.

They’re essentially trying to say “Look at me, I’m important”.

Next time you’re in a conversation with someone who’s acting like they’re directing a symphony, just pause and observe.

Are they genuinely passionate? Or are they just full of themselves?

2) Lack of eye contact

We’ve all heard of the importance of maintaining good eye contact during conversations.

It shows attentiveness, respect, and interest in what the other person is saying.

In my experience, narcissists often have a different approach.

Let me share a story.

A few years ago, I was at a networking event where I met a guy named James. James was charismatic and charming.

But during our conversation, I noticed something odd – he hardly made any eye contact with me.

At first, I thought maybe he was just shy or uncomfortable. But as the conversation continued, it became clear that this wasn’t the case.

He was more than comfortable talking about his achievements and successes but seemed disinterested when it was my turn to speak.

Narcissists often show a lack of eye contact because they’re not genuinely interested in what others have to say.

They’re more focused on themselves and their own stories.

While good eye contact can be a sign of respect and attentiveness, a lack thereof might just be a red flag for narcissism.

3) Constant checking in mirrors or reflective surfaces

Here’s a sight you might find familiar.

You’re out for a coffee with a friend. The conversation is flowing, the coffee is great.

But your friend, every now and then, can’t help but subtly check their reflection in the coffee shop window or in the spoon while stirring their drink.

It’s a tad annoying, right?

Well, narcissists take this to a whole other level.

They’re constantly seeking self-validation and confirmation of their attractiveness or success. Reflective surfaces become their best friends.

I once had a co-worker who would spend an inordinate amount of time preening in front of any reflective surface he could find.

At first, it was amusing; then it became bothersome.

This behavior is not just about vanity. It’s more about self-obsession and the need for constant self-affirmation.

They want to ensure they’re presenting their ‘best self’ to the world since their image is closely tied to their self-worth.

If you notice someone frequently checking their reflection, it might be more than just vanity at play.

4) Body language that screams ‘I’m better than you’

Ever been in a room with someone who seems to exude an air of superiority, even if they haven’t spoken a word?

It’s all in the body language.

Narcissists often use their bodies to express their perceived superiority over others.

This could be through standing taller, puffing out their chest, or holding their chin high in the air.

It’s like they’re silently communicating ‘I’m better than you.’

I remember attending a seminar where the speaker had this aura about him. He strutted around the stage, chin held high, chest puffed out.

He had this constant smirk on his face as if he knew something we didn’t.

This behavior is typical of narcissistic individuals. They use their body language to assert their dominance and superiority.

They want to make sure everyone knows they’re at the top of the pecking order.

Next time you encounter someone whose body language screams ‘I’m better than you’, take note. You might just be dealing with a narcissist.

5) Invading personal space

Personal space is a pretty universal concept, right? We all have that invisible boundary around us that we like to keep as our own little comfort zone.

But narcissists, they often don’t respect this space.

They might stand too close, touch unnecessarily, or lean in more than is comfortable. It’s as if your personal bubble doesn’t exist for them.

During my college years, I had a classmate who was notorious for this.

She would stand uncomfortably close during conversations and was always quick to touch your arm or shoulder while talking.

It felt invasive and downright disrespectful.

What’s interesting is that there’s actual science behind this behavior.

People with narcissistic tendencies often have a lower sensitivity to interpersonal distances.

They simply don’t register personal space in the same way most people do.

If someone consistently invades your personal space without considering your comfort, they may be demonstrating a classic sign of narcissism.

6) Lack of responsive facial expressions

Listening is an art. And part of that art is showing the speaker that you’re engaged and interested in what they’re saying.

This often involves nodding, smiling, or showing empathy through our facial expressions.

But with narcissists, you might notice a lack of these responsive facial expressions.

I recall a friend of mine who struggled with this.

Whenever I shared something personal or emotional with her, her face would remain remarkably unchanged.

It was as if my words didn’t register any emotional response in her.

And let me tell you, it hurts. It feels like you’re talking to a wall.

This is common among narcissists.

They often struggle to show empathy or understanding through their facial expressions because they are primarily focused on themselves.

Everyone deserves to be heard and understood.

If you notice someone’s not reciprocating your emotions or struggles through their facial expressions, it might not be about you.

They could be wrestling with their own narcissistic tendencies.

7) Dominating conversations

Ever been in a conversation that feels more like a monologue?

Where the other person talks non-stop, barely letting you get a word in? That’s another sign of a narcissist.

Narcissists love to dominate conversations.

They’ll talk about their achievements, their views, their stories, often with little regard for your input.

They may interrupt you, talk over you, or steer the conversation back to themselves. It can feel exhausting and frustrating.

This is because narcissists generally believe they’re more interesting and important than others.

They feel entitled to take up more space in the conversation.

If you find yourself in a one-sided conversation where you’re more of an audience than a participant, be aware.

Concluding thoughts

Understanding narcissism and its manifestations is not about labeling or judging others.

It’s about gaining insights into human behavior to navigate our relationships more effectively.

If you’ve recognized some of these signs in people around you, remember – it’s not personal. It’s their struggle, not yours.

Psychology teaches us that empathy and understanding are powerful tools in dealing with narcissistic behavior.

Just as importantly, self-care and setting boundaries are crucial for maintaining healthy interactions.

If you see these signs in yourself, it’s okay.

Change is possible, and it starts with understanding.

Take time to reflect on these signs and what they mean for your interactions.

Use this knowledge to foster healthier relationships – with others and yourself.

At the end of the day, we’re all complex beings navigating our paths in this world.

The more we understand about ourselves and others, the better we can relate, connect, and thrive.