Ever heard the saying “First impressions matter”?

Well, it’s true. And sometimes, those first few minutes of interaction can reveal more about a person than you’d think.

Take narcissism, for instance.

Now, I’m no psychologist, but over the years I’ve learned to spot some telltale signs that someone might be a narcissist.

I’ve had a few run-ins with such individuals and let me tell you, the experience wasn’t exactly a walk in the park.

If you ever find yourself asking, “Are they just confident or could they be a narcissist?” you’re in the right place.

I’ve compiled a list of seven things that someone might do within minutes of meeting you that could indicate they’re likely a narcissist.

These signs aren’t foolproof, of course, not all confident people are narcissists and not all narcissists will exhibit these signs.

But it’s good to know what to look out for.

Whether it’s through written words or face-to-face interaction, clear communication can save you from a world of misunderstandings.

Let’s dive in and explore these signs together.

After all, knowledge is power and the more you know about spotting potential narcissists, the better equipped you’ll be to navigate your interactions with them.

1) They dominate the conversation

Ever been in a conversation where you can barely get a word in?

If within minutes of meeting someone, you find that they’re doing most of the talking, you might be dealing with a narcissist.

Narcissists typically love talking about themselves and their accomplishments.

They want to be the center of attention and often struggle to show genuine interest in others.

It’s like they’re on their personal stage, delivering a monologue, with you as the captive audience.

But remember, communication is meant to be a two-way street.

It’s about sharing, listening, and understanding – it’s not just about one person hogging the spotlight.

If you notice someone dominating the conversation right off the bat, take note.

It could be one of the telltale signs that they’re more interested in themselves than they are in you or anyone else around them.

2) They’re quick to brag

There’s nothing wrong with being proud of your achievements.

But when someone starts bragging within the first few minutes of meeting you, it can be a bit off-putting.

I remember a time when I met this guy at a networking event.

No sooner had we shook hands, he launched into a monologue about the expensive car he just bought, the fancy vacation he just came back from, and how he had just closed a massive deal at work.

Frankly, it was overwhelming and quite uncomfortable. It felt more like an interview than a casual conversation.

Narcissists often use bragging as a tool to make themselves look superior.

They want to impress you, and they want you to admire them for their accomplishments – real or exaggerated.

If you encounter someone who starts dropping not-so-humble brags within minutes of meeting you, it might be a sign that they’re a narcissist.

3) They fish for compliments

Now, let’s talk about compliments. We all like receiving them, right?

But imagine meeting someone who seems to be fishing for them, almost desperately.

I once met a person at a conference who kept steering the conversation towards their new designer outfit. “Do you like my suit?” they asked at one point, “It’s custom-made, you know.”

And while it’s okay to want validation, the constant need for admiration and approval can be a sign of narcissism.

Narcissists often seek out compliments to feed their inflated sense of self-importance.

They need others to continuously validate their self-perceived greatness.

If you notice that someone is constantly steering the conversation towards their achievements or positive attributes in a bid to get you to compliment them, it might be a red flag that you’re dealing with a narcissist.

4) They lack empathy

Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, is a fundamental part of human interaction.

Narcissists often struggle with this.

If you find that within the first few minutes of meeting someone, they’re dismissive or insensitive to your feelings or experiences, it could be a red flag.

For instance, let’s say you mention having a tough week at work.

A person with empathy might respond with something like, “I’m sorry to hear that. Work stress can be tough to handle.”

But a narcissist might dismiss your concerns, change the topic back to themselves, or worse, use your vulnerability as a chance to one-up you.

Because narcissists are typically self-focused, they may struggle to show genuine empathy or interest in your feelings and experiences.

This lack of empathy is often a key indicator of narcissism.

Keep an eye out for how people respond to your emotions and experiences early on in your interactions.

It might just save you from a lot of future frustration and disappointment.

5) They name-drop incessantly

Ever met someone who can’t stop mentioning the high-profile people they know or have met? This could be another sign of a narcissist.

Narcissists often use name-dropping as a strategy to elevate their social status. It’s like they’re saying, “Look at me, I know important people.”

People who constantly name-drop are perceived as less likable and less competent.

Ironically, this tactic often backfires, creating the opposite effect of what the narcissist aims for.

Next time you’re in a conversation and the other person seems more interested in listing the names of all the important people they know rather than genuinely connecting with you, take note.

It could be a sign that you’re dealing with a narcissist.

6) They belittle others

Have you ever met someone who, within minutes of meeting you, starts to belittle or criticize others? This could be another sign of a narcissist.

I’ve seen this happen too many times.

Someone starts talking negatively about a mutual acquaintance or even a complete stranger.

It’s as if they’re trying to make themselves look better by putting others down.

But here’s the thing. Everyone has their own story, their own struggles, and their own triumphs.

Judging or belittling someone else doesn’t make us superior, it just shows a lack of understanding and empathy.

If you encounter someone who seems to get a kick out of criticizing others, remember that this could be an indication of narcissism.

It’s not about the person they’re belittling; it’s about them trying to inflate their own sense of self-worth.

Your kindness and understanding in these situations can make all the difference.

7) They have a sense of entitlement

One of the most glaring signs of narcissism is a sense of entitlement.

Narcissists often believe that they’re inherently deserving of special treatment, privileges, or compliance from others.

This could manifest in various ways within your first few minutes of meeting someone.

They might interrupt you mid-sentence, expecting you to listen to them but not extending the same courtesy to you.

Or they might make unreasonable demands, expecting you to adjust to their needs without considering your convenience.

Respect and understanding are two-way streets.

You deserve the same consideration and kindness that you extend to others. Don’t let anyone make you feel otherwise.

Moving forward

Recognizing the signs of narcissism can be a bit daunting, especially when it’s someone you’ve just met.

But remember, understanding these behaviors isn’t about passing judgment.

It’s about equipping yourself with the knowledge to navigate your relationships more effectively.

We all cross paths with a variety of people in life, and not all interactions will be positive.

However, each encounter provides an opportunity for growth and learning.

If you’ve identified some of these narcissistic signs in someone you’ve just met, don’t be too hard on yourself or them.

We’re all on our own journey, after all.

The key takeaway here is to trust your instincts.

If something doesn’t feel right within the first few minutes of interaction, it’s okay to take a step back and reassess.

And remember, it’s okay to set boundaries and prioritize your wellbeing.

After all, in the words of the renowned psychologist Carl Rogers, “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”

Here’s to understanding others better, to healthy interactions, and most importantly – to understanding and accepting ourselves just as we are.