If a man uses these 9 phrases in a conversation, he’s subtly revealing his narcissistic side

Tina Fey by Tina Fey | January 24, 2025, 3:38 am

Ever heard the saying “actions speak louder than words”? Well, sometimes, we’ve got to listen to the words too.

Take narcissism. It’s not always obvious. It’s not just about loving yourself too much. Sometimes, it shows itself in the words people use.

Now, let’s say you’ve met a charming guy. He seems nice. But is he really? His words might hold the clue.

Here are 9 things he might say that’ll show his hidden narcissistic side. But remember: we all have our moments. We can all be a bit selfish or attention-seeking at times.

1. “I don’t need anyone else”

This might seem like a statement of independence at first. But if he’s constantly asserting that he doesn’t need anyone else, it might be a sign of narcissism.

Narcissists often believe they are self-sufficient to an extreme degree, not acknowledging the importance of relationships and support from others. It’s not about being independent; it’s about dismissing the value and worth of other people in his life.

2. “Nobody does it better than me”

Sure, confidence is attractive. But if a guy is always stating how he’s the best at everything, be wary.

This might be a narcissist’s way of asserting superiority and looking down on others. In a healthy conversation, there’s room for acknowledging others’ talents and skills, not just praising oneself.

3. “I don’t make mistakes”

Now, this one takes me back. I once dated a guy who never admitted when he was wrong. Even in small things, like taking a wrong turn, he’d say, “I don’t make mistakes. This route is just more scenic.”

At first, it was amusing. But over time, I realized it was his way of avoiding accountability. If your guy can’t acknowledge his mistakes, even the small ones, it might be because he’s showing a bit of a narcissistic side.

Remember, everybody makes mistakes – it’s human. The real strength lies in owning up to them and learning from them.

4. “Did I mention I know…”

Name-dropping and showing off connections can be a classic sign of a narcissist.

If he often uses phrases like “Did I mention I know…” followed by the name of some influential person or celebrity, take note. This could be his way of trying to impress you and make himself look important.

Fun fact: According to psychologists, narcissists frequently use name-dropping as a strategy to make themselves appear more powerful or connected than they really are.

5. “You don’t understand”

Communication is the heart of any relationship. So, when a man often says, “You don’t understand,” it can be more than just frustrating.

If he uses this phrase to dismiss your feelings or perspectives, it might be a sign of his narcissistic side. A narcissist often believes that their perspective is the only one that matters or that they’re the only one who can truly understand certain things.

Remember, empathy is not a sign of weakness but a strength that fosters mutual understanding and respect in a relationship.

6. “I deserve better”

I’ll never forget when an ex-boyfriend of mine started using this phrase frequently. Each time we had a disagreement, instead of trying to work things out, he’d say, “I deserve better.” It was his way of avoiding the issue and making me feel like I was constantly falling short.

And you know what? That’s a classic play from the narcissist’s handbook.

If your guy is always suggesting that he is somehow superior and deserves better without giving any thought to your feelings or efforts, you might be dealing with a narcissist. You deserve someone who values you and is willing to work through disagreements together.

7. “I’m not like other guys”

Let’s get real for a minute. This phrase can be a major red flag.

It might sound romantic at first, like he’s setting himself apart from the crowd. But if it’s repeated too often, it might be his way of saying that he thinks he’s superior to others. That’s pure narcissism right there.

We’re all unique individuals, sure, but nobody is so special that they’re above everyone else. Remember that.

8. “People are just jealous of me”

If your guy frequently says that others are jealous of him, be cautious. It might be his way of dismissing any criticism or negative feedback from others.

This is a common tactic narcissists use to protect their self-image. Here’s an interesting fact: Narcissists often overestimate the amount of envy others feel towards them, as it feeds their need for self-importance and superiority.

9. “I’m always the victim”

Now this one, it’s a tough pill to swallow. If your guy is always painting himself as the victim, watch out. It’s a classic narcissistic move. They twist the narrative to make themselves look like the poor, misunderstood soul, no matter what happened.

It’s never their fault – at least in their eyes. It’s a way to avoid taking responsibility and to gain sympathy at the same time.

Honest moment here: dealing with a narcissist can be draining. If you’re hearing these phrases often, take a step back, reassess and remember – you deserve respect, understanding, and empathy in a relationship. Don’t settle for less.

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