I’ve always believed that the people we surround ourselves with greatly impact our personal growth.

After all, it’s through these relationships that we learn, evolve, and navigate the complexities of life.

However, have you ever found yourself in a relationship that seemed spiritually enriching but left you feeling drained and diminished?

Here’s the deal.

You might be dealing with a spiritual narcissist and not even realize it.

Quite deceptive in their approach, these individuals mask their narcissism behind a facade of spirituality.

So, if you’re wondering, “How can I identify a spiritual narcissist?”, this article is for you.

I’ll be discussing seven subtle behaviors that signal you’re dealing with one.

Just as a well-edited manuscript can transform into an engaging novel, understanding these behaviors can help you navigate your relationships more effectively.

Short, digestible paragraphs packed with impactful insights – that’s the aim here. It’s all about making complex ideas easy to understand, one thought at a time.

Let’s dive right in and unravel the mystery behind this special breed of narcissists who cloak themselves in spirituality.

1) They use spirituality as a superiority tool

Ever encountered someone who uses their spiritual journey as a means to establish superiority?

Let me explain.

A spiritual narcissist will often use their spiritual beliefs or practices to position themselves above others.

They may subtly imply that their level of enlightenment or spiritual understanding is superior, making others feel inferior in the process.

The tricky part is, this behavior is often so subtle, it’s easy to miss. You might even mistake it for genuine spiritual wisdom or leadership.

But remember, true spirituality promotes humility and equality, not superiority.

If you’re dealing with someone who uses spirituality as a status symbol, take note. That’s your first sign of a spiritual narcissist.

2) They lack empathy

Here’s a personal story that might sound familiar.

I once had a friend, let’s call him John. He was deeply into spirituality and often spoke about love, compassion, and understanding.

When it came to showing empathy in real-life situations, he was surprisingly lacking.

I recall a time when I was going through a personal crisis and needed a listening ear.

John, instead of offering comfort or understanding, dismissed my feelings with spiritual platitudes like “This is just your karma,” or “You’re attracting negativity with your thoughts.”

It felt as if my emotions were invalidated under the guise of spiritual wisdom.

That’s when I realized – spirituality should never be an excuse to overlook someone’s feelings.

If someone consistently lacks empathy, especially when you’re in distress, it’s a sign they might be a spiritual narcissist.

3) They monopolize conversations

Have you ever found yourself in a conversation that feels more like a monologue?

I’ve been there.

There was a time when I would sit through entire coffee dates, barely getting a word in.

My friend would dominate the conversation, talking endlessly about her spiritual experiences, insights, and awakenings.

Don’t get me wrong; I’m all for sharing spiritual journeys. But when it becomes one-sided, it’s a different story.

The thing is, a conversation should be an exchange, not a platform for one person to showcase their spiritual prowess.

If someone consistently hijacks conversations to make it about their experiences and insights, it’s a red flag.

That’s your third sign of dealing with a spiritual narcissist.

4) They are overly critical of others

Criticism can be a necessary tool for growth and improvement.

But there’s a thin line between constructive criticism and unnecessary fault-finding.

Here’s what I mean.

A spiritual narcissist often has a knack for pointing out the flaws and shortcomings of others.

They may disguise it as spiritual guidance or enlightenment, but it often leaves the other person feeling belittled or inadequate.

For instance, they might criticize someone’s lack of spiritual discipline or the way they interpret spiritual texts.

The irony is, spirituality encourages acceptance and understanding, not judgment and criticism.

If you notice someone who frequently criticizes others under the guise of spirituality, you might be dealing with a spiritual narcissist.

5) They have an inflated sense of entitlement

Believe it or not, narcissism isn’t just confined to the material world. It can seep into the spiritual world too.

An inflated sense of entitlement is a common trait among narcissists, and spiritual narcissists are no exception.

They often believe they are deserving of special treatment because of their perceived spiritual superiority.

This could manifest in many ways – maybe they expect others to accommodate their spiritual practices without considering the convenience of others, or they might feel entitled to receive special privileges because they consider themselves spiritually advanced.

Such entitlement contradicts the fundamental principles of spirituality, which promotes humility and selflessness.

Next time you see someone demanding special treatment due to their ‘spiritual status’, be cautious.

You might be dealing with a spiritual narcissist.

6) They use spirituality to avoid accountability

We all make mistakes – it’s part of being human.

The ability to accept responsibility and learn from our mistakes is a testament to our emotional maturity.

But here’s the thing.

A spiritual narcissist often uses their spirituality as a shield to avoid accountability.

They might blame their wrongdoings on external factors or label it as a ‘spiritual test’.

For instance, I knew someone who would justify their harsh words by saying they were merely ‘speaking their truth’, avoiding any responsibility for the hurt they caused.

True spirituality encourages self-reflection and accountability.

If a person consistently avoids taking responsibility for their actions under the guise of spirituality, be aware.

We all deserve relationships that foster growth and accountability, not avoidance and blame.

7) They lack genuine self-awareness

At the heart of any spiritual journey is self-awareness – the ability to introspect, to acknowledge our flaws, and to continually strive for self-improvement.

But a spiritual narcissist often lacks this genuine self-awareness.

They may portray an image of self-realization and enlightenment, but it’s usually skin-deep.

Underneath, they remain blind to their narcissistic tendencies and the impact they have on others.

This lack of true self-awareness is perhaps the most telling sign you’re dealing with a spiritual narcissist.

It’s what differentiates a truly spiritual person from one who merely wears the cloak of spirituality.

Final thoughts

Recognizing the signs of a spiritual narcissist can be challenging, especially since their behavior is often shrouded in the guise of spirituality.

If you’ve identified with any of these signs, it’s likely you’ve encountered a spiritual narcissist.

Here’s the silver lining – this realization is not a verdict, but an opportunity for growth.

Understanding these behaviors equips us to navigate our relationships better.

It allows us to set boundaries and protect our mental and emotional well-being.

Start by reflecting on your relationships. Notice if any patterns align with the behaviors we’ve discussed.

Are there instances where spirituality is used to manipulate or control?

Do you feel diminished or belittled under the umbrella of spiritual wisdom?

Remember, true spirituality should foster growth, empathy, and mutual respect.

It should not be a tool for narcissistic behavior.

It might be a daunting journey to untangle yourself from the grip of a spiritual narcissist.

But remember, every step you take towards understanding and setting boundaries is a step towards healthier relationships and personal growth.

Be gentle with yourself as you embark on this journey. Recognize your strength in seeking understanding and truth.

After all, self-awareness is the first step towards transformation.

And as you continue to grow and learn, remember this – the essence of true spirituality lies in humility, compassion, and genuine self-awareness.