High-level narcissists, with their charismatic charm and manipulative prowess, possess a knack for ensnaring unsuspecting individuals in their web of deceit.

Discovering the subtle indicators of manipulation is essential for protecting oneself from the sly maneuvers of manipulators, even when these signs aren’t immediately obvious.

From their exaggerated sense of importance to their inclination to exploit others for personal gain, the characteristics of a high-level narcissist can be both devious and multifaceted.

However, there’s no need for alarm! There exist specific red flags frequently exhibited by narcissists that serve as warnings of potential exploitation.

In this piece, we delve into 8 unmistakable signals that may indicate you’re ensnared in the grasp of a high-level narcissist.

By unraveling the complexities of their manipulative strategies, you can reclaim control over your own narrative and assert your sovereignty.

1) They’re always the victim

We all know that one person who’s perpetually caught in a web of drama, right? But have you ever noticed how they’re always the victim?

It’s never their fault.

I had this colleague once, let’s call her Jane. Jane was a classic narcissist.

She was continually embroiled in some sort of office drama and, of course, it was never her doing.

If a project failed, it was the team’s fault.

If she missed a deadline, it was because she was overworked. It was always someone else’s fault, never hers.

High-level narcissists are experts at playing the victim card and will use it to manipulate and control others.

2) They gaslight you

I had an encounter with this when I worked with a guy named Mark. He had a knack for twisting things around.

If I confronted him about something he’d done wrong, he’d turn it around and make me feel like I was the one misremembering things.

It was exhausting and left me constantly second-guessing myself.

If someone is making you feel crazy or like you can’t trust your own judgment, that’s a classic sign of gaslighting.

Gaslighting is a tactic used by narcissists to make you question your own sanity.

It’s a psychological manipulation where they make you doubt your own experiences or memories.

3) They need constant attention and admiration

Narcissists thrive on attention and admiration.

They continually seek validation and praise from those around them to feed their inflated sense of self-worth.

Researchers found that narcissists respond more aggressively to personal criticism than non-narcissists.

This is because any form of criticism threatens their grandiose self-image.

If you notice someone who is always fishing for compliments, can’t handle criticism, and needs to be the center of attention at all times, you might be dealing with a high-level narcissist.

4) They exploit others without remorse

High-level narcissists possess a remarkable talent for exploiting others to serve their own interests, often without experiencing any sense of remorse or guilt.

It’s as though they lack the fundamental capacity for empathy and genuine concern for others—a crucial chip that guides most individuals’ moral compass.

Firstly, their relentless pursuit of personal gratification often blinds them to the consequences of their actions on others.

High-level narcissists prioritize their own needs and desires above all else.

They view those around them merely as tools to be manipulated for their benefit. 

Moreover, their inflated sense of self-importance fosters a belief that they are entitled to whatever they desire, regardless of the impact on others.

This entitlement fuels their willingness to exploit and manipulate without hesitation, as they perceive themselves as inherently superior and deserving of special treatment.

5) They are overly competitive

If you find yourself tangled up with someone who always insists on being numero uno, even if it means trampling over others in the process, chances are you’ve stumbled upon a prime specimen of the high-level narcissist breed.

I’ve always been a bit competitive myself.

Whether it’s a friendly game of basketball or a challenging project at work, I love the thrill of trying to be the best.

But there’s a difference between healthy competition and what I’ve seen in high-level narcissists.

Take my old boss, for instance. Let’s call him Paul. Paul was the type of person who had to win at everything, and I mean everything.

Even during team building exercises meant to foster collaboration, he turned it into a competition.

He always had to be right, and he always had to be the best.

It was exhausting working under him.

His constant need to outdo everyone created a toxic environment where teamwork was almost impossible.

6) They never apologize

Apologizing is like swallowing a humble pie—it means owning up to your slip-ups and admitting you’re not infallible.

But for narcissists, this is like asking a cat to bark.

Fessing up to an error would puncture their grandiose self-image, and that’s a luxury they can’t afford.

So, instead of shouldering the blame, they toss it onto someone else’s plate or pretending it doesn’t exist.

If you’re dealing with someone who’s tighter with apologies than Scrooge McDuck with his pennies, it might just be another telltale sign of a high-level narcissist.

7) They love to name drop

Picture this: You’re in a casual conversation with a friend, chatting about your recent vacation.

Suddenly, your acquaintance interjects with a story about how they once rubbed elbows with the Kardashians at a glamorous event in the French Riviera.

They drop names like confetti at a parade, subtly asserting their supposed superiority and importance.

It’s like they’ve got a Rolodex of VIP encounters ready to whip out at a moment’s notice, leaving everyone else feeling like mere mortals in their presence.

That’s a common trait of high-level narcissists.

They love to name drop as a way of asserting their superiority and importance even though it contributes nothing to the conversation. 

8) Their actions don’t match their words

Ah, the classic case of promising the moon and delivering… well, a pebble.

Word to the wise: don’t hold your breath waiting for those moon and stars—they’re too busy admiring themselves in the mirror to bother keeping their word.

High-level narcissists are masters of the art of saying one thing and doing another, leaving a trail of broken promises in their wake.

They’re like salespeople pitching a dream vacation: they’ll paint a vivid picture of paradise, promising you the moon and stars, but when it comes time to deliver, all you get is a postcard from the neighbor’s backyard.

It’s all part of their game to maintain their facade of superiority and control.

By spreading false hope, they keep you hooked, always chasing after the next empty promise like a dog chasing its tail.

Don’t get played: Own your narrative

In a world where high-level narcissists lurk around every corner, it’s crucial to arm yourself with knowledge.

When you recognize the telltale signs of manipulation, you can reclaim control over your own story.

Actions trumps words any day, and a narcissist’s charm can quickly turn into a web of deceit.

Stay vigilant, trust your instincts, and don’t let yourself be ensnared by their cunning tactics.

With awareness and empowerment, you can navigate through the maze of narcissism and emerge unscathed on the other side.

Keep your eyes open, and don’t let anyone dim your shine.