Narcissism is a word that gets thrown around a lot these days, often by people who don’t actually understand what it means.
While actual narcissists are few and far between, sometimes people might suspect you’re one even if you’re not! They might not come right out and accuse you of it, but it’s pretty obvious it’s what they’re thinking because they tend to do these things.
1. They keep saying, “It’s not all about you.”
If someone regularly drops this line, they might feel you tend to dominate conversations or focus a lot on your own experiences. You might not mean to, but if you find yourself steering the topic back to yourself too often, it can give off self-centred vibes. That doesn’t make you a narcissist—it might just be a sign to practice active listening more often.
2. They roll their eyes when you talk about your achievements.
When you share your wins, if you notice someone rolling their eyes or sighing, they may think you’re bragging too much. There’s nothing wrong with being proud of yourself, but constant self-praise can come across as grandiose. Sharing achievements is great, but balancing them with humility can make a big difference.
3. They accuse you of being “too competitive.”
If someone often points out that you always need to “win” or “be the best,” they might think your desire to compete goes beyond friendly rivalry. Healthy competition is fine, but if everything turns into a contest, it can seem like you crave superiority. Being aware of when to step back and let other people shine can help shift that perception.
4. They distance themselves emotionally.
If a friend or partner starts pulling away, avoiding deep conversations, or keeping things surface-level, they may feel like they can’t be vulnerable around you. Narcissists are often accused of lacking empathy, so if you’re not offering emotional support when needed, they might misinterpret it as narcissism rather than a simple misunderstanding.
5. They say you “never admit when you’re wrong.”
If someone calls you out for always defending your stance or refusing to apologise, they may see this as a narcissistic trait. While everyone has moments of stubbornness, always needing to be right can come off as self-absorbed. Admitting mistakes and apologising sincerely can help dispel the misconception.
6. They point out that you interrupt a lot.
If you tend to jump into conversations before other people finish, people might feel you’re dismissing their thoughts. Narcissists often dominate conversations, but interrupting doesn’t automatically make you one. It might just mean you’re enthusiastic or eager to contribute. Practising patience and letting people speak fully can clear things up.
7. They mention you “don’t listen.”
If someone tells you that talking to you feels one-sided, they might believe you’re not genuinely listening. Narcissists are known for being poor listeners because they’re focused on themselves. But if you’re distracted or daydreaming, that doesn’t make you narcissistic—it just means you need to engage more fully.
8. They joke about your “huge ego.”
Humour can be a way for people to express serious concerns. If someone frequently makes jokes about your ego, they might actually think you’re a bit too self-absorbed. While having confidence is healthy, being aware of how often you talk about yourself can help tone down these perceptions.
9. They avoid giving you feedback.
If people seem hesitant to offer constructive criticism, they might believe you can’t handle it. Narcissists are often hypersensitive to feedback, but if you bristle at criticism, it could just be a knee-jerk reaction. Showing that you can take feedback gracefully can reassure everyone that you’re open to growth.
10. They say you “always have to be the centre of attention.”
If people mention that you dominate the spotlight, they may see you as someone who craves attention. Narcissists thrive on being admired, but simply enjoying attention doesn’t mean you’re one. Sharing the spotlight and supporting other people’s moments can help shift this perception.
11. They accuse you of “never asking how they’re doing.”
Relationships are a two-way street. If someone says you rarely ask about their life or feelings, they might think you’re self-centred. That doesn’t make you a narcissist—it might just mean you need to be more intentional about showing interest in other people. A simple “How have you been?” goes a long way.
12. They say you “talk down” to people.
If someone feels like you’re condescending or acting superior, they might associate this with narcissistic behaviour. You may not even realise you’re doing it, but tone and word choice matter. Treating everyone as equals, regardless of the situation, can help avoid having people think this.
13. They call you “dramatic.”
If people frequently describe you as dramatic, they may think you over-exaggerate your problems or make everything about you. While everyone has moments of venting, constant dramatics can be mistaken for attention-seeking. Balancing your reactions and keeping things in perspective can help.
14. They accuse you of “using people.”
If someone says you only show up when you need something, they might think you’re manipulative or self-serving. True narcissists often exploit everyone for their gain, but if this isn’t your intention, it might just be a case of miscommunication. Making an effort to give back or show appreciation can clear this up.
15. They keep their accomplishments quiet around you.
If friends hesitate to share their wins because they think you’ll downplay or overshadow them, they might see you as competitive or unsupportive. Narcissists struggle to celebrate other people’s successes, but if this isn’t you, take the time to genuinely cheer people on. It strengthens relationships and shows you care.
