Undeniable signs you have fallen for a narcissist

It’s easy to fall for a narcissist — they’re charming, polished and quick to get in your good graces with compliments and constant attention. Once you realise you’ve been duped into a relationship, it’s often too late; they use the same manipulative tactics to talk you into staying.
Not everyone you date who seems a little self-absorbed has what psychologists call narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), said W Keith Campbell, an author of a book on narcissism.“Narcissism is a personality trait that includes an inflated, positive opinion of oneself and a lack of empathy for others. Narcissists are able to maintain positive views of themselves by using a number of strategies — they might seek attention, brag, show-off and take credit for success from others but blame others when things go wrong,” added Campbell. Below, Campbell and other experts share some tell-tale signs that you’re dating a narcissist...
Narcissists charm the pants off anyone and everyone
Narcissists lay it on thick in the beginning, beguiling you with their charm and making you feel as though you’re everything they’ve ever wanted in a partner, said psychologist and author Jean Twenge. “Narcissists can actually be very charming and exciting when you first meet them. This is especially true if they want to impress you,” she explained. The behaviour is often called love-bombing — it’s the narcissist’s attempt to smother their love interest with praise, gifts and other exaggerated displays of affection. By the time you realise what they’re up to, you’re hooked on the attention.
They shine a light on you — then shift the focus elsewhere
Narcissists quickly make you feel like the centre of their universe and they’re just as quick to shift their focus elsewhere, said psychologist Margaret Rutherford. When the focus is just on you, it can actually feel intoxicating. But when they decide it’s time for someone else to take your place, it can actually feel as if the relationship had never existed. 4They’re not a fan of your family or friends Initially, the narcissist thinks the world of your friends and family but as time goes by, they make their true feelings about your loved ones known, said relationship coach Lindsey Ellison. “It’s to get you to believe that your friends and family are truly terrible so that you solely rely on your narcissist. Your partner is deeply threatened by your healthy relationships and has a huge fear of being exposed that they are no longer special — oftentimes, friends and family are the first to point out the truth,” she explained. The narcissist sees your family as obstacles who might interfere with their ability to manipulate you.
They have a checkered past when it comes to relationships
“Narcissistic individuals often leave behind a trail of wrecked relationships. They won’t take responsibility for this, however, so you will have to do some digging to check out their personal history. The best way to predict a person’s behaviour is to see what he or she has done in the past. Whatever it is, it is likely to happen again,” Twenge said.
They drain you of your energy
A narcissist barrages you with their own needs and feels no sense of guilt in doing so. What’s worse, the time and energy you devote to them is never quite enough, Rutherford said. “If you feel you can never meet the needs of the person you’re dating, it’s not you — narcissists are black holes of insecurity and need,” she explained.
They’re materialistic
The narcissist is obsessed with self-image and status symbols, said Ellison. Whether it’s clothes, cars, toys or vacation spots, the narc feels entitled to the latest and greatest in everything. “It’s a sign of their search for endless supply,” she explained. “Narcissists have a hard time being content with one person or thing because they continue to change their sense of self due to a deep, internal shame of who they are.”