Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist who specializes in narcissistic behavior, explained the concept of "conversational narcissist" in a recent youtube video and shares the red flags to look out for.
- Controlling the topic of conversation- They try to limit the discussion to topics they know a lot about so they can talk the most.
- Monopolizing the conversation- Dr. Durvasula says, "If you were to divide a conversation up into time, 80 percent of that conversation would go to the conversational narcissist. When it's not them talking, they'll sometimes step away. So they won't even be in the conversation when it doesn't involve them."
- Displaying a superiority complex- a narcissist comes across as arrogant and superior, making it less likely for other to cut in .
- Being a "know it all"- Dr. Durvasula says, "The conversational narcissist will always pitch themselves as the expert. It's consistent with this arrogant pattern."
- Constantly interrupting- They interrupt or talk over people in a group setting and do so without any apology or remorse.
- Self-praise- repeatedly mentioning one's own achievements without being prompted, when it's entirely irrelevant to the conversation.
- Giving unsolicited advice- They might offer advice not only when no one is asking for it, but it's usually bad and self-serving.
- Manipulating the conversation- they steer the conversation to serve their own agenda.
- No listening or self-awareness- There is no give and take in the conversation, it's all take. You're basically being talked at and not talked to.