Are You a Narcissist? 6 Sure Signs of Narcissism

Narcissistic people can appear charming, competent, and generous in public, making them seem like ideal friends or partners. However, their one-sided listening style and self-centered tendencies often lead to challenges in personal relationships.

Narcissists tend to dominate conversations, disregard others' perspectives, and become defensive or angry when criticized. This behavior is rooted in a listening disorder that centers on their own needs and dismisses others' feelings or concerns, making it difficult to sustain meaningful connections.

This article, by Susan Heitler, Ph.D., posted in Psychology Today on October 25, 2012, presents a Narcissism Quiz to help individuals assess narcissistic tendencies in themselves or others, focusing on behaviors like unilateral listening, self-centeredness, dismissiveness, and quickness to anger. People scoring high on narcissistic traits may benefit from developing better listening and communication skills.

While narcissistic habits can be difficult, they're often learned patterns that can be adjusted with self-awareness and effort. Practicing balanced (bilateral) listening can lead to healthier relationships by fostering mutual respect and cooperation.