It’s no secret that families can be complicated, and sometimes it can be difficult to understand the role that each family member plays. If you’ve been wondering if your mother might be a narcissist, you’re not alone. Narcissistic personality disorder is an actual mental health condition that can have a serious impact on the people in a narcissist’s life. Here are 5 signs that your mother might be a narcissist.
1. She’s always the center of attention.
If your mother always has to be the center of attention, it could be a sign that she’s a narcissist. Narcissists need constant validation and admiration, and they’ll go to great lengths to get it. If your mother is always seeking praise and compliments, or if she upstages you on a regular basis, it’s possible that she has narcissistic personality disorder.
2. She’s overly critical.
Narcissists have an inflated sense of self-importance, which often leads them to be overly critical of others. If your mother is constantly finding fault with you or nitpicking your every move, it could be because she’s trying to tear you down in order to feel better about herself. No one is perfect, but if your mother is constantly pointing out your flaws, it might be time to have a talk with her about how her words make you feel.
3. She doesn’t take responsibility for her actions.
Narcissists are notorious for not taking responsibility for their actions, and instead blaming others when things go wrong. If your mother has a history of making excuses or placing blame on others, it could be because she’s unwilling to admit that she’s anything less than perfect. This kind of behavior often causes conflict in relationships, so if you’re constantly arguing with your mother, it could be due to her narcissistic tendencies.
4. She lacks empathy.
One of the most obvious signs of narcissism is the lack of empathy that narcissists display towards others. If your mother regularly dismisses your feelings or seems unable to relate to you on an emotional level, it could be because she’s suffering from narcissistic personality disorder.
5. She takes advantage of others.
Narcissists are known for taking advantage of other people in order to get what they want, and this tendency often extends to family members as well. If your mother regularly asks you for favors but never returns them, or if she frequently borrows money from you without paying it back, it might be time to re-evaluate your relationship with her. These are just some of the signs that your mother might be a narcissist; however, only a qualified mental health professional can give you a definitive diagnosis. If you’re concerned about your mother’s behavior, reach out to a therapist or counselor who can help you better understand what might be going on.
Dealing with a narcissist can be difficult, but there are ways to manage the situation and protect yourself from getting hurt emotionally. If you think your mother might be a narcissist, reach out to a mental health professional who can help confirm or rule out this diagnosis. In the meantime, try to set boundaries with your mother in order to protect yourself from her harmful behavior.