When we’re talking about narcissistic abuse, the focus is usually on the narc, but what about the people in their orbit?  What is it that keeps people so attached and willing to live with such an unhealthy dynamic?

Allow me to introduce a thing called codependency.

While the DSM-5-TR officially recognizes only one diagnosis for NPD, the truth is that narcissism doesn’t look the same in everyone. It can show up in different ways and with varying intensity.

In the descriptions below, perhaps you’ll recognize patterns you hadn’t really noticed before.

Narcissist is a word that’s been getting thrown around a lot lately. It pops up on social media, in the news, or even in casual conversation as someone describes their friend, parent, or significant other.  Most of us know someone who has a really high opinion of themselves, but are they narcissistic or are they just a garden variety a**hole?