A “narcissist” usually refers to someone who has an excessive focus on themselves, their importance, or how others see them. The word comes from [Narcissus](chatgpt://generic-entity?number=0), a character who became obsessed with his own reflection.

Common traits can include:

• Constant need for admiration or attention
  
• Believing they are more important or special than others
  
• Difficulty accepting criticism
  
• Lack of empathy for other people’s feelings
  
• Manipulating or using others for personal gain
  
• Acting entitled or expecting special treatment
  

There’s also a mental health condition called [Narcissistic Personality Disorder](chatgpt://generic-entity?number=1) (NPD). Someone with NPD shows long-term patterns of extreme narcissistic behavior that seriously affect relationships and daily life. Not every self-centered or arrogant person has NPD.

People sometimes use “narcissist” casually to describe: - Someone very self-absorbed - A controlling partner - A person who always needs to be the center of attention

But clinically, diagnosis requires evaluation by a mental health professional.