9 things that almost all narcissists love to talk about, according to psychology

We all know that one person who loves to steer the conversation back to themselves, right?

It’s not just your imagination, it might be narcissism.

Narcissism is a term thrown around a lot these days, but it’s more than just an inflated ego. Psychology tells us that it’s a complex personality trait, and narcissists have specific topics they love to talk about.

We’ll delve into nine of these subjects that almost all narcissists can’t resist discussing. So buckle up, because understanding these could change how you see that self-obsessed person in your life.

1) Their achievements

It’s no secret that narcissists have a love affair with the spotlight. And what better way to command attention than by discussing their achievements?

Psychology tells us that people with narcissistic tendencies often have an inflated sense of their own accomplishments.

They believe they are superior, and they want others to see them that way too. This self-glorification serves to feed their ego and reinforce their self-perceived superiority.

But remember, engaging in these conversations doesn’t mean you’re enabling them. Understanding is the first step towards navigating these tricky dialogues.

2) Their personal life

Now, this one hits close to home.

I had a coworker once who was always the center of attention. And you guessed it, he was a textbook narcissist.

Every time we gathered around the water cooler, he’d dive deep into the details of his personal life. From what he ate for breakfast (always something elaborate) to his weekend plans (always extravagant), we knew more about him than we did about some of our closest friends.

Psychology suggests that narcissists are prone to oversharing as a way to keep the focus on them. It’s not about connection or intimacy, but about maintaining control of the narrative and keeping themselves at the forefront of everyone’s mind.

3) Power and success

Narcissists have a particular fascination with power and success. They’re drawn to it like moths to a flame, often placing themselves in the company of successful individuals to bask in their reflected glory.

This obsession isn’t just about achieving success for themselves. It extends to talking about influential figures, successful businesses, and even powerful nations. It’s all part of their grandiose self-image and desire to associate themselves with greatness.

Did you know that research suggests that narcissists are more likely to choose professions with prestige and power?

This fascination isn’t just talk; it influences their life choices too.

4) Their appearance

We live in a world where appearances matter, but for narcissists, it’s more than just looking good. It’s about standing out, being admired, and even envied.

Narcissists often place a high value on physical attractiveness and will go to great lengths to maintain their appearance. They might frequently discuss their workout routines, diet, clothing, or even cosmetic procedures.

This preoccupation with looks isn’t just vanity. Psychology tells us it’s another way for narcissists to assert their superiority and demand attention.

5) Their problems

Everyone has problems, but when you’re dealing with a narcissist, their issues often take center stage. Whether it’s a minor inconvenience or a major setback, they’ll make sure you know all about it.

Narcissists aren’t just sharing their problems for sympathy. Often, they use their issues as a tool to gain attention and keep the conversation focused on themselves.

It’s also a way for them to subtly establish their dominance by demonstrating how they can overcome any obstacle life throws at them.

So if you find yourself listening to an endless list of someone’s problems, take a step back. It might not be about seeking advice or comfort, but another way for them to keep the spotlight firmly on themselves.

6) Their dreams and ambitions

We all have dreams and ambitions, but for a narcissist, these can be grandiose, often bordering on unrealistic.

They might talk about becoming the next CEO of a Fortune 500 company, or owning a private island, or even becoming the next big Hollywood star.

These aren’t just idle fantasies. For a narcissist, these dreams serve as a projection of their inflated self-worth and a testament to their perceived uniqueness.

Listening to these dreams can be challenging, especially when they seem so out of reach. But remember, these lofty ambitions aren’t just about achieving success; they’re an essential part of a narcissist’s self-image.

7) Their relationships

I remember a friend who would always bring up her relationships in every conversation. Whether she was dating someone new or having issues with her family, the topic always found its way into our discussions.

This isn’t unusual for narcissists. They often discuss their relationships as a way to showcase their perceived desirability or to highlight the drama they’re enduring.

These conversations aren’t just about sharing; they’re about dominating the narrative and drawing attention.

It’s essential to remember that, even when the stories shared seem deeply personal or vulnerable. It’s just another string to their bow in their continuous pursuit of attention and control.

8) Their talents and skills

If there’s one thing a narcissist loves to talk about, it’s their abilities. Whether they’re a virtuoso violinist, a gourmet cook, or a master chess player, they’ll make sure everyone knows about it.

But it’s not just about sharing their passions. Narcissists use their talents as another way to assert their superiority and demand admiration. They often exaggerate their skills or belittle others to make themselves stand out.

So if you find yourself in a conversation that feels more like a one-man show, look deeper. It might be more than just pride in their abilities; it could be a sign of narcissistic behavior.

9) Themselves

At the heart of it all, the favorite topic of conversation for a narcissist is, unsurprisingly, themselves.

From their thoughts and opinions to their feelings and experiences, everything circles back to them.

This self-focus isn’t just about sharing or connecting; it’s about maintaining control and being the center of attention. It’s the cornerstone of narcissistic behavior and the one thing you can be sure a narcissist will always love to talk about.

Final thoughts: A window into the mind

As we navigate our daily interactions, understanding the nuances of narcissistic behavior can provide valuable insights. It can be like opening a window into the mind of someone who sees the world from a different vantage point.

The fascination narcissists have with discussing their achievements, personal life, power, appearance, problems, dreams, relationships, talents, and ultimately themselves might seem overwhelming. But it’s more than just an insatiable desire for attention or validation.

Psychology tells us that these behaviors are deeply ingrained parts of their personality structure. It’s a manifestation of their self-perception and their way of interacting with the world.

Understanding is the first step towards empathy. And empathy, in turn, is the foundation for better, more compassionate interactions with all kinds of people – narcissists included.