Narcissist Identification Checklist: Overt vs. Malignant

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Step 1: Observe the Core Behavior

• Both Types

  • Constantly talk about themselves.

  • Need ongoing praise and validation.

  • React poorly to criticism.

  • View people as tools for personal gain.

Step 2: Look for the Red Flags That Separate Them

Signs of an Overt Narcissist

• Brags openly about achievements, real or exaggerated.

• Loves being the center of attention in social settings.

• Gets defensive when challenged, but doesn’t usually plot revenge.

• Competitive in an obvious, almost childlike way.

• Offense feels more like ego-driven immaturity than calculated cruelty.

Signs of a Malignant Narcissist

• Enjoys watching others fail or suffer.

• Uses fear, guilt, or intimidation as control tools.

• Creates “us vs. them” dynamics to pit people against each other.

• Carries out smear campaigns against perceived enemies.

• Retaliates strategically, your mistake becomes their long game.

Step 3: Gauge the Impact

• Overt Narcissist: Draining, frustrating, monopolizes space and attention, but usually leaves you annoyed more than traumatized.

• Malignant Narcissist: Leaves deep emotional wounds, damages your reputation, and can harm your career, finances, or mental health.

Step 4: Decide Your Approach

• If Overt:

  • Keep boundaries firm.

  • Limit ego-feeding interactions.

  • Use humor or redirection to defuse.

• If Malignant:

  • Minimize contact or cut ties.

  • Document interactions for your protection.

  • Avoid confrontation, they weaponize it.

Bottom Line: An overt narcissist may be a headache. A malignant narcissist can be a life-altering hazard.