Scientists reveal the key sign that your partner is a NARCISSIST

Nobody wants to settle down with a narcissist.

Now, scientists have revealed a key sign that indicates your partner has an exaggerated sense of self-importance.

Researchers have discovered that narcissists feel ostracized more frequently than their less-absorbed peers.

And so if your significant other regularly complains about being ‘left out’, this could be an important clue.

While narcissism can take various forms, the researchers chose to focus exclusively on grandiose narcissism – which includes traits such as entitlement, dominance, a strong desire for admiration and a tendency to seek status and recognition.

They first analysed data from a survey of 22,000 households in Germany, before focusing on a smaller group who answered questions about narcissism and ostracism.

Overall, they found that people with higher narcissism levels reported experiencing significantly more ostracism.

To confirm these findings, the researchers conducted a two-week study with 323 participants.

These individuals completed narcissism assessments and reported past feelings of ostracism. 

For the next 14 days, they logged moments when they felt excluded or neglected using a mobile app.

Lead author Christiane Büttner, from the University of Basel, said: ‘Feeling ostracized is a subjective experience based on the perception of social cues by the individual.

‘Some may be intentionally ostracized, while others may merely believe they are being excluded when that’s not the case.

‘Our findings suggest that individuals with higher levels of narcissism are more sensitive to exclusion cues, leading them to perceive ostracism more frequently.’

The findings highlight the complex interplay between personality traits and social experiences, the researchers said.

Understanding this relationship can help better address workplace conflicts, social isolation and even broader societal issues, they added.

‘If people with high narcissistic traits are more likely to feel and be excluded, this could contribute to escalating tensions in workplaces or social groups,’ Dr Büttner said.

‘At the same time, their heightened sensitivity to exclusion might make them more likely to react aggressively.

‘These findings suggest that interventions aimed at improving interpersonal relationships and reducing social friction should consider both the perceptions and behaviours of the individuals involved.’

Interestingly, the researchers also found evidence that the relationship between narcissism and social exclusion works both ways.

‘Narcissism may contribute to social exclusion, but ostracism itself can also fuel the development of narcissistic traits,’ Dr Büttner explained.

The findings were published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.