Your friends are convinced that you were dating a man with narcissistic personality disorder. 

They may be right, but it's important to remember that narcissistic personality disorder is only one possible reason for your behavior. 

Not all personality disorders are the same , but they do share some of the same symptoms, and unless you're a doctor, they can be hard to recognize in a person you're dating.

There are some other personality disorders that closely resemble narcissistic personality disorder. 

Here are four similar personality disorders that share symptoms with narcissistic personality disorder:

Your narcissistic guy may display a range of behaviors and traits associated with NPD. He may constantly seek validation and admiration from others, expecting others to acknowledge his supposed exceptional qualities. He may have a sense of entitlement and demand special treatment or preferential treatment from others.

In relationships, individuals with NPD often struggle with maintaining healthy and meaningful connections. They may have difficulty recognizing and valuing the needs and feelings of others, instead prioritizing their own desires and aspirations. Their self-centeredness and lack of empathy can lead to a disregard for the emotions and boundaries of their partners, causing significant strain and conflict in the relationship.

Additionally, your narcissistic guy may exhibit a strong sense of superiority and belittle or criticize those around him. He may have an exaggerated sense of his own achievements and talents, often boasting about his successes. This constant need for external validation can make it challenging for him to handle criticism or accept personal responsibility for his actions, as he may deflect blame onto others.

It's important to note that while individuals with NPD may display these traits, a formal diagnosis can only be made by a qualified mental health professional. If you believe your guy exhibits narcissistic traits, it may be beneficial to encourage him to seek professional help for an accurate assessment and potential treatment options.

1. Borderline personality disorder 

A person with borderline personality disorder doesn't know who they are at all.

They constantly feel empty and panic about being abandoned.

They follow a sad pattern of intense unstable relationships, emotional instability, anger, and violence.

A person with narcissistic personality disorder can often lash out with a "narcissistic rage" that closely resembles the anger and violence of a person with borderline PD. 

2. Histrionic personality disorders 

People with histrionic personality disorder lack self-esteem and rely on other people's approval and praise to feel worthwhile.

They are often very careful about their physical appearance and go overboard with their charming personalities.

They are overly sensitive to criticism and their sincerity is often questionable. His obsession with his own appearance and the need to be the star of the show is easily mistaken for narcissism. 

3. Avoidant personality disorder 

In many ways, people with avoidant personality disorder are the complete opposite of people with narcissistic personality disorder, but the way they cope can lead people to suspect that narcissistic personality disorder is to blame.

People with avoidant personality disorder are afraid of being embarrassed or rejected.

They are convinced that they are not good enough to exist in society. They neglect their personal relationships for fear of ruining them, making their friends feel like they are too good to be around. 

4. Anankastic personality disorders

A person with anankastic personality disorder (commonly known as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) is obsessed with details, lists, rules, and schedules.

A person with this personality disorder cannot handle things not being perfect, which can make it impossible to finish anything.

They are often obsessed with their work. Their inability to focus on people instead of tasks can cause them to seem self-absorbed and only interested in their own needs, but this couldn't be further from the truth.

A person with anankastic personality disorder is often rigid because they feel a desperate need for order and control.