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You may work for one. You may even live with one.

But if you don't recognize the dark personality traits of the narcissistic perfectionist, you could be putting your mental and physical health at risk, says clinical psychologist Simon Sherry.

The professor at Dalhousie University's Department of Psychology and Neuroscience has produced new, empirical research that reveals for the first time the ugly, toxic result when narcissism and perfectionism combine in the same person.

"Narcissistic perfectionism is destructive, and it tends to be particularly destructive to people who find themselves in an entrapped sort of relationship," Sherry says. "It's something that's corrosive to other people."

However, these individuals can be difficult to recognize. That's why Sherry has put together a checklist of traits to watch for:

1. Hypercriticism

The narcissistic perfectionist (NP) is quick to pounce on the mistakes of others, even minor blunders. Errors provoke frustration for the NP, who appears chronically dissatisfied with others' performance.

They routinely point out other people's flaws.

"The criticism is ceaseless," Sherry says. "And if you fall short of their lofty standards, they're likely to lash out at you in a harsh way."

2. Other-oriented perfectionism

For most of us, perfectionism means setting consistently high standards for ourselves. Not so for the NP.

They demand perfection from others: friends, family, co-workers and even their own children. There's an expectation that other people should do things as flawlessly as they do.

This trait is revealed through exacting verbal commands. If your boss is an NP, you'll be subjected to the strain of unrelenting, unrealistic expectations.

3. Entitlement

The NP always expects special treatment. They believe they are deserving of others' admiration and respect, given their self-described brilliance and unique status.

The rules of common courtesy, especially when it comes to waiting in line or getting stuck in traffic, don't apply to them.

As well, others are expected to bend the rules for them.

And the NP often feels let down because others are not giving them the reverence they deserve.

4. Grandiosity

The prototypical NP believes they are very important and may actually think they are perfect, intellectually and physically — regardless of the truth.

The NP believes they are the best at what they do, superior in every way.

"It's self-esteem on steroids," says Sherry.

While this trait may seem like the easiest to spot, Sherry says "covert" NPs can hide their grandiosity, relying on a secret, internal monologue.

Steve Jobs, the late co-founder of Apple Inc., is considered an archetypal NP.

Citing Walter Isaacson's 2011 biography of the famed entrepreneur, Sherry says Jobs consistently displayed all four traits throughout his life.

Read more (http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/canada/ns-research-uncovers-narcissistic-perfectionists----and-how-to-recognize-them-376581011.html)