Narcissists. You have either dealt with one, seen one in action from a safe-ish distance, heard about one at length through the rants and raves of your loved ones or… you, unfortunately, are one. 😊
But more than likely you are reading this blog because you are sure you have encountered a narcissist – dated one, worked for/with one or suspected in whatever situation you know of one. You just knew there was something off about the person. Not off as in they-are-a-bit-different; but off as in something disturbingly, off-the-chain, almost psychopathically wrong, type of off with them.
Perhaps the realisation came in hindsight when you walked away and pulled unexpected daggers out of your back. Perhaps it’s something affecting you now … you sometimes feel as though you are crazy and ask yourself “am I making these things up; am I the problem; did this really just happen?”. Or perhaps you have just realised, you have started doubting yourself and your abilities lately; or “oh wow, I’m actually overeating, binge-watching series, becoming withdrawn” or whatever your coping mechanisms are in response to this person’s behaviour.
But what is a true narcissist, what is Narcissistic Personality Disorder and are you in fact a narcissist? 🙂 Here are a few sources unpacking exactly that.
What is Narcissistic Personality Disorder?
Physcologytoday.com explains that Narcissistic Personality Disorder is categorised as a mental disorder, in which a person has an over-inflated sense of self and their own importance and at the same time needs people to deeply admire, revere, envy and placate them. A person with Narcissistic Personality Disorder believes they are superior and disregard other’s feelings. They present a mask of super confidence but have a fragile self-esteem, which makes them extremely sensitive to the slightest criticism.
According to Physcologytoday.com, everyone can exhibit signs and symptoms of narcissism especially in high-pressure situations (like lockdown), but someone with Narcissistic Personality Disorder will show many of the signs, consistently over a period of time.
Signs of Narcissistic Personality Disorder:
Here are some of the more common signs that you may identify in a narcissist.
- Conversation hogger and interrupter;
- Name and status dropper;
- Spotlight snatcher;
- Takes all the credit or too much credit;
- Charming and persuasive especially if they can benefit from you or get a higher status through association with you (but no follow-through);
- Breaks rules/social norms (sometimes even laws);
- Sensitive to criticism and blames failure, on others;
(Physcologytoday.com)
- Shows a lack of empathy;
- Excessive need for admiration;
- Cocky, manipulative, selfish, patronising, and demanding (in all relationships – family, romantic and work);
- Coldness or rages (at slightest perceived disagreement; seeing this as a personal attack);
- Need for constant praise and admiration; and
- Frequently demeans, intimidates, bullies, or belittles others.
(Helpguide.org)
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