What Is Narcissist: And More About Them

Do you know what a narcissist is? A narcissist is someone who has an inflated sense of their importance, a deep need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. This can lead to them being emotionally abusive or manipulative. If this sounds like someone you have in your life, then this blog post will help you understand more about what makes up the personality of a narcissist and how to deal with it.

What Is Narcissist?

A narcissist is someone who has a kind of mental illness. Narcissists are those people who have certain beliefs about themselves and their self-esteem which they think as the best in the world.

So it’s not necessary that all narcissistic people love or respect them but there can be other reasons behind such types of behavior like insecurity, fear of abandonment, and feeling of entitlement.

Traits Of A Narcissist

Self-obsessed and lack empathy

They tend to be very attention-seeking, so they typically want everyone’s life to revolve around them. The narcissist will often try to convince you that if you do not pay enough attention or give them what they want. That there is something wrong with you and no one else would ever love you. They are typically very manipulative and use people to their advantage. It can make the person who is in a relationship with them feel used or even abused at times.

Believe that they are special and unique

This leads them to only associate with other high-status people. Often, the narcissist will have a very grandiose sense of self-worth which can often lead to them feeling entitled. Many times they feel as if they are above the law or don’t have to follow any rules because they think they are superior.

Need excessive control and power over others

This usually stems from their fear of abandonment or not being in control. Oftentimes, the narcissist will be very domineering and make it seem like you have no say in what goes on in your relationship with them. This can often leave the person feeling powerless and suffocated.

Can be very manipulative

As mentioned before, the narcissist is constantly trying to control everything in his or her life so that he or she can feel secure. This need for power over others typically comes from a place of fear. Because it makes them feel more safe knowing that they have everything under their control.

• In a relationship, this can be dangerous because the narcissist will try to convince you. That if you don’t do what they want then there is no point in being with them at all. This often leaves the person feeling like he or she has no choice and must comply for fear of losing the other half altogether.

Can often be very insensitive

This is one of the biggest red flags when it comes to narcissists. Because they are so wrapped up in their world. They often do not understand or care about how their words or actions might affect other people. These people will often say hurtful things without realizing the impact. They will never take responsibility for their actions or words.

Can be very controlling in relationships

Because the narcissist has such a need to feel secure, he or she is constantly trying to control everything around them. So that if anything happens then it won’t catch him or her off guard. This often leads to manipulation and abuse because the narcissist will use whatever tactics necessary to get what he or she wants. This can be very harmful and destructive in a relationship because it leaves the other person feeling like they are walking on eggshells all the time.

Excessive need for admiration and praise

This is also known as narcissistic supply and it’s something that the narcissist thrives off of. They need constant validation from others to feel good about themselves and without it. They will often lash out or become very depressed. This is why the narcissist is so obsessed with status and being admired because it makes them feel like they are worth something.

Put up a façade

Narcissists are master manipulators and often have two personalities. One is the persona that they put on for the world to see which is usually a mask of perfection. The other personality is their true self, which is often dark, twisted, and full of rage. This side of them is often hidden from everyone except the people closest to them and when it does come out. It’s often in very subtle ways that can leave you feeling confused.

Do not change or take responsibility

Narcissists think that they are perfect just the way they are and usually never want to admit any wrongdoing. This is why many narcissists are so against therapy. They often think that they do not have any problems or need to change. Because there is nothing wrong with them. This can leave the person in a relationship feeling helpless and hopeless about trying to help their partner fix himself or herself.

Often unable to maintain relationships

This is one of the biggest signs of narcissism and if your partner has this trait, then there usually isn’t much hope for their relationship with anyone else. Narcissists are extremely selfish and often do not care about the feelings of those around them. They are incapable of true love and dedication. This can make it very difficult for someone who has a narcissist as a spouse or significant other because they never know if they will be there tomorrow or not.

Types Of Narcissist

Grandiose Narcissist

This type is the most stereotypical and often what people think of when they hear the word narcissist. They are often very boastful and have a sense of entitlement that is unmatched. They see themselves as superior to others and have no problem putting them down.

Shy Narcissist

This type is less common and often goes unnoticed because they don’t feel the need to overcompensate for anything. They are usually very introverted, shy people who rather stay at home than go out with others. This is why it’s so easy for them to fly under the radar.

Haughty Narcissist

This type of narcissist puts on a mask of arrogance and pride. They are usually very arrogant people who seem unapproachable to others. While they might come off as cocky or self-centered, this is just a mask that hides their deep insecurities which often stem from childhood trauma.

Malignant Narcissist

This type can be even more dangerous than the rest because they are the ones who cause most of society’s problems. They can be found in politics, business, and even religion where they often prey on others to get what they want. This is one type that you do not want to cross because they will come after you if angered or threatened enough.

Why a Narcissist Is Like That?

There is no one answer to this question because every narcissist is different. However, there are some common reasons why a person might become a narcissist.

One reason could be due to traumatic events that happen during childhood such as being neglected or abused.

• This can often leave the child feeling like they are not good enough and cause them to seek validation from others.

Another reason could be due to the environment that they grew up in where other people constantly praised them or put them on a pedestal.

• This can cause children to think that their worth comes only from external factors and not internal ones. It leaves them feeling empty inside no matter how many praises they get externally.

How To Deal With A Narcissist?

The best way to deal with a narcissist is unfortunately not an easy one. It takes time, patience, and a lot of love. You have to be willing to put up with their abuse and never give up on them.

• Start by trying to understand why they are the way they are. This means being able to tolerate their outbursts, mood swings, and narcissistic behavior.
• Not giving them the reaction that they are used to will often throw them off and make them rethink their behavior.
• Set boundaries and stick to them. Narcissists do not like it when they are told no and will often react negatively.
• Remind them that they are not perfect and that everyone makes mistakes. This can be hard to do, but it is something that they need to hear.
• Be reasonably there for them when they need you and try not to give up on them no matter how bad things get. Probably, love is the most powerful force in the world and it can or might often change a narcissist for the better.

NOTE: Remember that when it comes down to it, narcissists are just insecure people who need constant attention and appreciation, so they act the way they do to get this from others.

Things To Remember

Chances are that they will not change

This is the most important thing to remember when it comes to narcissists. They are not going to change unless they want to and even then, it’s often very difficult for them. This means that you cannot fix or change them and trying to do so will only lead to frustration on your part. You need to focus on yourself and what you need to do to move on.

Narcissism usually stems from childhood

If the person in your life is a narcissist, it’s important to understand that this behavior usually comes from their upbringing. They were often children who grew up with parents who did not give them the attention or praise that they needed. This leaves the child feeling insecure and like he or she needs to put on an act of perfection so that people will pay attention to them. This can be very difficult because it’s not something that you can typically change overnight.

Conclusion

While narcissism is a very serious mental disorder, there is still hope for those who are in relationships with someone who suffers from it. With patience, love, and understanding, you can help them to get the treatment they need and hopefully start to repair the relationship. It’s a long road to recovery, but it is possible. However, be vigilant and ensure that you do not drain yourself in the process. As sometimes, you cannot help somebody who does not want to help themselves.

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