Narcissistic Personality Traits: What They Are And What They Aren’t
“Wait, maybe I’m a narcissist.”
That’s the remark I see all of the time on every occasion I post approximately narcissism. If you’ve ever asked yourself this query, you’re now not by yourself and no, it doesn’t robotically make you a narcissist. Let’s take a more in-depth observation of what narcissistic tendencies absolutely are, what defines Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), and how you can tell the difference between wholesome self-self belief and something greater and more difficult.
Narcissistic Traits vs. Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Narcissism exists on a spectrum. You may have some narcissistic developments similar to someone who can sense nerve-racking while not having anxiety sickness. It turns into a sickness most effective while those trends intervene with relationships, work, and each day functioning.
Here are key trends commonly seen in narcissistic personalities, whether or not they meet the criteria for a proper diagnosis:
1. Superiority Complex
Narcissists see themselves as inherently higher than others. They dismiss reviews or evaluations and may come to be adverse if challenged. If you criticize them even constructively they may lash out or try to discredit you simply to shield their inflated self-image.
2. Entitlement
They assume apologies but hardly ever provide one, and will often role themselves as the regular victim.
3. Need for Attention
At birthdays, weddings, or celebrations of others, they might create drama, interrupt speeches, or shift conversations to themselves. Anything to reclaim the highlight.
4. Need for Control
Narcissists manage to protect their fragile ego. They regularly use manipulation like gaslighting (“That’s no longer what passed off”) or love-bombing (immoderate affection observed via withdrawal) to control the ones around them. If that fails, they may recruit others (“flying monkeys”) to return their model of reality and discredit dissenters.
5. Lack of Boundaries
They frequently see others as extensions of themselves, particularly kids or partners. Your fulfillment will become their success. Your failure turns into their disgrace.
6. No Accountability
Apologies? Unlikely. Narcissists do not often admit fault because accepting blame could fall apart the façade they’ve built.
7. Lack of Empathy
Perhaps the maximum defining trait: a lack of ability to recognize or care how others experience.
8. Splitting (All Good or All Bad Thinking)
A narcissist may idealize someone one moment, and demonize them the subsequent. This black-and-white thinking maintains them emotionally safe, but makes relationships risky and unstable.
So… Am I a Narcissist?
If you're reading this, thinking, and worried you might be a narcissist it’s not likely. That subject by myself shows empathy, perception, and self-awareness tendencies that narcissists lack.
Still unsure? Ask yourself:
- Are you brief to say sorry?
- Does an excessive amount of interest make you uncomfortable?
If you said yes to any of those, you in all likelihood don’t have narcissistic personality disease.
On the flip aspect, if you:
- See others (specifically family) as extensions of yourself
- Struggle to apologize or usually blame others
- Believe most humans don’t meet your standards
…it is really worth exploring in addition with a licensed professional.
Final Thoughts
Narcissism may be difficult and painful especially while you’re in a relationship with someone who shows these tendencies.
If you are involved, communicate to a therapist. A diagnosis must by no means come from the net.And recollect: being concerned enough to ask the query generally means you’re no longer the hassle.
