9 things narcissists will never tell you about themselves
Everyone knows a narcissist. They could be in your neighbourhood, your workplace, or even your family. But there’s more to these toxic individuals than just a sense of superiority and lack of empathy – you may be surprised to learn the root of their personality flaws lies in their innate insecurity.
In his Narcissism Decoded blog on PsychCentral, relationship and family therapist Dr Dan Neuharth has revealed some about narcissists that they’d never admit out loud, and it’ll make you understand them much better. Here are nine things a narcissist thinks, but would never tell you.
1. “The truth is whatever I say in the moment.” – Narcissists make their own reality, and that reality is, “I am right and you are wrong”. They have the uncanny ability to convince people they’re right (even when they’re not) because they portray an air of complete certainty.
2. “I love taking credit but I have no interest in taking responsibility.” – If they’ve done something good (or even just had a small part in something good), they’ll accept all the praise. If they’ve done something bad, however, they’ll shift all the responsibility away from them.
3. “I am largely unaware of how my actions affect others.” – Not only are narcissists blind to their impact on others, but most of the time, they simply don’t care.
4. “I have a bottomless hunger for attention and respect.” – They always have to be the centre of attention, but no amount is enough for them.
5. “I consider people disposable.” – If you no longer have any use or benefit to a narcissist, you will be cast aside. They don’t hesitate to betray, undermine and ignore people they grow to see as useless, and they never regret their cut-throat actions.
6. “I seek status, not equality; and victory, not fairness.” – A narcissist considers themselves to be above everyone else – very few people are on the same level as them. They’ll do anything to win, even if it means breaking the rules.
7. “My image is all-important.” – Like Narcissus before them, narcissists take a lot of pride in looking their best. To them, appearance is more important than substance.
8. “I feel entitled to do whatever I want.” – There’s one rule for the narcissist, and one rule for everyone else. If something serves to benefit them or make them feel good about themselves, they’ll do whatever it takes to get what they want.
9. “I am mortally afraid of feeling humiliated.” – Narcissists can’t stand to be exposed. If you do anything that causes them to reveal their flaws or weaknesses, they will make sure you pay.
Have you found these truths to be in keeping with behaviour of narcissists you’ve met? What other tell-tale signs have you discovered? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.