What is a Narcissist?

Narcissism is a term that is often overused and misunderstood, mostly because determining whether someone is a true narcissism requires a diagnosis by a professional. In the absence of a formal diagnosis, we can certainly say that many individuals exhibit narcissistic tendencies.

When someone exhibits narcissistic behavior, they believe they are special and approach life as if they deserve special treatment and admiration. They feel entitled to different privileges and become subject to 'narcissistic injury' or 'narcissistic rage' when they do not receive the treatment they believe they deserve. Narcissistic people frequently have emotional regulation issues and can be selfish, and even dangerous.

There are different types of narcissists, including those who have a grandiose sense of themselves and believe they are bigger than everybody else, those who are wounded and have a lot of shame and need to be admired, and those who were treated as special by a narcissistic parent and, as a result, have no sense of boundaries or limits.

If you are in a relationship with a narcissist, it is important to normalize your feelings and seek out someone who can partner with you in making the relationship work. You must also identify what you are dealing with, give some feedback, create a safe space for vulnerability, and align on mutual expectations.

Key Takeaways

-Narcissism is a term that is often overused and misunderstood.
-Narcissistic people feel entitled to different privileges and become subject to 'narcissistic injury' or 'narcissistic rage' when they do not receive the treatment they believe they deserve.
-It is important to identify the type of narcissist you are dealing with and seek out someone who can partner with you in making the relationship work.
-You must create a safe space for vulnerability and align on mutual expectations.
-The best deterrent to narcissism is character.