The first thing to understand about narcissists is that they lack accountability. They project their worst qualities on others, and they have an inflated self-esteem. These three traits often make them difficult to deal with. They will often go silent in a conversation or walk away after the silence is broken.
They have high self-esteem
Narcissists’ self-esteem is often rated as high, but that label is misleading. Such inflated egos are unrelated to reality and are fragile. Healthy self-esteem, on the other hand, is stable and nonhierarchical, not reactive to the environment. Furthermore, it is linked to less aggression and fewer conflicts in relationships.
Narcissists tend to lie and exaggerate their abilities. They believe that they’re better than everyone else. However, the reality is often different. In one study, narcissists lied about their abilities, while a normal person would tell the truth.
They are charismatic
People with high charisma attract people. They exude confidence, seem to have control over their world, and have unwavering faith in their own knowledge, abilities, and worth. Although they may seem arrogant and egotistical, charismatic people don’t speak down to others and don’t disparage those around them. Instead, they spread their own sense of confidence and make others feel good about themselves.
Narcissists can be particularly successful at establishing first impressions. They can be very good at job interviews, and they often excel at small talk. However, their loud and proud nature doesn’t mean that they’re the only people who are charismatic. Some narcissists may be good at blending in with the crowd and in leadership positions.
They lack accountability
Narcissists are difficult to live with because they talk so loudly and often act crazy. For example, they will often call the person they’re talking to over again, try to find them in their social circles, and check their contacts and records constantly. They may be obsessed with the idea of accountability, and may even attempt to force you to take action. If you want to avoid living with a narcissist, learn to recognize the warning signs.
Narcissists don’t accept criticism well. They’re not good at coping with failure, so they rationalize their behavior by telling themselves that they are better than 99.9 percent of the population. They will also blame others for mistakes and bad behavior.
They project their worst abilities towards you
When you’re in a relationship with a narcissist, you can be assured that they will project their worst qualities and traits onto you. It’s important to recognize when this is happening, and to avoid enabling them. The following are some ways you can protect yourself and your relationship:
Narcissists often have a hard time accepting criticism. In fact, they’ll try to project their worst qualities onto others in order to avoid criticism. This type of projection is a form of self-defense for narcissists. They can’t take responsibility for their own behavior, so they use others to feel better about themselves.
They exaggerate their abilities to feel better about themselves
Narcissists are self-centered individuals who exaggerate their abilities to make themselves feel better about themselves. They are typically divided into three types: communal grandiose, agentic grandiose, and vulnerable narcissism. Despite their self-centeredness, these individuals are often outgoing and charming.
Narcissists are also prone to displaying lack of empathy. They may comfort someone who is upset or distressed, but they expect something in return. They may also appear to be giving by leaving a large tip at a restaurant. This may be a tactic to socialise with the waitress.
They are unaccountable
One of the most common ways to spot a narcissist is the fact that they always switch topics when they are confronted. Their responses range from saying, “I’m not going to argue with you,” to saying, “This isn’t worth pursuing.” It’s like they’re never satisfied with anything, and their goal is to keep you from being able to get your way.
Narcissists love attention. When they’re in public, they shower their victims with praise and can often cause public scenes. They can also be highly opinionated and prone to spreading rumors about others.
