Narcissism is on the increase. Sometimes it’s purely bad behaviour but at other times it’s a personality disorder depending on the number and severity of traits. Narcissists act superior and entitled but underneath it all, they feel constantly unstable and empty. Narcissism is a personality pattern, a way of relating to the world. People who possess narcissistic traits are desperate for the world to keep validating them.
Common characteristics of narcissism:
Tendency to manipulate and exploit people
Entitlement
Grandiosity (seeing oneself as superior to others)
Superficiality
Hypersensitivity
Needing admiration and praise
Lack of empathy
Rage
In relationships
The way you will be treated:
utter disregard
coldness
no empathy
question your reality
lying
unfaithful
inconsistent
The relationship is kept alive simultaneously by hope and fear.
Hope that the narcissist will change, that it will get better
Fear that if they leave the narcissist they will be alone forever
We get sucked into the narcissist’s world by their charm, charisma and confidence. All very appealing initially but as the relationship progresses, their bad behaviour becomes normalised.
Watch this brilliant Ted Talk on Narcissism by Dr Ramani Durvasula
Mandy X:
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
