We have all heard the term narcissist before, but what does it actually mean? Narcissism is a personality disorder that is characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance and a lack of empathy for others. Narcissists often require excessive admiration and feel entitled to special treatment.
They can be very manipulative and often exploit others. If you are in a relationship with a narcissist, or if you work with one, it can be very difficult to handle. In this blog post, I will discuss what narcissism is, the signs of narcissistic behavior, and how to deal with narcissists effectively.
Narcissism Spectrum
Narcissism is actually a spectrum condition. The characteristic is mostly distributed throughout the population, with most people falling between the extremes of normal and abnormal. The most popular tool for assessing narcissism is the Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI), created by Robert Raskin and Calvin S. Hall in 1979.
The trait is quantified using a range of scores from 0 to 40, with the average generally falling between the low and mid-teens. Psychology Today states that individuals with a higher than average percentile of soundness are seen as extremely attractive, especially in the beginning, but end up appearing vain. In other words, these are individuals who have had difficult or unpleasant personal interactions, but who nevertheless have a healthy personality overall.
The Traits of Narcissism
Narcissism does not necessarily imply a surfeit of self-esteem or insecurity; rather, it is a hunger for appreciation or attention, as well as an attitude of entitlement and special treatment that represents perceived higher status.
You can spot a narcissit by their grandiose sense of self-importance, need for constant attention and admiration, as well as their lack of empathy for others. They will often exploit others to get what they want and can be very manipulative. Narcissists also have a sense of entitlement and feel that they are above others. If you are in a relationship with a narcissist, you may find yourself feeling drained emotionally and mentally. You may also feel like you are constantly walking on eggshells or tiptoeing around them.
How to Handle a Narcissist
If you find yourself in a relationship with a narcissist, there are some things that you can do to make it more manageable. First, it is important to set boundaries with the narcissist. You need to be clear about what you will and will not tolerate from them. It is also important to stick to these boundaries.
Narcissists often try to push people’s boundaries in order to get what they want, so it is important that you are firm with them. Second, it is important to have a support system in place. This can be friends or family members who you can rely on for emotional support.
Finally, it is important to take care of yourself emotionally and mentally. This includes taking time for yourself, doing things that make you happy, and setting aside time each day to relax and de-stress. If you find yourself struggling to deal with a narcissist, it may be helpful to seek out professional help from a therapist or counselor.
There are many resources available that can help you understand Narcissism and how to deal with it effectively. Remember, you are not alone. Reach out for help if you need it.