Who and what are Narcissists?

Narcissism is the pursuit of gratification from vanity or egotistic admiration of one's own attributes. The term originated from Greek mythology, where the young Narcissus fell in love with his own image reflected in a pool of water.a

 

What are the characteristics of a narcissist?

The symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder include: grandiose sense of importance, preoccupation with unlimited success, belief that one is special and unique, exploitative of others, lacks empathy, is arrogant, and is jealous of others. These symptoms cause significant distress in a person's life.

Narcissistic personality disorder traits

Below are the most common traits found in people with narcissistic personality disorder:

• An insatiable appetite for the attention of other people.

• Generally prone to extreme feelings of jealousy.

• Behave as if they deserve special treatment.

• Commonly exaggerate their achievements, talents, and importance.

• Extremely sensitive.

• Find it difficult to maintain healthy relationships.

• Have fantasies regarding their own intelligence, success, power, and good looks.

• If they have to take advantage of others to get what they want, they will, without regret or conscience.

• It does not take much for a person with NPD to feel rejected.

• Lack empathy - empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of other people. People with NPD disregard other people's feelings.

• Many believe that only others - "special" people - are really able to understand their uniqueness.

• May consider themselves as very skilled in romance; more skilled than anybody else.

• Most people see narcissists' goals as selfish ones.

• Obsessed with themselves.

• Respond to criticism with anger, humiliation, and shame.

• Seem arrogant.

• Tend to seek out praise and positive reinforcement from others.

• They may be perceived by others as tough-minded or without emotion.

• Usually expect others to agree with them and go along with what they want.

• Very easily hurt.

• Whatever they crave or yearn for must be "the best."

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