What Is One Key Sign of Narcissism?
Taking a look at one of the red-flag traits of a narcissist.
Humility is as illusive in a relationship with a narcissist as an apology, a sense of consistent trust, and mutual respect is.
A narcissist is not someone that most would describe as modest or self-deprecating. In fact, sometimes the deeply embedded insecurity of a narcissist will cause an incredible level of competitiveness in how they attempt to relate to others.
They may resent or express bitterness toward others who have more, or people who possess what they believe are better things than they do. They have often fallen prey to the quintessential “keeping up with the Jones’s effect.”
They may try to align themselves with people who are wealthy or hold a position of power, but that is rarely because they admire the other person. They are only interested in what they can get out of having a relationship with them.
Now, this trait can also be subtle, because a narcissist often struggles with innate feelings of not being good enough- which is why they so often belittle others, in an attempt to elevate themselves. However, this can also show up in displays of false-modesty, where they are fishing for compliments from others or seeking for another person to give them an ego boost.
Another way the lack of humility may show up is in being unable to receive constructive criticism or questions from others. They cannot allow their faults to become an object of discussion. They will turn it into a knock-down, drag-out fight.
A narcissist will nearly always refuse to admit they have made a mistake, and indeed, may not even be able to acknowledge it to themselves. They will become extremely defensive, combative, or sometimes, utterly avoidant and turn to stone-walling as a tactic to punish someone who has pointed out one of their potential flaws.
They also will refuse to ask for help, and even are likely to disrespect and demean anyone who does.
A narcissist has an internal driving force that causes them to project confidence and capability. To have someone doubt them is seen as a direct threat to their way of life, and is often treated with aggression, or at the very least, an attempt is made to discredit the person who has called them into question.
Notice how people in your life respond in different scenarios…
Are they able to admit that they struggled with an assignment? Are they able to ask for help to accomplish or understand something? Can they admit lack of skill or admit fault? Can they acknowledge their own weaknesses?
For more information on how a narcissist can behave in relationships, you can check out my book which covers multiple examples on the subject -
Who’s The Narcissist? 10 Signs you might be with a Narcissist!
✍ — Edited and Published by Dr. Gabriella Korosi, at Dancing Elephants Press. Click here for submission guidelines.