Recognize warning signs to safeguard yourself from individuals focused solely on themselves.
Narcissistic personality disorder is a multifaceted mental health condition characterized by difficulties in maintaining healthy relationships, both in personal and professional settings. It is crucial to recognize and be wary of the distinct behaviors displayed by individuals with narcissistic tendencies to protect oneself from potential harm. People with NPD often exhibit distinct traits and behaviors, such as an exaggerated sense of self-worth, a constant craving for attention, and a sense of entitlement to preferential treatment.
Many individuals display some narcissistic behaviors, but if you come across someone who demonstrates the majority of these narcissistic behaviors and strange inclinations, it is advisable to be cautious around them or suggest they seek professional assistance.
Surprising Things Narcissists Do
Narcissists may exhibit peculiar actions or behaviors that could suggest their personality disorder. Here are some unconventional narcissistic behaviors that should raise your awareness and vigilance.
1. Your words do not capture their attention
A key characteristic of narcissistic behavior is self-obsession. Narcissists focus solely on themselves and show little interest in listening to others. Instead of engaging in a conversation, they may interrupt and change the subject to something that interests them.
Mari, a licensed marriage and family therapist, describes an incident with a coworker in a professional environment. She explains, “I went through this situation while presenting on a panel at a conference. One of the therapists on the panel openly admits to being a narcissist. He constantly interrupted every speaker on the panel, regardless of gender, displayed narcissistic behavior, coerced the moderator, monopolized the podium for 10 minutes to promote himself, and aggressively grabbed the microphone multiple times when it wasn’t his turn.”
2. They cannot handle losing
A narcissist cannot accept losing as a possibility. When faced with defeat, they often react by sulking. They exhibit unique narcissistic behavior, like shifting blame onto others or giving weak explanations to cover up their failures. Their sense of superiority makes it challenging to cope with failure or obstacles.
Mari shared a story about her friend, explaining how her friend felt threatened by her personal growth, education, goals, interests, successes, challenges, and evolving voice, opinions, and boundaries. Instead of celebrating Mari’s achievements, her friend needed to belittle her to protect her ego and assert dominance. When this tactic failed to hinder Mari’s progress, her friend distanced herself from the situation.
3. They reject your request for assistance
When you ask for assistance from them, they may display unconventional narcissistic behavior and become angry at you for inconveniencing them. As they are selfish and only concerned with their needs, they will readily ignore your request for aid.
4. They lead the way for you
A narcissist takes pleasure in causing others distress through their unusual narcissistic behavior. When in public together, they may intentionally walk quickly and leave you behind. Watching you panic when you can’t find them, they may find satisfaction in your distress from afar. Upon reuniting with you, they may fault your slow walking for the confusion.
5. They look up to strong leaders who have absolute power
Due to their narcissistic behavior, narcissists consider themselves superior to others and struggle to empathize with others’ issues. Their inflated self-esteem leads them to look up to dictators who abuse their authority and inflict suffering on the innocent. They see themselves in these dictators and display a superb attitude.
6. They hold you responsible for their errors
Narcissists always blame others for anything wrong, as they are convinced of their infallibility. Their narcissistic behavior leads them to shift responsibility onto others. For example, if you both are late for a movie because the narcissist arrived at the theater after the scheduled time, they will blame you for booking the wrong movie time. Instead of acknowledging their errors, they refuse to take responsibility for their faults.
7. They speak ill of you
Their need for praise and validation drives a narcissist’s unconventional behavior. They will manipulate situations to isolate you by spreading lies about you and causing others to distrust you. This will leave you with no choice but to turn to the narcissist for companionship, allowing them to control you.
8. They are unable to provide a direct response to any inquiry
When you ask a narcissist a question, they will respond with a counter-question instead. This is because they prefer to avoid answering questions, particularly if it reveals their flaws. They ardently evade answering questions and become defensive without cause.
9. They employ ignoring as a form of abuse
If a narcissist recognizes your caring and compassionate personality, they will manipulate it to their advantage by pressuring you to give in to their demands. This manipulation often involves ignoring you and giving you a cold shoulder until you eventually give in to their desires.
10. They bear animosity
If you inform a narcissist that they are incorrect, they will not forget about it and will harbor resentment for a long time. This behavior is one of the unique characteristics they have. Narcissists do not forgive minor offenses and only feel satisfied after getting back at you.
11. They turn to manipulate emotions through inappropriate ways
When a narcissist recognizes your weaknesses and vulnerabilities, they will exploit them to manipulate you emotionally. For example, they may shift blame onto you and manipulate you into feeling guilty, causing you to comply with their demands without resistance in the future.
12. They only say sorry for their benefit
A narcissist demonstrates unusual behaviors or unconventional traits when asked to apologize. Their infrequent apologies are typically insincere and done solely for ulterior motives. For example, if you express hurt over something they did, they may apologize while criticizing themselves for being terrible. This can leave you feeling worse for even seeking an apology in the first place.
13. They pretend to be something they’re not
A narcissist displays unusual behavior when it comes to rules and taking responsibility. They believe that laws do not apply to them like others. For example, they will criticize and raise their voice at you for a minor mistake you make, yet they see their own mistakes as insignificant. Moreover, if you try to address their mistake, they will become furious, causing you to regret bringing it up.
14. They are different with different people
Narcissists exhibit strange behavior or unusual actions by adjusting their personalities to suit different people. They can be overly kind and thoughtful to one individual while cruel and apathetic to another. Sometimes, they will act charming with their acquaintances, only to turn around and yell at you over something trivial the next moment.
15. They disappear suddenly only to come back again
A narcissist enjoys causing unhappiness and play manipulative games for their amusement. They may suddenly disappear without explanation, completely cutting off all communication, which can hurt and upset you. Then, after a short time, they will return as if nothing happened.
16. They manipulate you by distorting reality
Gaslighting is a tactic of manipulation commonly used by individuals with narcissistic behavior. The purpose of gaslighting is to cause the victim to doubt their own emotions, recollections, and experiences. Statements such as “You are just imagining things,” “You are too sensitive,” and “I never said that” are commonly used by gaslighters to sow confusion and self-doubt in their targets. Narcissists employ this manipulative behavior to establish power and control over their victims. Gaslighting is often carried out subtly, making it challenging for the victim to recognize. It serves as a tool for narcissists to influence the thoughts and actions of others for their benefit. If you constantly feel invalidated and unsure of yourself, it is essential to trust your instincts and seek help from a support system. Recognizing gaslighting is crucial as it is the first step in protecting oneself from the detrimental effects of this emotional abuse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Narcissists frequently engage in self-admiration and boasting about themselves while belittling and ignoring others. The negative behavior of a narcissist doesn’t end there, however. They may also attempt to exert influence over your life. Ignoring you, accusing you of their faults, and harboring resentments against you are some unusual behaviors narcissists exhibit. Being in a relationship with such an individual can harm your well-being. It is essential to have coping strategies in place or to seek assistance from a therapist to deal with a narcissist effectively.
Key Pointers of ‘Surprising Things Narcissists Do That Will Make You Watchful’
- Narcissistic behavior is commonly seen in individuals diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD).
- They look up to individuals with a strong sense of self-worth, like dictators, because they find it difficult to empathize with others’ struggles.
- They assert themselves before you and might even hold you accountable for their errors.
- Avoiding a narcissist can be helpful for your emotional well-being.
