Traits of Narcissists
There are many dark traits of narcissists to beware of. Some common traits are gaslighting, controlling, possessiveness, manipulation, no empathy, not being responsible, lying and cheating, no boundaries, vengefulness, arrogance, no empathy, no sympathy and more.
Unveiling the dark traits may astonish and scare you at the same time.
General Categories of Narcissistic Traits & Behaviors
Grandiosity
- An exaggerated sense of self-importance
- Fantasy of power, success, and brilliance
- Belief in being unique and special
Need for Admiration
- Constant craving for praise and admiration
- Feeling threatened by the success of others
- Arrogant and haughty behavior
Sense of Entitlement
- Unreasonable expectations of special treatment
- Believes the rules don’t apply to them
- Exploits others without guilt or shame
Lack of Empathy
- Inability to understand or share the feelings of others
- Unwilling to accept blame
- Cold and callous demeanor
Interpersonal Problems
- Difficult relationships
- Envious of others
- Prone to rage and temper tantrums
Here are some short descriptions of narcissistic traits and behaviors:
Disloyal:
- Narcissists prioritize their own needs and desires. They have little problem betraying someone they don’t see as truly important.
Lacking empathy:
- They struggle to understand or share the feelings of others, making them insensitive to the pain they cause.
Vengeful:
- Any perceived slight or disrespect can trigger a relentless need for payback, often disproportionate to the offense.
Controlling:
- They crave dominance and try to dictate the actions and behaviors of those around them. The narcissist will distance you from friends or family.
Possessive:
- They may see people as extensions of themselves, becoming jealous or controlling of anyone they view as “theirs.”
Lie:
- Narcissists will readily distort the truth or fabricate stories to protect their fragile self-image or manipulate situations to their advantage. They do not suffer any guilt for anything they say or do.
Beneath the charming facade, narcissists strategically hide a darker side:
1. Fragile Self-Esteem:
- While projecting an air of confidence, they possess a deep-seated insecurity masked by a constant need for admiration and validation.
2. Manipulation and Exploitation:
- Their focus shifts from charm to subtle manipulation, leveraging guilt trips or playing the victim to control others and get what they want. They will usually manipulate you in such a slow methodical way that you do not recognize what they are doing until it is too late when they have you “hooked.”
3. Behind-the-Scenes Envy:
- They may appear supportive, but secretly harbor envy and resentment towards anyone perceived as a threat to their perceived superiority. The narcissist believes that they are far superior to others and they will do whatever is necessary to keep up the facade and not show their inadequacies.
4. Lack of Empathy:
- Their masked care can turn into coldness and indifference when others experience difficulties, often resorting to minimizing or dismissing their emotions. They are incapable of displaying some of the basic emotions that most people have, such as not being able to show sympathy or compassion.
5. Rage and Hostility:
- Their carefully constructed persona cracks under perceived criticism or lack of control, revealing explosive anger and hostility often hidden behind seemingly passive-aggressive behavior.
Remember, these are just some common traits, and not all narcissists will exhibit them all in the same way. It’s important to be aware of these red flags but always seek professional guidance for definitive diagnosis and personal situations.
