Though narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is likely underdiagnosed due to those with symptoms not seeking professional help, narcissism has become a widely used term used to describe an excessive focus on oneself and one’s own needs at others’ expenses. It is the loss of our own needs when interacting with those with narcissistic tendencies that can leave us feeling unheard.
We can detect narcissistic tendencies when noticing an unreasonably high sense of importance, the need for excessive attention and admiration, fantasies of success, and a strong sense of entitlement. These traits are coupled with a lack of empathy and inappropriate reactions to criticism.
Knowing narcissism can come from a deep insecurity rooted in genetics, modeling, childhood trauma, conditional love in childhood, and the overall culture can help us minimize internalizing their belittling and instead detach from their hostility and need for dominance. Engaging with this behavior can fuel it since it implies agreement with their superiority. Instead, avoid arguing with them or leading them. They won’t try to see your point of view, so it will be difficult to feel respected by engaging with them.
Deb Falzoi
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