Overt narcissists are easy to spot because they suck the life out of the room and absorb all the positive and negative attention. They like to be center stage, need constant admiration, crave affection even from inappropriate sources, and seek the confirmation of adoration.
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Covert narcissists (CN) or silent narcissists are difficult to detect.
On the surface, they appear as usual. Narcissism only appears from the point of view of others. What’s worse is that he only appears with a few others.
Everyone thinks they are charming, fun, disciplined, assertive, and affectionate. But for the few people whom the National Committee does not like, they are frightening, insufferable, inflexible, insufferable, and cold.
#Using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) as a guide to narcissism, here’s how CN is presented:
1. Covert narcissists have a great sense of self-importance.
The best word to describe this attitude is arrogant. CN may have inherited the money but acts as if he earned it or deserves it. Anyone who does not recognize his high status is expelled and discounted.
2. Covert narcissists are preoccupied with delusions about success, power, intelligence, beauty, or the perfect mate.
This is often revealed by the belief that they cannot grow old, waste money, lose power and influence, or fail at anything they pursue. A spouse who rejects them in any way is met with severe mental abuse, silent treatment, withholding of sex, or verbal attacks.
Related: 11 Valuable Lessons I Learned About How Dating A Narcissist Changes You
3. Covert narcissists believe they are special and unique, and can only be understood by other special people.
Think of this as their private club where only people they choose can join. Oftentimes, this group is made up of very exclusive, wealthy, or elite types of people. Anyone who tries to join this group is immediately shunned unless they meet very strict criteria. All others are ignored as if they did not exist.
4. Covert narcissists need constant admiration.
CNs will not demand admiration like overt narcissists; Rather, they expect it because of who they think they are. If they do not get any admiration, their tolerance for others diminishes and they will engage in passive-aggressive behavior to retaliate. Expect them to be grouchy, procrastinate, lie, be evasive, act half-heartedly, be stubborn, and complain.
5. Covert narcissists have a sense of entitlement.
CN expects others to automatically comply with their wishes whether they are stated or not. Others are supposed to “know” what CN wants based on past experiences. This method keeps people guessing and interested in CN’s conservative opinion while silently feeding the need to care.
6. Covert narcissists exploit others to get what they want.
Because of the calmness of the National Committee, most do not suspect that they will be on the receiving end of abuse or manipulation. But this is exactly how CN can go undetected as long as they are covertly exploiting others for their gain.
7. Covert narcissists lack empathy
As a rule, narcissists demand compassion for themselves but are unable to give it. CN cleverly plays the victim over and over again to alienate others from their inability to empathize. When a CN believes they have been wronged by others, the CN will cut off contact completely or remove the person from their life. There is no blessing extended to people who hurt CN.
8. Covert narcissists envy others.
This is the most difficult category to identify, as CN works hard not to reveal any jealous behaviors. For them, this exposes their fears that are being protected at all costs. Instead, look for sarcastic or insulting remarks when they are completely inappropriate.
9. Covert narcissists display arrogant and arrogant behaviors or attitudes.
Again, these behaviors and attitudes are often hidden from others. Even those closest to CN will have trouble recognizing him. However, it is shown when CN confronts someone they consider below them which shows arrogance.
Related: How To Move On From A Narcissistic Ex That’s Found New ‘Love’
