People with strong narcissistic tendencies and similar dark personality traits have low and unstable self-esteem, and because of this, they feel insecure and will constantly compare themselves to others. This psychological mechanism triggers certain emotional and behavioral reactions.
How narcissists see themselves and others
Highly narcissistic people view others as either inferior or superior. Since their sense of self-esteem is very low, there will always be something to envy.
Another aspect to consider is how they see others. In general, they view the world through a toxic utilitarian lens. The only question on their minds is: How will it benefit me? For example, how can you increase my social standing? How will you help me get more money? How will it make me look better in the eyes of others? And so on and so on.
People with strong narcissistic characteristics tend to idealize those they consider useful or powerful. However, on a deeper level, the narcissist feels contempt for everyone. They feel contempt toward those they consider inferior because they are weak, pathetic, and useless. They feel contempt for those they consider superior or useful, so why do they have it and I don’t when I’m the one who actually deserves it?
Below, we’ll take a look at some of the most common responses you may encounter when a narcissist feels inferior and tries to hide his envy and disdain for others. Sometimes they do this by accusing others of being envious of them, which brings us to the next point….
Entitlement, paranoia, and projection
A narcissist is completely focused on others because he sees others as either harming or benefiting him. If you do not benefit them, then the basic principle is that you are harming them. Quite simply, if you don’t give them what they want or behave the way they want, they will view it as an attack on them. They consider you an enemy even if you do nothing to them.
People with this mindset are often paranoid as well. They question the motives of others and believe that others work to undermine them. At the same time, they themselves are the ones who do this to others. A narcissist is someone who constantly lies, pretends, schemes, sabotages, acts out, deceives, hides, harasses, cheats, abuses, etc., while accusing others of doing so.
