A study found that 1 in 16 Americans suffer from Narcissistic Personality Disorder.
It can be difficult to tell who has a narcissistic trait and who has a disorder. If you notice the signs, the best thing you can do is distance yourself.
In this article, we’ll break down 4 common types of narcissism so you know how to recognize and deal with them.
- Overt Narcissism
Almost everyone has encountered an overt narcissist because this is the most common of all the types of narcissism.
Overt narcissists tend to be loud and obnoxious. No matter what, they are always right and seek to control people and situations.
You’ll always know when you’re in their presence because they are so annoying and oppressive.
This narcissist has high expectations and will make sure others know it. If you don’t live up to their unrealistic expectations, they won’t be afraid to voice their opinion to you even if you don’t want to hear it.
Their huge ego makes them believe that their way is better and they’re not afraid to tell you so. This is one of the reasons why they come across as bossy.
They make themselves bigger and stronger by tearing down the people around them. Sarcasm, belittlement, and even threats are their weapons of choice.
Obvious narcissists tend not to feel remorse after their brutal verbal attacks.
The best way to deal with this type is to not confront them directly. If you try to confront them or challenge them, they will not play fair.
Try to avoid them as much as possible and put as much distance between you and them as possible. Don’t keep them in your close circle of friends or allow them into your private life.
If you have to interact with them on a regular basis, listen to what they have to say but don’t give it too much importance. Having a sense of humor will help you avoid any attacks.
- Seductive Narcissism
Seductive narcissists are hard to spot because they don’t use vicious attacks. Unlike other types of narcissists, this type will make you feel good about yourself.
They always start by showering their victims with compliments and encouraging them. One may get the impression that the narcissist worships you when in reality, they are hiding their true motives. In reality, they are looking for their victims to do the same for them. They constantly need to build their ego and seek validation.
Most of these people deal with more than one person at a time in order to maintain the level of attention they desire.
Another trait is their volatile style. They are emotional for a short period before withdrawing and becoming distant.
Then the cycle starts all over again, creating a toxic attachment to the victim.
It can be difficult to walk away from them, especially when you love all the compliments they give you. Try to stay humble and don’t get used to the extra attention they give you.
Pay attention to how they treat people who don’t usually compliment them or have conflicts with them. Try to cut ties with them and don’t maintain the friendship after it ends.
- Covert Narcissists
This type of narcissist tends to be the most duplicitous of them all. When they are out of their home, or out of reach of those closest to them, they put on a good face.
They may appear thoughtful, kind, and morally upright, but the truth is that they are quite the opposite. They are cruel and manipulative to their relatives and close friends.
These narcissists are often people in positions of power who must maintain a likable image. Politicians, teachers, religious leaders, and other positions of authority are the most covert narcissists.
Most of their public tactics are parasitic, meaning they pretend to get what they want from others without having to do any work. They will trick you and take money, favors, and anything else just so they can gain more power.
In their private lives, they use extreme cruelty and manipulation to get what they want. Even when they are cruel and manipulative, they still play the victim.
It can seem impossible to learn how to deal with a covert narcissist, especially if it is a family member.
The first thing you should do is try to avoid getting involved in their blame games. Don’t criticize them in public, always do it in private. When you talk to them, focus on the positive things they do instead of all the negative things.
- Revengeful Narcissism
Of all the types of narcissism, this is the most dangerous. Although they share some characteristics with overt narcissists, they will make it their life’s mission to turn their victims’ lives into a nightmare.
They always want to feel superior and if you challenge their superiority or status, they will make you pay.
These people love chaos and feed off the negative outcomes they create. They enjoy talking behind people’s backs and creating conflict where there was none.
If they consider you an enemy, you should be careful because they will stop at nothing to ruin your life.
They may resort to damaging your career through defamation, incitement in your personal relationships, and any other way they can think of.
While you can still tolerate a bullying overt narcissist, a vengeful narcissist is a completely different game.
If you spot one early, try to distance yourself from them as soon as possible. Sometimes they are difficult to spot because they are experts at hiding their true nature.
Once you become a victim of them, the only thing you can do is gather as much evidence against them as possible.
Keep all communications going, such as emails, text messages, notes, and anything else you can provide as hard evidence.
Do You Recognize These Types of Narcissism?
It can be difficult to deal with narcissistic people in your life. The key is to understand this condition and learn how to distance yourself from it.
