Narcissists are known for their selfish behavior and lack of empathy for others. While they may excel at manipulating and exploiting those around them, there are certain things they simply cannot stand. Here are the top 10 things narcissists absolutely despise:
- Criticism
Narcissists have an inflated sense of self-importance and believe they are always right. Therefore, any form of criticism, no matter how constructive, is seen as a threat to their fragile ego. They simply cannot handle being told that they are wrong or that they need to improve in any way.
When faced with criticism, narcissists often lash out angrily or defensively. They may resort to manipulation, manipulation, or blaming others in order to protect their self-image. In the narcissist’s eyes, they are always the victim and can do no wrong.
To avoid criticism, narcissists will do their best to surround themselves with people who empower them, feed their ego, and never challenge their delusions of grandeur. Those who dare to criticize or question them are quickly pushed away or eliminated.
- Ignoring
Narcissists thrive on attention and admiration from others. They need constant validation to feed their sense of self-worth. Being ignored or overlooked is one of the worst things that can happen to a narcissist.
When they are not the center of attention, narcissists may resort to attention-seeking behaviors or dramatic displays in order to regain the spotlight. They may become aggressive, manipulative, or even engage in self-destructive behavior to get the attention they crave.
Ignoring threatens the narcissist’s carefully constructed facade of superiority and power. It reminds them that they are not as special or important as they believe they are, which is a blow to their fragile self-esteem.
- Empathy
Narcissists lack the ability to empathize with others. They are only concerned with their own needs, desires, and feelings, and have little concern for the well-being of those around them. Therefore, they despise anything that requires them to put themselves in someone else’s shoes.
Empathy is seen as weakness by narcissists, because it requires them to acknowledge the humanity and emotions of others. They prefer to focus on themselves and their own needs, even if it means ignoring the feelings of those they claim to care about.
Related : Why Narcissists Avoid Sick People: The Surprising Reason Behind Their Behavior
When narcissists encounter someone who is empathetic and caring, they may view them as weak or naive. They may take advantage of their kindness or manipulate them for their own gain. In the eyes of narcissists, empathy is a sign of weakness that can be exploited for personal gain.
- Boundaries
Narcissists have a sense of entitlement that knows no bounds. They believe that they are above the rules and regulations that govern normal social interactions. Therefore, any form of setting boundaries or restrictions is met with contempt and resistance.
When someone tries to set boundaries with a narcissist, they may react with anger, manipulation, or manipulation. They view boundaries as a threat to their control and power over others, and they will do everything in their power to break them.
Narcissists see boundaries as a challenge to overcome, rather than a healthy and necessary part of relationships. They may push boundaries and test the patience of those around them in order to assert their dominance and superiority.
- Failure
Narcissists are obsessed with success and winning at all costs. They believe they are destined for greatness and that failure is not an option. Therefore, any form of failure or setback is seen as a personal affront to their self-image.
When narcissists experience failure, they may become angry or hopeless. They may blame others for their shortcomings or make excuses for their lack of success. In their eyes, they are always the victim of circumstances beyond their control.
To avoid failure, narcissists may resort to cheating, manipulation, or deception. They will do whatever it takes to get to the top, even if it means hurting others in the process. Failure is not an option for a narcissist, as it shatters their illusion of invincibility.
- Exposure
Narcissists go to great lengths to create a false persona of perfection and superiority. They rely on deception, manipulation, and manipulation to maintain this facade. Being exposed for who they really are is one of the worst things that can happen to a narcissist.
When their true nature is exposed, narcissists may react with anger, defensiveness, or denial. They will do whatever it takes to discredit their accuser and protect their carefully constructed image of themselves. They may resort to lies, manipulation, or character assassination in order to save face.
Exposure threatens the narcissist’s sense of control and power over others. It exposes their vulnerabilities and insecurities, which they work so hard to hide from the world. To avoid being outdone, narcissists will go to great lengths to deceive and manipulate those around them.
- Outranking them
Narcissists believe that they are the best at everything and that others are inferior. Therefore, being outranked or overshadowed by someone else is a blow to their fragile ego. They cannot tolerate being outranked in any way.
When someone else achieves success or recognition, narcissists may feel jealous, resentful, or competitive. They may try to undermine or sabotage the efforts of others in order to maintain their own superior position. In their eyes, there can only be one winner, and that winner must always be them.
Outranking others threatens the narcissist’s sense of superiority and uniqueness. It challenges their belief that they are the best at everything and that others pale in comparison. To avoid being outranked, narcissists will go to great lengths to tear down those they see as a threat to their dominance.
- Intimate Relationships
Narcissists struggle to form healthy, meaningful relationships with others. They are incapable of true love, empathy, or intimacy, so any form of emotional attachment or vulnerability is seen as a threat to their sense of control and power.
Related : 10 signs your mother in law may be a narcissist
In intimate relationships, narcissists may use manipulation, psychological manipulation, or exploitation to maintain dominance. They may devalue or discard their partner if they feel their needs are not being met. They view relationships as a means to an end, rather than a mutually rewarding and fulfilling experience.
Intimacy requires vulnerability and emotional openness, which are not traits that come naturally to narcissists. They see emotional attachment as a sign of weakness that can be exploited for personal gain. To avoid intimacy, narcissists will push others away or avoid forming deep connections altogether.
- Losing Control
Narcissists thrive on having control and power over others. They believe they are entitled to dominate and manipulate those around them in order to get what they want. Therefore, losing control in any form is one of the worst things that can happen to a narcissist.
When they feel they have lost control, narcissists may become anxious, aggressive, or manipulative. They will go to great lengths to regain dominance and assert their power over others. They may resort to threats, intimidation, or coercion to maintain control in any situation.
Losing control threatens the narcissist’s sense of superiority and invincibility. It reminds them that they are not as powerful or untouchable as they believe themselves to be, which is a blow to their fragile self-esteem. To avoid losing control, narcissists will do whatever it takes to maintain their grip on those around them.
- Rejection
Narcissists fear rejection above all else. They cannot handle the idea that someone might not see them as perfect or special. As a result, any form of rejection, whether real or perceived, is met with intense defensiveness and anger.
When faced with rejection, narcissists may lash out in anger or disbelief. They may try to manipulate or guilt-trip the person who rejected them in order to bring them back under their control. They view rejection as a personal attack on their self-image, rather than a normal part of human interaction.
To avoid rejection, narcissists may resort to desperate measures to regain the affection of those who have rejected them. They may shower their target with gifts, affection, or promises of change in order to regain their affection. Rejection threatens the narcissist’s sense of self-worth and superiority, which they will go to great lengths to protect.
Conclusion
Narcissists despise anything that threatens their sense of superiority and control. They cannot handle criticism, failure, or rejection, and will go to great lengths to avoid confronting these uncomfortable truths. By understanding what narcissists despise, we can better protect ourselves from their manipulative tactics and toxic behavior.
