Have you heard of grandiose narcissism and vulnerable narcissism? This distinction is not known by many.
We’re all familiar with the narcissist’s personality type, but researchers have now identified narcissism into two very different categories: grandiose narcissism and vulnerable narcissism.
While we may realize that all narcissists have some form of grandiose tendencies, how can they also be defined as vulnerable?
All narcissists have a heightened sense of self, feeling superior to everyone else and displaying a lack of empathy and heightened arrogance towards others.
But look closely and you’ll find differences that aren’t very subtle.
Characteristics of narcissistic grandiosity
Great narcissists are super confident, show no signs of weakness, and have an extremely high sense of self-worth. They believe, from an early age, that they are worthy and demand respect and adoration, otherwise they leave.
People with grandiose narcissism were likely treated like royalty when they were children, which left them with an exaggerated sense of entitlement.
They will have many affairs if they are in a relationship and are open about it to their partner and the outside world. They are very cold-blooded individuals who seem to have a protective barrier around them. But if someone questions their accomplishments, they quickly become aggressive and controlling.
Those who suffer from grandiose narcissism judge others very quickly and never show their feelings. Even if they are concerned or concerned, you will never see this side of them.
Narcissists tend to be top managers, CEOs, successful celebrities, or politicians who are at the top of their careers. They are ruthless in getting what they want: success, admiration, and recognition. They will stop at nothing to achieve these goals and don’t care who they destroy on the way.
Characteristics of vulnerable narcissism
Vulnerable narcissists, on the other hand, suffer from low self-esteem and a very fragile vanity, because from an early age, they compensate for the neglect that their parents showed them. As such, they use certain behaviors as a coping mechanism for deeply rooted fears of inadequacy.
It is generally accepted that people with vulnerable narcissism are more likely to be abused during childhood, which left them with an overwhelming desire for attention and recognition.
If they are in a relationship, it will be important to them how they are perceived by their partner. Despite this, they will still have relationships, but they won’t air them out like a great narcissist would. They will accuse their partners of cheating and need constant reassurance from them that they are faithful.
Although vulnerable narcissists need the same admiration that arrogant people do, if they don’t receive it, instead of becoming aggressive and violent, the vulnerable narcissist will feel emotionally unstable. They will become anxious and paranoid about being a victim.
Those with vulnerable narcissism fear rejection first and foremost but seem to take great pleasure in playing too hard in life and relationships. They crave pity and use childlike behaviors like whining, crying, and playing drama queen to get what they need. They are very sensitive to criticism because they cannot stand being inferior in front of an audience.
Of the two types of narcissists, the vulnerable type is the easiest to deal with, at first, until their constant demands tire you out. It requires constant validation, bringing nothing back into the relationship.
Dealing with a grandiose or vulnerable narcissist
Having a narcissist in your life is difficult, to say the least, but knowing the type you’re dealing with can be very helpful. Understanding whether the narcissist in your life is arrogant or vulnerable gives you the ability to decide the best way forward when you interact with them.
Knowledge empowers you to identify what the narcissist is capable of and how you can protect yourself from such an attack.
