What is a somatic narcissist?
“Their superiority and sense of entitlement are localized in their perception of their physical self.”
Signs of a somatic narcissist:
1.
They obsess over food, weight, fitness, and appearance.
Plastic surgery is popular among some somatic narcissists.
They may also brag or fish for compliments about their physical appearance.
They use sex for self-esteem.
They take credit for your accomplishments.
Somatic narcissists exhibit the more general traits of narcissists, and this is one of them.
They ignore your needs.
They can’t stand criticism.
Narcissists have trouble taking criticism and often respond defensively, sometimes in abusive ways, says Schafler.
They may react with disdain, rage, or defiant counterattack."
For somatic narcissists, this will be particularly true for criticism of their looks.
“It is a manipulative behavior designed for self-gain and even for sport,” says Scott-Hudson.
“It is designed to weaken, trick, and destabilize the victim.”
You may be particularly susceptible to gaslighting if you’re a people-pleaser,empath, orcodependent.
They criticize people based on appearance.
The difference between a somatic narcissist and a sexual narcissist.
Somatic narcissism can include sexual narcissism, but it’s broader, Schafler explains.
Sexual narcissism can also manifest in the opposite way, though.
Somatic narcissist vs. cerebral narcissist.
They may use big words or name-drop books they’ve read or schools they’ve attended.
What to do if you realize you’re dating a somatic narcissist.
It’s very difficult, even possible, to have a healthy relationship with a narcissist.
“A narcissist by nature will always put their needs ahead of yours,” says Schafler.
“They truly feel their needs are more important, that they are more important.”
In addition, getting them to change is an uphill battle.
“Narcissists typically don’t see a problem withtheir behavior,” says Schafler.
“It’s aligned with who they feel they authentically are.”
“The finger is always pointed toward others and not at one’s self.”
