When you think of narcissists, you most likely think of loud and boastful personalities.
What is a covert narcissist?
People withnarcissistic personality disorders(NPD) are addicted to feeling special, Malkin explains.
Signs of a covert narcissist:
They believe they’re uniquely miserable.
They think they’re superior to others, even if they’re quiet about it.
They’re constantly jealous.
They’re unable to build meaningful relationships.
They’re passive-aggressive.
Passive aggressionis a very common trait among covert narcissists.
They’re hypersensitive to criticism.
A total inability to handle criticism is a telltale sign of covert narcissism.
They project their insecurities onto you.
Think of it like a game of emotional hot potato, with feelings of insecurity.
They lack boundaries.
They tend to do this with a complete disregard for your side of the conversation or your time.
They demand constant attention.
They may even use their misery togetattention, essentially using it as a way tomanipulate others.
How to deal with covert narcissism.
Don’t engage in their lies.
Narcissists of all types are often delusional and believe in their own sources of data, Fox tells us.
“They usually find people with low self-esteem or people who will fall for their lies.”
Either way, “if you don’t engage, they can’t win.”
Acknowledge their true motivations out loud.
If a covert narcissist is micromanaging you or belittling your abilities out of their own potential anxieties (i.e.
Are you feeling nervous about something?'"
Whether they admit to itor, more likely, reject itthis act can help you feel more secure.
The bottom line.
Covert narcissists are the same.
They simply display their behaviors on a quieter, less grandiose scale than overt narcissists do.