Understanding Narcissism: Knowing the Types
Have you ever come across someone who constantly thinks they’re better than everyone else? They often have an inflated sense of self-importance and crave admiration from others.
If so, then you have probably encountered a person with narcissistic tendencies. Narcissism is a personality disorder that often manifests itself in a grandiose sense of self-worth, a severe lack of empathy, and an excessive need for admiration.
There are different types of narcissism, let’s explore each one of them.
Overt or Grandiose Narcissists
Overt or grandiose narcissists are probably the most noticeable type. They exhibit their narcissism externally and often demand attention and admiration.
They have grandiose fantasies about their own abilities and accomplishments. They have an exaggerated sense of entitlement and believe that they deserve the best of everything.
They often feel superior to others and expect to be treated as such.
Vulnerable Narcissists
Vulnerable narcissists, on the other hand, are more covert in their behavior. They tend to be more defensive about their self-esteem and often display a victim mentality.
They may appear insecure and less confident in social situations. They crave approval and validation from others but are often highly reactive to perceived criticism.
They may have a fragile sense of self-worth and are easily threatened by others’ success.
Covert Narcissists
Covert narcissists can come across as shy, introverted, and self-effacing. They may seem like the opposite of narcissistic behavior.
However, they have the same self-centered core as the other types. They often use their humility as a way of obtaining power and recognition.
They may act passive-aggressively, manipulate others into feeling sorry for them, and use guilt as a weapon to get what they want.
Malignant Narcissists
Malignant narcissists are the most dangerous type of narcissist. They are often cruel and sadistic and have a need for control and domination over others.
They may be verbally and physically abusive to those around them. They have no empathy towards others and have no difficulty exploiting and hurting others for their benefit.
They pose a significant threat to communities, relationships, and society.
Narcissists and Infidelity: Can They Be Faithful?
Are you in a relationship with a narcissist? It’s common to wonder if their behavior is a sign of infidelity.
Narcissists tend to prioritize their own needs and desires, which can lead to infidelity. However, there are many factors to consider that affect narcissistic fidelity.
Status Concerns
Narcissists often prioritize social status; they want to maintain or elevate their position in society. They perceive themselves as superior and deserving of admiration, which means that they may be more likely to be unfaithful to their partners if they feel that the relationship is not contributing to their status.
Age
Older narcissists may be less likely to cheat on their partners, as they age and their priorities shift. They may become more concerned with their legacy or reputation than their immediate social status.
Gender
Gender also plays a role for narcissistic infidelity. Men with narcissistic tendencies are more likely to cheat than women.
This may be attributed to social norms concerning male sexual behavior and male ego.
Personal History
A narcissist’s history of infidelity is a significant factor in predicting future behavior. If they have engaged in infidelity in the past, they are more likely to do so in the future.
Infidelity may have become normalized in their minds and may continue to cheat without remorse.
Personal Needs
Finally, a narcissist‘s capacity for love is another factor. Most narcissists have a limited capacity for real love.
They are often incapable of developing deep, meaningful relationships with others. As a result, they may find it difficult to remain committed to one person.
Conclusion
Narcissistic behavior and infidelity often go hand in hand. If you feel that you are in a relationship with a narcissist, it’s essential to understand the different types of narcissism and their behavior.
It’s also important to understand that there are factors that affect narcissistic fidelity. You deserve to be in a healthy, respectful relationship, so be aware of the warning signs and get the support you need.
Can a Narcissist Be Faithful? 15 Answers You Need to Know
If you are trying to maintain a relationship with a narcissist, you might question whether they can be faithful to you.
Being in a relationship with a narcissist can be challenging, but it is possible that they can remain faithful under certain conditions. Below are 15 answers that you need to know to determine with whom you are dealing with.
Narcissists Are More Likely To Be Faithful When:
- Doing So Fits Their Image – If they think that being faithful aligns with their self-image or helps them maintain a positive self-image, they are more likely to do so.
- They’re Low on the Spectrum – If they are low on the narcissistic spectrum, they are more likely to be faithful because their need for attention and validation isn’t as high.
- You Set Firm (But Compassionate) Boundaries – If they respect boundaries and understand the potential consequences of infidelity, they may be more likely to stay faithful.
- They Get (Subtle) Negative Feedback from Flying Monkeys – If they are getting consistent messages from their community that cheating is not acceptable, they may be deterred from it.
- They Take Meds – If they are taking medication for co-existing conditions such as anxiety or depression, they may have a reduced desire to engage in infidelity.
- They Work with a Therapist – If they are seeing a therapist for reasons related to their narcissistic behavior, potential issues such as infidelity might be addressed and mitigated.
- They Are Women – Women are statistically more likely to feel remorse and guilt, leading them to be more likely to stay faithful.
Narcissists Are Less Likely To Be Faithful When:
- They’re High on the Spectrum – If they have a more severe personality disorder, the risk of cheating becomes higher.
- They Have an Enabling Partner – If their significant other is excessively forgiving, or they enable their behavior, they may be more inclined to cheat.
- They’re Stressed or Scared – When they feel that their sense of control is disrupted, their behavior will often become more erratic.
- They’re Using Vices – When they are using alcohol, drugs, sex or gambling to cope with their emotions, their behavior becomes more difficult to predict, and they might be more likely to cheat.
- They’re Low on Narcissistic Supply – When they are not getting the attention or validation they crave, they might seek it out through infidelity.
- You Do Something They Don’t Like – When you threaten their sense of power or control, they might use infidelity as a way to maintain their dominance.
- They’re Feeling Good – If they have accomplished something significant or feel powerful, they might use infidelity as a way to celebrate.
- They’re Men – As previously mentioned, men are statistically less likely to feel guilt and remorse, leading them to be more likely to use infidelity for validation or power.
Can a Narcissist Change for the Right Woman?
One question that arises in relationships with narcissists is whether they can change for the right person.
Unfortunately, the answer is not straightforward as there are several reasons why narcissists may not be able to change.
Lack of Self-Awareness
One critical factor that can prevent narcissists from changing is their lack of self-awareness. They may not realize that their behavior is problematic since they lack the empathy to see how their actions might impact others.
Pathological Self-Centeredness
Narcissists are also characteristically self-centered, which can make it challenging to empathize with others and change their behavior. They believe that their needs and wants take priority over anyone else’s, which can significantly impede their ability to acknowledge and respond to the other person’s needs.
Irrational Needs and Wants
Narcissists’ demands can often be irrational, and they seek constant validation and admiration, which can be difficult for any partner to satisfy. No matter how much validation or love they receive, it may never be enough for them to feel truly satisfied.
Love of the Thrill of the Chase
Narcissists often enjoy the thrill of the chase, and once they have secured their target, they may lose interest and move on to the next one. This means that even if they change their behavior for one person, they may quickly fall back into their old ways when they feel that they are losing the “thrill.”
Sense of Entitlement
Narcissists often feel that they are entitled to a certain type of treatment or special treatment. They believe that their unique characteristics and position in life grant them access to special privileges, which can make it challenging to change their behavior.
In conclusion, while it is not impossible for narcissists to change their behavior, it is often challenging. It is essential to remember that change must come from within, and narcissists have to acknowledge that they have a problem and realize how their behavior affects others before change can happen.
Final Thoughts: The Challenges of Being in a Relationship with a Narcissist
Being in a relationship with a narcissist is tough, and it requires a significant amount of effort from the non-narcissistic partner. Maintaining such a relationship can be emotionally and physically taxing, and it’s important to remember the potential dangers associated with infidelity.
While there are both reasons to remain in the relationship and reasons to leave, it’s essential to maintain a realistic perspective on the likelihood of change.
The Difficulties of Being in a Relationship with a Narcissist
It can be tempting to fall into the trap of believing that you can change a narcissist. The reality, however, is that narcissistic personalities tend to be stable across time and difficult to modify.
This means that their behavior is unlikely to change in the long-term, which can lead to frustration and disappointment for the non-narcissistic partner. It’s important to understand what you are dealing with upfront to make an informed decision.
Emotional and Physical Dangers of Infidelity
Infidelity is a common problem that occurs in many relationships, and it can be especially dangerous when in a relationship with a narcissist. Narcissists often take infidelity as a personal affront, which can trigger their latent aggressive tendencies.
Furthermore, infidelity can have severe emotional ramifications, such as depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem, which can also lead to serious mental health issues in the long-term. In some cases, infidelity can also lead to physical violence making it a potentially dangerous situation.
Considerations for Staying in a Relationship with a Narcissist
There are reasons to consider remaining in a relationship with a narcissist, such as love, the need for security, or other material benefits. However, it’s important to acknowledge the potential hazards and the risk of harm to your well-being.
It’s essential to examine whether your reasons for staying outweigh the potential emotional and physical risks of remaining in the relationship.
Unlikelihood of Changing a Narcissist
Trying to change a narcissist can be a frustrating and disheartening process. While some narcissists may make an effort to change their behavior, it often requires them to recognize that they have a problem, which is something that requires significant self-reflection.
Unfortunately, many narcissistic personalities will never admit to any wrongdoing regarding their behavior, which means that it’s unlikely they will change their ways.
Conclusion
Being in a relationship with a narcissist is a challenging situation. Maintaining such a relationship requires significant effort and skill.
However, it’s important to understand that the potential dangers associated with infidelity and acknowledging the likelihood of change. In short, while it is possible to have a healthy relationship with a narcissist, it’s important to form realistic expectations and seek professional help if needed.
In conclusion, understanding narcissism, the types of narcissists, and their likelihood of infidelity is essential for anyone dealing with a narcissistic partner. While it may be tempting to believe that a narcissist can change, it’s essential to acknowledge the difficulties of the situation and the potential emotional and physical dangers associated with infidelity.
The importance of acknowledging these factors helps in making an informed decision about continuing the relationship. Remember to prioritize your emotional and physical well-being and seek professional help if needed.
