| | The Overt Narcissist | The Covert Narcissist |
| Self-perceptions and behaviors | - Extremely selfish
- Entitled
- Belief that they are special
- Grandiose behavior
- Highly sensitive to criticism
- Preoccupied with appearances
- Must be the center of attention at all times
- Easily bored, especially if the situation or topic does not involve them
- Projection (accuse others of the bad behavior that they display)
- Can turn any situation or conversation back to them
- Fails to see children as separate individuals
| - Extremely selfish
- Appears fragile and vulnerable
- Full of self-doubts
- Extreme sensitivity to criticism
- Superficial interests
- Easily bored, especially if the situation or topic does not involve them
- Gives the appearance of naivete, but is not naive
- Inhibited
- Can turn any situation or conversation back to them
- Fails to see children as separate individuals
|
| Behavior in relationships | - No empathy
- Few long lasting friendships
- Value children over spouse
- High need for praise from those in relationship with them
- Very envious of others’ talents, financial status, looks, etc.
- No respect for others’ time or boundaries
- Frequently interrupt when others are talking
- Little to no interest in you, unless the information you share can be used against you
| - No empathy
- Extremely envious of others’ talents, financial status, looks, etc.
- Lack of ability to trust others
- No respect for others’ time or boundaries
- Little to no interest in you, unless the information you share can be used against you
|
| Behavior in romantic relationships | - Cold
- Selfish
- Expect to be taken care of and catered to
- In charge of the relationship
- Either very uninhibited and bossy or very submissive lover
| - Expects to be taken care of and catered to
- Puts most responsibility on the spouse (finances, big choices like buying a car or house, etc)
- If partner is abusive, expects the child(ren) to protect him/her from the abusive partner
|
| Beliefs, ideals, morals | - Very opinionated
- Articulate
- Often loves languages
- Has no problem lying and will become enraged if you catch them in a lie
- Can turn any abusive thing they have done around so the victim looks like the abuser and they look innocent
| - Knowledge is often only what is on the news often or headlining newspapers
- Forgetful of details
- Can turn any abusive thing they have done around so the victim looks like the abuser and they look innocent
|
| How they think | - Feigned modesty
- Love of money
- Often have double standards
- Liars
- Selective memory (forgetting things they do not want to remember, such as things that make them look less than perfect)
| - Will adapt their values and opinions if they believe it will gain them favor with someone
- Double standards
- Selective memory (forgetting things they do not want to remember, such as things that make them look less than perfect)
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