7+ Weird Things Narcissists Do (Insights)

In this piece, we will do a deep dive on narcissistic behaviors, exploring the signs, tendencies, and manipulation tactics employed by covert narcissists.

Understanding these strange habits can help shed light on the red flags of narcissism and protect individuals from the detrimental effects of narcissistic abuse.

Covert narcissists operate in a subtle manner, often engaging in behaviors that may seem peculiar or unusual.

Gaslighting, passive-aggressive behavior, and disregarding personal boundaries are just a few examples of the strange habits exhibited by narcissists.

These behaviors can be deeply damaging to those who experience them, leading to emotional turmoil and a sense of confusion.

It is important to recognize these behaviors in order to protect oneself from narcissistic manipulation.

By setting boundaries and being aware of the red flags of narcissism, individuals can navigate their relationships with narcissists more effectively and prioritize their own well-being.

Key Takeaways – Weird Things Narcissists Do

• Gaslighting is a manipulative tactic used by covert narcissists to question the reality of their victims.
• Passive-aggressive behavior is a form of indirect hostility often displayed by narcissists.
• Disregarding personal boundaries is a common trait of covert narcissists, who may invade privacy both physically and emotionally.
• Narcissists often lack empathy and have a self-centered approach to interactions.
• Covert narcissists have an insatiable need for admiration and may resort to emotional blackmail to maintain control in relationships.

Gaslighting: A Silent Form of Psychological Abuse

Gaslighting is a manipulation tactic commonly used by covert narcissists as a form of psychological abuse.

Through denial and questioning reality, they aim to undermine their victims’ perception of events and their own sanity. This insidious behavior can have severe long-term effects on the victims’ mental well-being and self-confidence.

Gaslighting involves consistently denying hurtful actions and manipulating the victims’ reality. By making them doubt their memory and judgment, covert narcissists create confusion and self-doubt. They may say things like, “You’re overreacting,” or “That never happened,” in an effort to make their victims question their own experiences.

This manipulation tactic is incredibly damaging as it erodes the victims’ sense of reality and their trust in themselves. Gaslighting victims may constantly second-guess their thoughts and feelings, feeling like they’re losing their grip on reality. It is important for individuals to recognize the signs of gaslighting and seek support to break free from this cycle of psychological abuse.

“Gaslighting is a malicious and harmful manipulation tactic used by narcissists to make their victims question their own reality and sanity.”

Gaslighting can occur in various types of relationships, including romantic partnerships, friendships, or even in a professional setting. Awareness and education about gaslighting are crucial for individuals to protect themselves from this silent form of psychological abuse.

In conclusion, gaslighting is a destructive manipulation tactic used by covert narcissists to exert control and power over their victims. By denying their actions and questioning reality, they aim to undermine the victims’ sense of self and sanity. Understanding the signs of gaslighting is crucial for individuals to protect themselves from this form of psychological abuse and seek the necessary support to heal and regain their confidence.

Passive-Aggressive Behavior: Indirect Hostility

Covert narcissists often display passive-aggressive behavior as a way to express their hostility indirectly. This type of behavior is characterized by subtle actions and expressions of anger or resentment. It can be challenging to identify and address, as it is often masked behind sarcasm, veiled insults, or the silent treatment.

One common passive-aggressive tactic used by covert narcissists is sarcasm. They may make snide remarks or use humor as a way to belittle or undermine others. These sarcastic comments can be disguised as jokes, making it difficult for the recipients to confront or address the underlying hostility.

Another form of passive-aggressive behavior exhibited by covert narcissists is the silent treatment. They may intentionally ignore or withhold communication from others as a way to punish or manipulate them. This silent treatment is often employed when the narcissist feels slighted or believes that their needs or desires have not been met.

Undermining is yet another way in which covert narcissists express their hostility. They may subtly diminish the achievements or abilities of others, seeking to make themselves feel superior by comparison. This can be done through dismissive comments, backhanded compliments, or by downplaying the accomplishments of others.

Disregarding Personal Boundaries: Invading Privacy

One of the most unsettling behaviors exhibited by covert narcissists is their tendency to disregard personal boundaries, invading the privacy of others. Whether it’s prying into their victims’ private matters or overstepping physical boundaries, narcissists show a complete lack of respect for personal space.

This invasion of privacy can take various forms. Covert narcissists may insist on knowing private information about their victims, constantly prying for details that are none of their business. They may snoop around their victims’ personal belongings, messages, or social media without consent or regard for their right to privacy.

Additionally, covert narcissists have no qualms about overstepping physical boundaries. They may invade personal space, touching or getting uncomfortably close to others without their consent. This blatant disregard for personal boundaries can be extremely distressing for their victims, eroding their sense of self and causing feelings of violation and discomfort.

“The invasion of personal boundaries is a clear indication of a covert narcissist’s disregard for the autonomy and privacy of others. It is essential to recognize these red flags and set firm boundaries to protect oneself from their intrusive and manipulative behavior.”

Dealing with individuals who disregard personal boundaries can be challenging and emotionally draining. It is crucial for victims to assert their boundaries firmly and establish clear expectations of privacy. Seeking support from trusted friends, family, or a mental health professional can also provide valuable guidance and help navigate these difficult relationships.

Lack of Empathy: Self-Centered Interactions

Covert narcissists often struggle to show genuine empathy towards others. Their interactions are predominantly self-centered, focusing primarily on their own needs, desires, and achievements. This lack of empathy can be detrimental to their relationships and cause harm to those around them.

When engaging in conversations or interactions, covert narcissists tend to steer the attention back to themselves, regardless of the topic at hand. They may interrupt others or redirect the conversation to highlight their own experiences or opinions. This self-centeredness can leave others feeling unheard, invalidated, and unimportant.

“It’s always about them. They never really listen or show any concern for how I feel. It’s like they don’t understand or even care about anyone else’s emotions.”

Additionally, covert narcissists often dismiss or invalidate the emotions and experiences of others. They may downplay the significance of someone’s feelings or negate their experiences, seeking to minimize or disregard anything that does not directly involve them. This lack of empathy can create a one-sided dynamic in relationships, where the needs and emotions of the covert narcissist take precedence over everyone else’s.

It is important to recognize the lack of empathy as a red flag of narcissistic behavior. By being aware of these self-centered interactions, individuals can set boundaries and prioritize their own emotional well-being in relationships with covert narcissists.

Insatiable Need for Admiration: Craving Constant Praise

Covert narcissists have an insatiable need for admiration and constant praise. They seek external validation to fuel their fragile sense of self-worth and superiority. This deep craving for admiration manifests in their interactions, relationships, and everyday life.

Constant praise becomes a requirement for covert narcissists, as they rely on it to maintain their inflated self-image. They expect others to constantly validate their achievements, talents, and qualities. Failure to provide the desired level of admiration can lead to resentment and defensiveness from the narcissist.

This insatiable need for admiration often drives covert narcissists to undermine the achievements and successes of others. They may feel threatened by the accomplishments of those around them, as it challenges their belief in their own superiority. Consequently, they may engage in subtle or overt acts of sabotage to maintain their perceived status.

Constant praise becomes a requirement for covert narcissists, as they rely on it to maintain their inflated self-image.

Narcissists with an insatiable need for admiration can become emotionally manipulative. They may use charm, flattery, and other tactics to ensure that others constantly shower them with praise. This manipulative behavior helps them secure the validation they crave while maintaining control over their relationships and surroundings.

In relationships with covert narcissists, it’s crucial to set boundaries and maintain a sense of self-worth. Recognizing the insatiable need for admiration can help individuals protect themselves from being manipulated and ensure their own emotional well-being.

Inability to Accept Criticism: Defensive Reactions

Covert narcissists have a significant character flaw when it comes to accepting criticism. Instead of considering constructive feedback, they tend to react defensively and deflect responsibility for their actions. This defensive behavior is a protective mechanism that helps them maintain their inflated self-image. When confronted with criticism, covert narcissists often become argumentative and refuse to acknowledge any wrongdoing or flaws in their behavior.

Their defensive reactions can manifest in various ways, such as shifting blame onto others, denying the validity of the criticism, or attacking the credibility of the person offering feedback. Rather than engaging in a healthy dialogue and taking the opportunity to grow, covert narcissists become entrenched in their defensive stance, hindering personal growth and improvement.

Constructive feedback is a valuable tool for personal development and strengthening relationships. However, due to their fragile egos and need for constant validation, covert narcissists struggle to accept criticism. This pattern of defensive reactions not only prevents them from making positive changes but also creates a toxic dynamic in their relationships, as others may become hesitant to offer honest feedback for fear of triggering a defensive outburst.

Projecting Insecurities: Blaming Others

Covert narcissists often project their own insecurities onto others, blaming them for their own shortcomings. This projection can leave the victims feeling inadequate and questioning their own behavior. By deflecting blame onto others, covert narcissists avoid taking responsibility for their actions and maintain control over the narrative.

This behavior is characterized by the narcissist’s tendency to attribute their own flaws, failures, and insecurities to those around them. They shift the focus away from themselves and onto others, making them the scapegoats for their own mistakes. This not only absolves the narcissist of any responsibility but also allows them to maintain a false sense of superiority by putting others down.

“You’re just as insecure as I am, you’re just better at hiding it.”

This quote exemplifies how covert narcissists use projection as a means of invalidating others and maintaining their own fragile self-image. By projecting their own insecurities onto someone else, they avoid facing their own flaws and weaknesses. This can create a toxic dynamic where the victim is constantly blamed and made to feel guilty for something that isn’t their fault.

Effects of Projection

The effects of projection can be detrimental to the victims of covert narcissists. They may start questioning their own worth, abilities, and sanity. The constant blame and criticism can erode their self-esteem and lead to self-doubt. The victim may even internalize the projections and start believing that they are indeed responsible for the narcissist’s shortcomings.

Moreover, being constantly blamed and made to feel inadequate can result in a cycle of self-blame. The victim may start questioning their own actions and choices, trying to please the narcissist and gain their approval. This reinforces the narcissist’s control over the victim and perpetuates the toxic dynamic.

Breaking Free

Recognizing projection as a manipulative tactic is the first step in breaking free from its grip. It’s important for the victim to understand that they are not responsible for the narcissist’s insecurities and shortcomings. They should also seek support from trusted friends, family, or professionals who can provide guidance and help them regain their self-confidence.

Setting clear boundaries and refusing to accept blame for things that are not their fault is crucial. By standing up for themselves and refusing to be a target of projection, the victim can take back their power and protect their emotional well-being.

Grandiose Sense of Self-Importance: Deserving Special Treatment

Covert narcissists possess a grandiose sense of self-importance, viewing themselves as superior beings deserving of special treatment. This belief in their own exceptionalism permeates their interactions and expectations in various situations. They demand to be prioritized, seeking preferential treatment wherever they go. For instance, they may insist on being served first at gatherings or expect the best seat in a group outing.

Their entitlement is a core aspect of their personality, driving their behavior and interactions. They firmly believe that they are deserving of constant admiration and adulation from others. When they don’t receive the attention they feel entitled to, they may become resentful or defensive. This self-centeredness and need for constant praise can strain relationships and create an environment where their emotional needs take precedence over others.

Covert narcissists’ grandiose sense of self-importance can have a detrimental impact on those around them. Their entitlement and belief in their own superiority often lead to dismissive and invalidating behavior towards others. This self-centered mindset and constant need for admiration create an imbalanced dynamic where their emotional needs take priority over the well-being of others.

It is crucial to recognize the signs of a grandiose sense of self-importance in order to protect oneself from the damaging effects of relationships with covert narcissists. Setting boundaries and asserting your own needs and values can help maintain a healthier dynamic and prevent the erosion of your own self-worth.

Emotional Blackmail: Manipulation Through Guilt

Emotional blackmail is a manipulative tactic commonly employed by covert narcissists. It involves the use of guilt, fear, or obligation to control and manipulate their victims.

By leveraging the victim’s emotions and vulnerabilities, narcissists create a constant state of fear and insecurity, forcing their victims to comply with their demands and maintain peace in the relationship.

This manipulation tactic can have profound psychological effects on the victim.

They may feel trapped, torn between their own desires and the fear of consequences imposed by the narcissist.

The victim may question their own worth and become excessively self-critical, constantly trying to meet the unrealistic expectations set by the narcissist.

“Emotional blackmail is a powerful tool in the hands of a covert narcissist. They exploit the victim’s love, compassion, and sense of responsibility, using guilt as a weapon to ensure compliance.

In order to break free from the grip of emotional blackmail, it is crucial for victims to recognize the manipulation tactics and understand that they are not responsible for the narcissist’s emotions or actions.

Setting clear boundaries and seeking support from trusted friends or professionals can help victims regain their confidence and break free from the control of the covert narcissist.

Recognizing emotional blackmail is the first step towards breaking free from the manipulative control of covert narcissists. By understanding the tactics used against them, victims can regain their power and create healthier, more balanced relationships.

Centering Conversations Around Themselves: Self-Centeredness

Covert narcissists have a habit of turning conversations or situations around to focus on themselves, even if it’s inappropriate or irrelevant. They often dominate conversations and redirect the attention onto their own experiences or opinions. This self-centeredness can be tiring for those around them and highlights their lack of empathy.

When engaging in conversations with covert narcissists, it becomes clear that their primary objective is to ensure that the conversation revolves around them. They may interrupt others or cut off their stories to insert their own anecdotes or achievements. This behavior not only demonstrates their self-centeredness but also disregards the contributions and experiences of others.

Furthermore, covert narcissists often have an insatiable need for validation and attention. They constantly seek admiration and praise from others, and conversations become a platform for them to achieve this. They may boast about their accomplishments or exaggerate their experiences in order to maintain the spotlight on themselves. As a result, meaningful and balanced conversations become difficult, as the focus shifts solely to the narcissist.

Effects of Self-Centered Conversations

The self-centeredness of covert narcissists can have detrimental effects on both individuals and relationships. Others may feel unheard, invalidated, or unimportant in their presence. Conversations become one-sided, with the narcissist dominating the discussion and dismissing the thoughts and feelings of others.

This constant self-centered behavior can lead to frustration, resentment, and a breakdown in communication. It can strain relationships and create a lack of trust and emotional connection. People may find themselves avoiding conversations with narcissists, as they feel their own needs and experiences are consistently overshadowed.

Overall, recognizing and managing the self-centeredness of covert narcissists is crucial for maintaining healthy relationships and personal well-being. Setting boundaries, redirecting conversations back to mutual engagement, and seeking support from trusted individuals can help mitigate the negative impact of self-centered conversations.

Conclusion – Weird Things Narcissists Do

Understanding the weird things narcissists do is crucial for protecting oneself from the harmful effects of their behavior. Covert narcissists engage in various manipulative tactics such as gaslighting, passive-aggressive behavior, and disregarding personal boundaries. They struggle to show empathy and possess an insatiable need for admiration. Recognizing these red flags and setting boundaries is essential in navigating relationships with narcissists.

By identifying the signs of narcissistic behaviors, individuals can better prioritize their own well-being and protect themselves from narcissistic manipulation and abuse. Gaslighting, a silent form of psychological abuse, can leave victims questioning their own reality. Passive-aggressive behavior, through sarcasm and undermining, can chip away at one’s self-esteem. Disregarding personal boundaries invades privacy and erodes a person’s sense of self. Lack of empathy, coupled with an insatiable need for admiration, creates one-sided interactions that harm relationships.

In dealing with narcissists, it is important to be aware of their inability to accept criticism and their tendency to project their insecurities onto others. Their grandiose sense of self-importance and use of emotional blackmail further highlight their manipulative nature. Additionally, covert narcissists often center conversations around themselves, showcasing their self-centeredness and lack of empathy for others.

By recognizing these behaviors and setting healthy boundaries, individuals can protect themselves and prioritize their own well-being in relationships with narcissists. Acknowledging the weird things narcissists do is the first step towards maintaining healthier and more fulfilling connections with others.