Narcissism is a complex personality disorder that usually comes with a distorted view of reality and an inflated sense of self-importance.
While some narcissistic traits might seem obvious, others are more subtle and even bizarre. Here are some of the beliefs narcissists have that fall into the latter camp. You might be shocked, but these are totally true!
1. They believe they’re special and unique.
Narcissists often have an inflated sense of their own importance, believing they’re better than everyone and deserving of special treatment. They see themselves as exceptionally talented, intelligent, or attractive, even if there’s little evidence to support these beliefs. This sense of grandiosity can lead them to feel entitled to admiration, praise, and special privileges, often at other people’s expense.
2. They believe they’re above the rules.
Narcissists often feel that rules and norms don’t apply to them. They buck social acceptability, break promises, or exploit people without remorse. They believe they’re entitled to bend or break the rules to suit their own needs and desires, regardless of the impact on other people. This sense of entitlement can lead to conflict, resentment, and a disregard for the consequences of their actions.
3. They believe they’re always right.
Narcissists have a strong conviction in their own opinions and beliefs, even when faced with contradictory evidence. They dismiss POVs that differ from theirs, refuse to acknowledge their own mistakes, or twist facts to fit their narrative. This unwavering belief in their own infallibility can make it hard to have constructive conversations or resolve conflicts, as they’re unwilling to compromise or consider alternative perspectives.
4. They believe they deserve constant admiration and praise.
Source: Unsplash Narcissists crave validation and attention, and they believe they’re entitled to receive it constantly. They fish for compliments, exaggerate their achievements, or surround themselves with people who reinforce their inflated sense of self. Any lack of admiration or praise can trigger feelings of anger, resentment, or insecurity. This constant need for validation can be exhausting for those around them, as they feel pressured to constantly prop up the narcissist’s ego.
5. They believe they can do no wrong.
Even when faced with clear evidence of their mistakes or shortcomings, narcissists often find ways to justify their actions or point the finger. They always minimise the impact of their behaviour, deflect responsibility, or simply deny any wrongdoing. This inability to accept responsibility means they never learn from their mistakes, grow as people, or maintain healthy relationships.
6. They believe everyone is jealous of them.
Narcissists often assume that everyone’s jealous of their achievements, possessions, or relationships. They interpret any compliment or positive feedback as a sign of envy, even when it’s genuinely meant. This belief can lead to paranoia, defensiveness, and a constant need to one-up everyone. It can also create a sense of isolation, as they struggle to form genuine connections with people they see as envious or competitive.
7. They believe they’re entitled to special treatment and privileges.
Source: Unsplash Narcissists often feel that they deserve preferential treatment, regardless of their actual accomplishments or contributions. They expect people to cater to their needs, make exceptions for them, or grant them special favours. This sense of entitlement can lead to frustration, resentment, and conflict when their expectations are not met. It can also create an unhealthy dynamic in relationships, where the narcissist’s needs are always prioritised over those of their partner or loved ones.
8. They believe they can read people’s minds and intentions.
Narcissists often believe they have a special ability to read people’s thoughts and intentions, even when there’s no evidence to support this belief. They make assumptions about people’s motives, jump to conclusions, or project their own insecurities onto anyone they can. This can lead to misunderstandings, misinterpretations, and conflict, as they base their interactions on their own distorted perceptions rather than reality.
9. They believe they’re immune to criticism or feedback.
Narcissists often have a thin skin and react poorly to any form of criticism or feedback, even if it’s constructive and well-intentioned. They see any critique as a personal attack, a threat to their inflated self-image, or a sign of disrespect. This defensiveness can make it hard to have honest conversations or address any issues in their behaviour. It can also hinder their personal growth, as they’re unwilling to acknowledge their flaws or learn from their mistakes.
10. They believe they can control and manipulate people.
Source: Unsplash Narcissists often see people as pawns in their own game, believing they can manipulate and control people to get what they want. They use charm, flattery, guilt-tripping, or even threats to bend people to their will. This manipulative behaviour can erode trust, damage relationships, and leave those around them feeling used and exploited. It can also create a toxic power dynamic, where the narcissist’s needs and desires are always prioritised over other people’s.
11. They believe their problems are always someone else’s fault.
Source: Unsplash Narcissists rarely take responsibility for their own shortcomings or failures. They’re quick to blame other people, external circumstances, or even bad luck for any problems they encounter. This externalisation of blame allows them to maintain their inflated self-image and avoid confronting their own flaws or weaknesses. It can also lead to conflict and resentment in relationships, as their partners or loved ones feel unfairly blamed and scapegoated.
12. They believe they’re entitled to take advantage of people.
Source: Unsplash Narcissists often feel that they’re entitled to exploit people to achieve their own goals or desires. They use people for their connections, resources, or simply for their own amusement. They see people as objects to be used, rather than people with their own needs and feelings. This exploitative behaviour can leave a trail of broken relationships and damaged trust in its wake.
13. They believe they’re the centre of the universe.
Source: Unsplash Narcissists often have a solipsistic worldview, seeing themselves as the centre of attention and believing that everything revolves around them. They dominate conversations, interrupt people all the time, or constantly redirect attention back to themselves. They’re oblivious to other people’s feelings as they’re too focused on their own experiences and desires. This self-centredness can be alienating and frustrating for those around them, leading to strained relationships and social isolation.
14. They believe they’re immune to the consequences of their actions.
Source: Unsplash Narcissists often believe they’re above the law and immune to the consequences of their actions. They take extreme risks, break promises, or hurt people, without any regard for the repercussions. This sense of invincibility can lead to reckless decisions, damaged relationships, and even legal trouble. It can also prevent them from learning from their mistakes or taking responsibility for their actions, hindering their personal growth and development.
15. They believe their charm and charisma can excuse any behaviour.
Source: Unsplash Narcissists often rely on their charm, charisma, and manipulative tactics to get what they want. They believe that their charm can excuse any bad behaviour, allowing them to get away with lying, cheating, or exploiting people. They also use their charisma to attract and manipulate people, using them to boost their egos or fulfil their own desires. This reliance on charm and manipulation can create a cycle of toxic relationships and damaged trust.
