Do Narcissists Know They Are Narcissists? Are They Aware?

Last updated by Katie M.

When it comes to people with narcissistic personality disorder, it is often difficult to distinguish the truth from the common misconceptions. In this precise case, I thought it was about time we took a closer look at their psyche and inner workings of their consciousness, by addressing whether they are privy to their condition. After all, people with such an intense sense of entitlement and serious lack of empathy must realize that they are narcissistic; right? Well, in fact, the answer to that is not exactly black and white, so let’s take a look at why.

Do Narcissists Know They Are Narcissists? Are They Aware?

Their awareness depends on the extent of their disorder

There are different degrees of narcissism, and precisely where people place on the spectrum determines how aware, or in certain cases oblivious they are, of their actions. If, for example, someone displays worryingly selfish tendencies couples with a grandiose sense of entitlement and a thirst for success, power, and brilliance, it seems legitimate that they may be completely blind to their unacceptable behavior, because they are so used to it. However, if the disorder is less pronounced and seemingly less dangerous for people’s mental health, then red flags may go unnoticed, and these folks may remain covert. Indeed, it’s the severity of the disorder that influences the sufferer’s self-awareness and capacity for introspection.

Beware of giving narcissists the benefit of the doubt

Now, as I’ve said above, most experts agree that the seriousness of this disorder impacts its acknowledgment, but we must not forget that narcissists are excellent manipulators. Lying, inventing stories, and getting their own way are all second nature to these deeply devious personalities, meaning that they are capable of absolutely anything. Yes, that’s right, many of these folks would indeed be accomplished in the art of fooling their entourage into believing that they are blissfully unaware of their toxic actions. After all; how can we realistically blame or confront someone who we suspect to be a narcissist about their behavior when they deny recognizing it as toxic?

The bottom line is, these cunning personalities never want to be ousted and exposed for what they are deep down, and will go to the ends of the earth in order to maintain their power and deny their abusive tendencies. Plus, they are experts in pulling the wool over people’s eyes and making others feel sorry for them, which explains why they should never be accorded any special treatment or excessive sympathy because it will only blur the lines in your relationship and could put you in a vulnerable position.

>>> Discover the 10 signs that you are a narcissist

Denial is their favorite weapon

People with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) pretend to be ignorant to their harmful actions in order to keep their victims where they want them. If anyone ever dares to call them out on things they have done or said, their master plotters will use their charm to worm their way out of the conflict and keep the peace. They’ll want to appear rational and therefore may even apologize for coming across in such a toxic way, however, they evidently won’t mean a word of what they say. When they apologize, they may even make outlandish claims about feeling awful for the way they’ve come across and promises about wanting to change in the future. Whatever they concoct as an excuse for their toxicity, you need to keep in mind that words are just words and in this case, their so-called apology is a cleverly constructed plan which they believe will get you on their side.

Do narcissists know exactly what they are doing?

Narcissists often have a grandiose view of themselves, and seek to maintain this image by avoiding any questioning of their own superiority. They may be resistant to criticism, blame others for their actions, minimize the negative consequences of their behavior or seek to rationalize them.

It's important to note that narcissism exists on a continuum, ranging from milder narcissism to more severe narcissistic personality disorders. In the most severe cases, people with narcissistic personality disorders may have a limited understanding of their behavior and may be less inclined to recognize or question their actions.

It should also be stressed that each individual is unique, and some narcissistic people may develop some awareness of their behavior and seek to improve. However, this usually requires in-depth therapeutic work and a sincere willingness to question and change. Ultimately, awareness of narcissistic behavior varies from person to person, but it's common for narcissistic people to have a limited view of their actions and their impact on others due to their own distorted perception of reality.

Even if many of them are aware of their behavior, they just don’t care enough to change

If you have ever dated or even been friends with someone with this personality type, you’ll have no doubt wondered; can a narcissist change? Well, to put it quite bluntly and perhaps brutally for some, the answer to that is; no. No, they can’t change because their inherent traits are simply too dark and furthermore, they don’t have the willpower or determination to do so. They love being in control, and the only solution they see to keeping their power is by manipulating their victims in order to keep them under the thumb. Plus, they need to feel important, and the power rush they get from taking charge helps to validate their superiority and status.

💡FAQ💡 Do narcissists get worse with age?

Narcissists age badly, and they become even more bitter and twisted as time goes on. In fact, as they age, they become more afraid. The fear of losing control, seduction, and power affects them to the core. They become more and more vindictive with the years and are eaten away by the anguish of time passing. With the passing of time, the hatred and contempt towards everything that used to irritate them become more pronounced. Confident, internally rich, or financially rich people scare them too. They are dependent on their superiority over others, and this is an unchangeable pattern. However, getting older implies a considerable loss of social or physical speed, and this is an unbearable idea for the manipulative pervert.

💡FAQ💡 Do narcissists actually care about you?

Narcissistic people may form bonds with others, but these relationships are often colored by their own needs and concerns. Narcissists tend to seek out relationships that bring them personal gratification, admiration and ego validation. However, it's important to note that relationships for narcissistic people are often marked by an imbalance of power and a lack of empathy towards others. They may exploit the people around them, treating them as extensions of themselves or manipulating them to satisfy their own needs and desires.

Narcissists may be able to form superficial, temporary bonds with others, but they often have difficulty maintaining deep, lasting relationships. Their central preoccupation is usually their own satisfaction and their constant need for attention and admiration, which can lead them to neglect the needs and emotions of others.

💡FAQ💡 Can a narcissist be a good person?

Narcissists, both men and women, are masters in the art of hiding who they really are, of concealing their true personality. They are clever, they are cunning, they generally display a lack of empathy and have a constant need to be loved and admired. He or she would use narcissistic behaviors, motivated by a persistent feeling of insecurity and not by high self-esteem. However, they also present them as very good person if they have something to gain from them. Likewise, they also present themselves as being "vulnerable" to their victims. In fact, they actually have low self-esteem, extreme sensitivity and an overall feeling of insecurity. In short, their behavior is definitely terrible, but their bad experiences are certainly responsible for making them act in such ways.

Editor’s opinion - Tread very carefully

When dealing with disorders such as this one, you need to be very careful not to get sucked into the drama and thrown into a state of confusion regarding what you first believed was true. If you suspect that someone is toxic, then the sad truth is, your first instincts were probably right, so don’t let anything they say convince you otherwise. The idea is for you to preserve your mental health, and the only way to do this is to create distance between yourself and a potential abuser.

🤗 Understand yourself, accept yourself, be happy... Let’s do it here and now!

#BornToBeMe

Be sure to check these articles out too;

Article presented by
Katie, M.

"🌻 Discover the world through my eyes."

Read our latest articles here:

5 Tips to Step Out of Your Comfort Zone: Embrace the Unknown!

I’m starting to get tired of the routine and daily grind. Yet, I’m hesitant to step out of my comfort zone and take the leap. My bubble is reassuring, and so far, I’ve thrived in it, but I no longer want to be held back by the fear of trying new things. Stepping out of your comfort zone brings many benefits, so how can you dare to take the plunge? Here are 5 tips to get started! 💪

New Year’s Resolutions: Choose Them Wisely or Give Yourself a Break!

We tend to think of New Year as a sort of fresh start, making it the perfect time to break a bad habit and adopt a better one. After all, we all want to be better, so it’s natural to want to make good resolutions to bring about change. But what happens when we don’t stick to them? After years and years of watching t-shirts pile up because “this year, I’m starting to exercise” and never following through, hello, sense of failure! So, what do we do with New Year’s resolutions? Do we choose better ones or just forget about them altogether? 🥳

What is Neuroatypicality? Why Is It Being Talked About?

If there’s one article I was eager to write for Wengood, it’s this one. I’m part of what’s called the “neuro-A” community, in other words, “neuroatypical” individuals. It might be a term you’ve heard before without really knowing what it means. So, what is neuroatypicality or neurodivergence? Is it an illness? A personality trait? A way of functioning? If you’re asking yourself these questions, you’re in the right place—I’m here to answer them.

Intermittent Explosive Disorder: When Anger Becomes Destructive

Intense anger outbursts, disproportionate verbal and physical aggression… These are all signs that may indicate intermittent explosive disorder (IED). I know what I’m talking about because someone in my family has it. For a long time, I struggled to understand their explosive anger reactions. I think they themselves didn’t know why they reacted that way… until they were diagnosed. Let me explain.

How to Dare to Approach Others? 7 Tips to Follow

The big introvert that I am has long struggled to approach others. It’s true that taking a step toward someone isn’t easy, especially when you’re dealing with additional challenges: introversion, lack of self-confidence, social anxiety… Having experienced all of this myself, but having made progress over the past few years, I have a few tips to share with you so that you too can come out of your shell. Let’s get started!

The Psychological Impact of a Burglary: How to Overcome It?

If I’ve never experienced a burglary as an adult, I did go through it during my childhood. I remember the uneasy feeling of knowing that strangers had entered our home. I kept wondering if they would come back… The psychological impact of a burglary should not be underestimated. What does it trigger? How can one overcome the feelings of fear and insecurity? Let me share my thoughts with you.

Is Working With Your Partner A Good Or Bad Idea?

Sharing everything with your partner is a sign of a healthy relationship for some people, even when it comes to working. However, that being said, for others, working with their partner just seems like a bad idea and the perfect recipe for tension. Do we need to separate our personal and professional lives, or is it okay to blur the lines and mix everything? After all, what could do wrong? Find out how to cope when your significant other is also your coworker!

My Sister Is Jealous Of Me

“In any case, you’re the favorite.” I’ve heard this phrase coming from my sister’s mouth over and over again. For a long time, her jealousy spoiled our lives, but I only wanted one thing: for us to be close and united. She poured her resentment in my face for many years until it got out of control. I couldn’t stand feeling so much anger and guilt at the same time. Soothing 30 years of jealousy hasn’t been easy, but there are ways to avoid getting to that point. I didn’t want jealousy to cut me off from my sister!

How Do Narcissistic People Treat Their Children?

Growing up with narcissistic parents is certainly no easy feat, because, let's face it, people with this disorder are unsympathetic, selfish, manipulative, egotistical, and dishonest, yes, that's right, these traits aren't exactly those showcased by the parents of the year. Realistically, these folks simply don't have the basic qualities required to become good parents, which is why, when they choose to have a family, things often spin out of control, and the narcissistic abuse undoubtedly crushes children's mental health.

Why Do I Want To Seduce Everyone? Compulsive Seduction Explained

Is the gaze and approval of others essential for you? Are you incapable of saying no? Do you do everything you can to get yourself noticed? This excessive need to please may well be indicative of a profound uneasiness. Why do you need to feel validated by other people so much? And how can you free yourself from this oppressing tendency? We reveal everything you need to know for a more straightforward lifestyle.



Wengood's favorite tunes 🎵

Wengood's playlist

wengood

  1. Only LoveBen Howard
    4:08
  2. Invalid date
  3. Fix YouColdplay
    4:55
  4. Beautiful DayU2
    4:08
  5. Thinking out LoudEd Sheeran
    4:41
  6. White FlagDido
    4:00
  7. Lay Me DownSam Smith
    4:13
  8. Nine Million BicyclesKatie Melua
    3:17
  9. Put Your Records OnCorinne Bailey Rae
    3:35
  10. Summertime SadnessLana Del Rey
    4:24
  11. Imagine - Remastered 2010John Lennon
    3:07
  12. Shake It OutFlorence + The Machine
    4:37
  13. Space Oddity - Love You Til Tuesday versionDavid Bowie
    3:46
  14. What A Wonderful WorldLouis Armstrong
    2:17
  15. With Or Without YouU2
    4:56
  16. HelloAdele
    4:55
  17. Don't Stop Me NowQueen
    3:29
  18. Skinny LoveBirdy
    3:21
  19. WingsBirdy
    4:12
  20. Californian SoilLondon Grammar
    3:41

How to detect a narcissist

How to detect a narcissist

How to soothe an anxiety attack

How to soothe an anxiety attack