Number seven: narcissists’ obsession with cleanliness. Another peculiar trait of narcissists that often goes unnoticed is their obsessive focus on cleanliness and personal hygiene. While this may appear to be a simple case of self-care, it’s actually a deeper reflection of their internal struggles. Narcissists often go to great lengths to ensure they are always clean and immaculate, sometimes washing up multiple times a day in a ritualistic manner. This behavior often stems from a need to cleanse themselves, especially when they have engaged in activities that they feel are morally or ethically wrong. The more they indulge in secretive or illicit behaviors—whether related to pornography, manipulation, or infidelity—the more they feel compelled to wash themselves repeatedly, as if they are trying to scrub away the shame or guilt associated with those actions. It’s as though they believe that by physically cleansing themselves, they can rid themselves of the emotional or psychological dirt they feel from their hidden activities. Interestingly, this obsession with cleanliness is often coupled with a tendency to criticize their partner’s hygiene, no matter how clean they actually are. Narcissists may project their own feelings of uncleanliness or guilt onto others, accusing their partner of being dirty or careless about their hygiene, even when this isn’t the case. This behavior is a reflection of their inner turmoil as they struggle to reconcile their public persona with the darker, more hidden parts of their personality. It’s also a way for them to deflect attention away from their own imperfections, focusing instead on the faults they perceive in others.
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