Narcissists can be proud of their achievements and often think they are better than others. But when someone suggests that this might not necessarily be true, it really hurts them because, deep down inside, they feel unique and deserve the best.
This could possibly stem from a childhood where these people didn’t get enough validation to build up an unshakeable sense of self-confidence. So when other people disregard or ignore them, it’s like a stab in the heart for their ego—something that directly contradicts what lies at the core of who they believe themselves to be as individuals!
“The sadistic narcissist perceives himself as Godlike, ruthless and devoid of scruples, capricious and unfathomable, emotion-less and non-sexual, omniscient, omnipotent, and omni-present, a plague, a devastation, an inescapable verdict.”
― Sam Vaknin
When people don’t show any attention or appreciation to them, they start feeling uncertain about their worth. Criticism is like a bomb for narcissists—instead of perceiving it as an opportunity for self-improvement and growth, they become very defensive and try to deny its importance.
This comes from the need to be approved; when someone points out something wrong with them, this means that deep down inside themselves they are not capable enough nor have value, which is an unbearable thought for anybody possessing narcissistic traits.
What really threatens a narcissist’s sense of power more than anything else can be summed up in one word: invisibility. If nobody notices their presence at all, then what does it mean?
“I don’t care what you think unless it is about me.”
― Kurt Cobain
That assumption implies a lack of relevance, which leads directly to feelings of insignificance, triggering a burden within such an individual and making him feel worthless no matter how hard he or she tries to shake off these doubts afterward.
As opposed to others who might find negative comments hurtful, the situation looks pretty grim here since even disregarding all accomplishments done by those suffering from narcissistic personality disorder may potentially cause much bigger damage, leading nowhere except further worsening the overall condition.
In conclusion, it’s inevitable that those with narcissistic personality disorder will experience pain in their lives. However, certain events can cause greater trauma than others.
From not having your feelings reciprocated to being treated cruelly by someone else, these seven things are particularly damaging to a narcissist’s fragile self-esteem and can leave deep emotional wounds.
“Nice people don’t necessarily fall in love with nice people.”
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