There’s a lot of talk about narcissism in the world today. Some people think narcissism is a bad thing, while others see it as a sign of self-confidence and strength.
So, what’s the truth? Are narcissists evil, selfish people who only care about themselves? Or are they just misunderstood? In this blog post, I will bust 8 common myths about narcissism and provide you with the facts!
1. Myth: Narcissists are evil, selfish people who only care about themselves.
Fact: While narcissists may have some selfish tendencies, they are not inherently evil or bad people. In fact, many narcissists are actually quite charming and charismatic. They may be intensely self-focused, but that doesn’t mean they don’t care about others.
Reference: Psychologytoday.com
2. Myth: Narcissists are always in need of attention and admiration.
Fact: While narcissists often enjoy getting attention and admiration, this is not always the case. Some narcissists may actually avoid being the center of attention, preferring to stay in the background.
3. Myth: Narcissism is a mental disorder.
Fact: Narcissism is not recognized as a mental disorder by the American Psychiatric Association (APA). However, a narcissistic personality disorder is recognized as a mental disorder by the APA.
The main difference between narcissism and narcissistic personality disorder is that narcissism is a personality trait, while narcissistic personality disorder is a mental disorder. Narcissism is characterized by excessive self-love and pride, while narcissistic personality disorder is characterized by distorted thoughts and feelings about oneself, as well as problems with relationships and commitments.
4. Myth: All narcissists are abusive.
Fact: Not all narcissists are abusive. Some narcissists may be very kind and loving, while others may be more aggressive and hostile. It really depends on the individual’s character traits and how they choose to express their narcissism.
5. Myth: Narcissism is easy to spot.
Fact: Narcissism can be difficult to spot because many of its features can be seen as qualities that we all aspire to have at times. For example, a narcissist may be highly self-confident and driven, which can make them seem like a strong and successful person. It’s only when these qualities become excessive or destructive that we can start to see them as signs of narcissism.
6. Myth: Narcissists don’t experience any negative emotions.
Fact: While narcissists often try to hide their negative emotions, they do experience them just like everyone else does. The main difference is that they often have difficulty handling their emotions in a healthy way. This can lead to problems such as anger issues, mood swings, and even depression or anxiety disorders.
7. Myth: Narcissists always get along with other people easily.
Fact: Just because narcissists enjoy being around other people doesn’t mean they always get along well with them. In fact, narcissistic relationships can often be quite tumultuous and full of drama. This is because narcissists often have difficulty tolerating any kind of criticism or disagreement from others.
8 . Myth: Narcissists are always successful.
Fact: Narcissists may seem like they’re always successful, but this is often not the case. While some narcissists do achieve great things, others may struggle in their personal or professional lives. This is because narcissists often have difficulty sustaining long-term relationships and commitments.
So, there you have it! These are just a few of the most common myths about narcissism that we need to stop believing. Remember, it’s important to get your facts straight before making any judgments about someone.