Have you ever been in a relationship with someone who seemed to think the world revolved around them? Perhaps they constantly sought attention, put others down, or refused to take responsibility for their actions. If so, you may have been dealing with a female narcissist.
Narcissism is a personality disorder characterized by a grandiose sense of self-importance, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy. While both men and women can be narcissists, this article will focus specifically on woman narcissist.
I’ll explore the 10 signs of a female narcissist, including their tendency to seek attention, manipulate others, and engage in competitive behavior with friends. Difference between female narcissist and male narcissist. Specific traits that attracts a female narcissist. How a Female Narcissist Acts in a Relationship? Can a Narcissist Female Love You? Additionally, I’ll provide tips on how to deal with a female narcissist?
It is important to understand female narcissism because it can have a profound impact on the lives of those who interact with narcissistic women. Relationships with female narcissists can be emotionally draining, manipulative, and abusive, leading to anxiety, depression, and trauma. Recognizing the signs of female narcissism and learning how to cope with and respond to these behaviors can help individuals protect themselves and maintain their mental health.
What is a Female Narcissist?
A female narcissist is a woman who has an excessive sense of self-importance, an exaggerated need for admiration, and a lack of empathy towards others. Like their male counterparts, female narcissists have an inflated sense of self-worth and believe they are entitled to special treatment and privileges.
They often display a sense of entitlement, a need for constant attention and validation, and a tendency to exploit others for their own benefit.
Types of Female Narcissists
There are different types of female narcissists, each with their own specific traits and behaviors. Here are some common types:
- The grandiose narcissist: This type of female narcissist has an exaggerated sense of self-importance and is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, beauty, or brilliance.
- The covert narcissist: This type of female narcissist appears humble and self-effacing on the surface, but has a strong need for attention, admiration, and validation.
- The malignant narcissist: This type of female narcissist is often the most dangerous, as they exhibit aggressive and sadistic behaviors towards others. They enjoy causing harm and feel no empathy or remorse for their actions.
- The communal narcissist: This type of female narcissist presents themselves as generous, kind, and selfless, but actually use their behavior as a way to gain admiration and attention from others.
- The somatic narcissist: This type of female narcissist is focused on their physical appearance and uses their beauty, body, and sexual appeal to gain attention and validation from others.
10 Signs of a Female Narcissist
Here are clear 10 female narcissist signs:
1. Excessive Self-Focus and Self-Absorption
Being self-centered or self-absorbed is a sign of female narcissist where the woman has an excessive focus on herself, her needs, and her desires, often to the exclusion or detriment of others. A narcissistic woman tends to see herself as the center of the universe and expects others to revolve around her.
This can lead to her being insensitive to the needs and feelings of others, and she may come across as selfish and self-centered.
In relationships, a self-centered or self-absorbed female narcissist may dominate conversations and constantly redirect the attention back to herself. Narcissistic woman may show little interest in the opinions or experiences of others, and may not display empathy towards others’ feelings.
Narcissist woman may also demand constant attention and admiration, and can become manipulative if she feels that she is not getting the attention she desires.
The self-centeredness of a narcissistic woman can also manifest in other ways, such as an excessive focus on her own appearance, social status, or accomplishments. She may be obsessed with her physical appearance and spend an excessive amount of time and money on grooming, makeup, or clothing.
She may also overstate her achievements or engage in self-promotion to boost her sense of self-importance.
2. Obsessing Over Minor Details and Ignoring the Larger Picture
Obsessing over minor details and ignoring the larger picture is a sign of female narcissism where a woman becomes preoccupied with insignificant details and loses sight of the bigger picture.
A narcissistic woman may become fixated on minor imperfections or perceived slights and blow them out of proportion, while ignoring the overall context or consequences of the situation.
This behavior may manifest in different ways, such as becoming overly critical of others, nitpicking or micromanaging others, or engaging in petty arguments or power struggles.
A narcissist female may focus on winning small battles rather than working towards a larger goal or objective. She may also lack empathy or concern for others’ feelings or perspectives, and may disregard the impact of her behavior on others.
In a relationship, obsessing over minor details and ignoring the larger picture can be damaging. A narcissistic woman may become critical or dismissive of her partner’s feelings or concerns, and may focus solely on her own needs or desires. She may also become controlling or manipulative, using minor details as a means of exerting power over her partner.
3. Refusal to Take Responsibility or Admit Fault
Refusal to take responsibility or admit fault is a sign of female narcissist where a woman consistently blames others for her own mistakes or shortcomings and refuses to take accountability for her actions. A narcissistic woman may have an inflated sense of self-importance and may believe that she is always right, even when confronted with evidence to the contrary.
This behavior can manifest in various ways, such as deflecting blame onto others, denying any responsibility for her actions, or making excuses for her behavior. A narcissistic woman may also manipulate or gaslight others into believing that they are at fault, even when this is not the case.
In a relationship, a narcissistic woman’s refusal to take responsibility or admit fault can be particularly damaging. She may become defensive or dismissive when confronted with issues or conflicts, and may refuse to engage in constructive dialogue or compromise. This can create a toxic dynamic in the relationship, where the woman’s partner feels constantly blamed and unappreciated.
4. Manipulating Others Through Sexual Attraction
A Narcissist female uses her physical appearance or sexuality as a means of gaining power or control over others. A narcissistic woman may be highly focused on her own physical appearance and may use it as a tool to manipulate or coerce others.
This behavior can manifest in various ways, such as using seductive behavior to get what she wants, making sexual advances towards others as a means of gaining attention or admiration, or using sex as a bargaining tool to control others. A narcissistic woman may also use her sexual attractiveness to gain an advantage in social situations, such as flirting with those in positions of power or using her appearance to gain access to exclusive events or opportunities.
In a relationship, manipulating others through sexual attraction can be particularly damaging. A narcissist female may use her sexuality to control or manipulate her partner, such as by withholding sex or using it as a reward for good behavior. This can create a toxic dynamic in the relationship, where the woman’s partner feels objectified and used.
5. Creating Drama And Seeking Attention
Creating drama and seeking attention is a sign of female narcissist where a woman behaves in an exaggerated or melodramatic way to draw attention to herself. A narcissistic woman may have an insatiable need for attention and may seek it out through creating chaos, playing the victim, or making a scene.
This behavior can manifest in various ways, such as making a big deal out of minor issues, fabricating or exaggerating stories to make herself seem more interesting, or manipulating situations to draw attention to herself. A narcissistic woman may also be highly emotional, often experiencing intense highs and lows, and may thrive on the drama and excitement of volatile situations.
In a relationship, creating drama and seeking attention can be particularly damaging. A narcissist female may use drama as a means of controlling her partner, creating conflicts or crises to keep him focused on her needs and desires. She may also use her emotional outbursts to manipulate her partner into giving her what she wants, such as attention, affection, or gifts.
6. Obsessing Over Social Media
A female narcissist becomes preoccupied with her online presence and the image she projects to others. A narcissistic woman may spend excessive amounts of time on social media, frequently checking her profiles, posting selfies, and seeking validation from others.
This behavior can manifest in various ways, such as constantly updating her status, sharing every detail of her life, or obsessively checking how many likes or comments her posts have received. A narcissist female may also become highly defensive or reactive if someone criticizes her online presence or posts.
In a relationship, obsessing over social media can be particularly damaging. A narcissistic woman may use social media as a means of seeking attention or validation from others, which can create jealousy or conflict with her partner. She may also use social media to monitor her partner’s activity or to present an idealized version of their relationship to others.
7. Manipulating Situations To Play The Victim
Manipulating situations to play the victim is another sign of a female narcissist. Narcissistic women may use their victimhood to gain attention, sympathy, or control over others.
They may exaggerate or fabricate stories of victimization or distress, playing up their own suffering to elicit emotional responses from others. This behavior can be particularly insidious, as it often causes those around them to feel sorry for the narcissist and to ignore or minimize the suffering of others.
In some cases, the narcissist females may even use their “victimhood” to justify their own bad behavior or to deflect blame onto others.
8. Engaging in Competitive Behavior with Female Friends
Narcissistic women may view their friendships as a means of achieving validation and admiration, and as such, they may engage in competition with their friends to prove their superiority. This competition can manifest in a variety of ways, including one-upping their friends, putting down their accomplishments, or engaging in other forms of sabotage or manipulation.
A narcissist female may also view her friends as objects to be used for her own benefit, rather than as individuals with their own needs and desires. This type of behavior can be toxic and damaging to friendships, as it creates an atmosphere of distrust and animosity.
9. Exhibiting Emotional Distance Towards Children
Narcissistic women may view their children as extensions of themselves rather than as individuals with their own needs and desires. They may prioritize their own needs and desires over their children’s, and may view their children as objects to be used for their own benefit rather than as individuals to be nurtured and cared for.
Narcissistic mothers may also use their children as a means of gaining attention and admiration, and may become emotionally distant or dismissive when their children fail to meet their expectations or needs.
This can be damaging to the emotional well-being of the child, and can lead to feelings of neglect and abandonment. In extreme cases, a narcissistic mother may engage in emotional or psychological abuse towards her children, further reinforcing her own sense of superiority and control.
10. Believing in Superiority Over Others in a Social Setting
Believing in superiority over others in a social setting is a trait commonly exhibited by female narcissists. They may view social situations as opportunities to showcase their own superiority and may seek to dominate conversations or attention in order to achieve validation and admiration.
Narcissistic women may also feel threatened by others who they perceive as being more attractive, intelligent, or successful than themselves and may engage in behaviors to diminish or undermine these individuals in order to maintain their sense of superiority.
This type of behavior can be damaging to relationships and social dynamics, as it creates an atmosphere of competition and distrust rather than cooperation and mutual support.
Difference Between Female Narcissist And Male Narcissist
Both male and female narcissists exhibit similar traits, such as an inflated sense of self-importance, lack of empathy, and a strong desire for attention and admiration. However, there are some differences in how these traits manifest in men and women.
One of the primary differences is in the way that male and female narcissists seek attention and admiration. Male narcissists may exhibit grandiosity, bragging about their accomplishments and seeking admiration from others for their achievements. Female narcissists, on the other hand, may focus more on their physical appearance and use their sexuality to garner attention and admiration from others.
Another difference is in the way that male and female narcissists react to criticism. Male narcissists may become aggressive or confrontational when faced with criticism or rejection, while female narcissists may be more likely to engage in passive-aggressive behavior, such as gossiping or spreading rumors about the person who criticized them.
There may also be some differences in the underlying causes of narcissism in men and women. For example, some research suggests that male narcissism may be associated with a need to compensate for feelings of insecurity or inadequacy, while female narcissism may be linked to experiences of objectification or a desire to gain power and control in a patriarchal society.
How a Female Narcissist Acts in a Relationship?
Female narcissists can be particularly adept at manipulating and controlling their partners. They may use a variety of tactics to achieve this, including idealization, devaluation, control, and manipulation.
A. Idealization and Love Bombing
At the beginning of a relationship, a female narcissist may engage in idealization and love bombing. This involves showering their partner with affection, attention, and compliments in order to gain their trust and admiration.
They may appear charming, attentive, and supportive, and go out of their way to make their partner feel special and appreciated.
B. Devaluation and Discard Phases
However, as the relationship progresses, the female narcissist may enter the devaluation and discard phases. In these phases, they may suddenly become critical, cold, and distant, or even cruel and abusive. They may blame their partner for their own shortcomings, engage in verbal or emotional abuse, or withhold affection and attention.
C. Control and Manipulation
Female narcissists often seek to control and manipulate their partners in order to maintain their own sense of power and superiority. They may use tactics such as gaslighting, brainwashing, and emotional blackmail to achieve this. They may also try to isolate their partner from friends and family, in order to increase their control over them.
D. Infidelity and Cheating
Female narcissists may also engage in infidelity and cheating, as they often crave attention and validation from multiple sources. They may feel entitled to pursue other relationships, even while in a committed relationship, and may view their partner as disposable or replaceable.
E. Emotional and Verbal Abuse
Emotional and verbal abuse are also common traits of female narcissists in relationships. They may use insults, criticism, and humiliation to control and manipulate their partner, or make them feel inadequate and worthless.
F. Gaslighting and Brainwashing
Gaslighting and brainwashing are particularly insidious tactics used by female narcissists in relationships. Gaslighting involves manipulating a partner’s perception of reality, while brainwashing involves coercing them into adopting the narcissist’s beliefs and values.
G. Isolation and Alienation
Finally, female narcissists may seek to isolate and alienate their partners from friends and family, in order to maintain control over them. They may discourage or prevent their partner from pursuing their own interests or social activities, in order to ensure that they remain dependent on the narcissist for their emotional and social needs.
Traits That Attract Female Narcissist
Narcissistic females are often attracted to certain traits in their partners that can feed their own ego and desire for validation. While not all women who exhibit narcissistic tendencies may be attracted to the same traits, there are some common characteristics that they may seek out in their partners.
1. High Status and Wealth
Narcissistic women may be drawn to partners who hold a high social status or possess significant wealth. This is because such partners can provide them with a sense of superiority and allow them to indulge in materialistic pleasures.
2. Confidence and Charm
Narcissist females are often attracted to partners who exude confidence and charm. This is because they see such partners as a reflection of their own desirable qualities and view them as an extension of themselves.
3. Admiration and Praise
Narcissistic women crave admiration and praise, and they may be drawn to partners who provide them with constant affirmation and validation.
4. Compliments and Gifts
Narcissistic women may be attracted to partners who shower them with compliments and gifts. This is because such partners can provide them with the attention and validation that they desire.
5. Physical Attractiveness and Fitness
Narcissist Females may be drawn to partners who possess physical attractiveness and fitness. This is because such partners can enhance their own sense of desirability and attractiveness by association.
6. Success and Achievements
Narcissistic Females may be attracted to partners who have achieved significant success and accomplishments. This is because such partners can provide them with a sense of superiority and status.
7. Power and Influence
Narcissistic women may be drawn to partners who hold positions of power and influence. This is because such partners can provide them with a sense of superiority and allow them to indulge in their desire for control and domination.
Can a Female Narcissist Love You?
It can be difficult to determine whether a narcissist female is capable of genuine love. While it is possible for them to experience attachment and emotional bonding, their capacity for empathy, compassion, respect, and trust can be limited.
Narcissistic love is often characterized by the desire for admiration, control, and power. Narcissistic women may also use love as a means of validation, to boost their own self-esteem, and to manipulate and control their partners.
On the other hand, genuine love involves a deep emotional connection that is built on trust, respect, and mutual support. It is selfless, compassionate, and empathetic, and focuses on the well-being of the other person rather than one’s own needs and desires.
While a narcissistic woman may be able to experience attachment and emotional bonding, their limited capacity for empathy and compassion may hinder their ability to truly love someone in a healthy way.
They may struggle to put their partner’s needs before their own, and may not be able to truly understand or empathize with their partner’s emotions and experiences.
In a relationship with a narcissistic woman, it is important to be aware of the potential for manipulation and control. They may use love as a means of gaining power and control over their partner, and may not be willing to make sacrifices or compromises for the sake of the relationship.
Ultimately, while a narcissist female may be capable of experiencing attachment and emotional bonding, the nature of their love is often more focused on their own needs and desires rather than the well-being of their partner. It is important to approach relationships with narcissists with caution and awareness, and to prioritize your own emotional and mental health above all else.
How to Deal with a Female Narcissist?
Dealing with a female narcissist can be challenging and emotionally draining. Here are some tips on how to cope with a narcissistic woman:
- Set boundaries and limits: It’s important to establish clear boundaries and limits with a narcissistic woman. This can include limiting contact, being clear about what you will and will not tolerate, and standing up for yourself when necessary.
- Avoid engaging in power struggles: Narcissistic individuals thrive on power and control. Engaging in a power struggle with a narcissist female will only escalate the situation. It’s important to choose your battles wisely and avoid getting drawn into arguments or conflicts that are unlikely to be resolved.
- Stay calm and rational: Narcissists often use emotional manipulation to control others. It’s important to remain calm and rational when dealing with a narcissistic woman. Avoid reacting emotionally and instead focus on the facts of the situation.
- Seek professional help and support: Dealing with a narcissistic woman can be emotionally taxing. It’s important to seek professional help and support if you are struggling to cope. This can include therapy, counseling, or support groups.
- Practice self-care and self-compassion: Dealing with a narcissistic female can take a toll on your mental and emotional health. It’s important to take care of yourself by practicing self-care and self-compassion. This can include taking time for yourself, engaging in activities you enjoy, and practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques.
- Cut off all contact and move on: In some cases, the best course of action may be to cut off all contact with a narcissist female and move on. This can be difficult, but it’s often necessary to protect your mental and emotional well-being. Remember that you deserve to be treated with respect and kindness, and that you have the power to make choices that are in your best interests.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, identifying the signs of a female narcissist can be challenging, but it’s essential to protect yourself from their toxic behaviors. While both male and female narcissists share common traits, such as grandiosity, lack of empathy, and manipulation, there are some distinct differences in how they behave.
If you find yourself attracted to a female narcissist, beware of their charisma and charm, as they can draw you in with their flattering words and attention. However, being in a relationship with a narcissistic woman can be emotionally draining and damaging to your self-esteem.
While some may wonder if a narcissistic female can love you, it’s important to remember that their love is often conditional and based on their own needs and desires. Ultimately, it’s best to prioritize your well-being and avoid getting entangled with a female narcissist.