A pal lately requested me if I believed her poisonous ex had male narcissist traits. I informed her that being narcissistic is completely different from being recognized with Narcissistic Persona Dysfunction (NPD), and there’s no method to know except he will get a analysis by psychological well being professionals or a licensed therapist. However she was insistent.

She mentioned she knew all his traits after a 5-year-long relationship. All she wanted was somebody to dig up some details together with her. So, right here I’m, with my new-found information. As we all know, narcissism is a persona trait that may be present in each women and men. But it surely usually manifests in a different way throughout genders. As we focus on these persona traits forward, do not forget that in males, they usually type with distinct passive-aggressive habits patterns.

Understanding these features of female and male narcissists is essential not just for figuring out potential narcissistic ladies and men in your life, but in addition for shielding your self from emotional hurt by creating boundaries. On this article, relationship coach Dhriti Bhavsar (MSc, Scientific Psychology), who focuses on LGBTQ and marital points, addresses the traits of male narcissists and their delicate dangerous tendencies. Together with her assist, we’ll make clear the particular attitudes of male narcissists that individuals round them (like my pal) must cope with. 

What Is A Narcissistic Man?

In The Good Males Mission article, titled ‘Confessions of a Recovering Narcissist—Or How I Realized to Be Unselfish,’ Lion Goodman wrote, “Relationships fail when companions focus an excessive amount of on getting their very own wants met, and never sufficient on the wants of the opposite. This ends in arguments over whose wants are most essential – which is sort of at all times damaging.”

Effectively mentioned. A narcissistic man demonstrates a pervasive and infrequently problematic sample of persona dysfunction characterised by a pronounced deal with his personal wants, wishes, and self-image. This focus is so intense that it will probably result in an absence of consideration for different folks’s emotions. Whereas it’s important to tell apart amongst psychological issues, narcissistic traits, and Narcissistic Persona Dysfunction (which is a diagnosable psychological well being situation), a narcissistic man usually displays a self-centered lifestyle.

Coping with male narcissists could be difficult, particularly if they’ve NPD. In accordance with the Diagnostic and Statistical Handbook of Psychological Problems, “There aren’t any FDA-approved drugs for the therapy of NPD, however many sufferers might profit from the therapy of signs, together with nervousness, despair, temper lability, transient psychosis, and impulse management points.” Addressing the issue is step one, although. Maintain studying to know extra about narcissist traits in males.

11 Frequent Male Narcissist Traits In Relationships 

Narcissistic traits in males can present up distinctly throughout the context of relationships, inflicting distinctive challenges for his or her companions. Whereas not all males who exhibit these traits have Narcissistic Persona Dysfunction NPD, or delinquent persona dysfunction, or any sort of psychological issues, recognizing their narcissistic strategy and customary behaviors is essential for these in relationships with them. 

Within the following sections, we’ll be careful for distinguished traits of male narcissists, shedding mild on their haughty behaviors that may assist you navigate their narcissistic tendencies. Do not forget that whereas recognizing these traits is important, diagnosing somebody with Narcissistic Persona Dysfunction must be left to psychological well being professionals or a licensed therapist.

Listed below are 11 distinguished male narcissist traits in romantic relationships, defined intimately:

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1. They’ve an extreme want for consideration in relationships

This is without doubt one of the overt narcissist traits males present with their companions. Whereas some degree of self-focus and a need for recognition are regular, narcissistic habits turns into problematic when it disrupts a person’s life and the lives of these round them. Listed below are some widespread traits:

• Their extreme attention-seeking habits can result in a extremely demanding and one-sided dynamic. They need extreme admiration and wish you to continuously speak about them
• The associate of a male narcissist might discover themselves continuously needing to reassure and praise the narcissist
• This may be emotionally exhausting as your individual wants for affirmation and help usually take a again seat

2. They’ll manipulate you emotionally

Male narcissists use emotional manipulation techniques, corresponding to guilt-tripping which might make the associate really feel chargeable for the narcissist’s happiness, even when it’s unreasonable. Gaslighting, a quite common type of narcissistic abuse, can result in confusion and self-doubt. Emotional detachment phases and different manipulative techniques can create a poisonous environment the place the associate feels trapped within the relationship.

Dhriti says, “In relationships, narcissistic males usually:

• Play the sufferer card to keep away from accountability
• Interact in gaslighting to make you doubt your individual actuality
• Use love bombing and ghosting to maintain you on an emotional rollercoaster
• Will be vengeful and maintain onto grudges.”

3. A standard trait amongst male narcissists: They wrestle to point out empathy to their associate

Are you relationship a narcissist? Lack of empathy is without doubt one of the main narcissist traits in males, as it’s essential to know already. And since they lack empathy, it makes it difficult for them to attach with you on a deep, emotional degree. The self-importance preoccupation of male narcissists makes it tough for them to be real. Right here’s how your intimate bond is affected:

• Your feelings and experiences are sometimes invalidated and dismissed
• This could go away you feeling unseen, unheard, and unimportant
• Over time, this lack of empathy erodes the emotional connection within the relationship

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4. They gained’t assume twice earlier than exploiting you

Narcissists are inclined to prioritize their very own pursuits and self-care above all else. This pursuit of consideration and affirmation can cause them to interact in habits that manipulates or exploits these round them. This exploitation can take type in numerous methods:

• Self-obsessed males might reap the benefits of your monetary assets
• They might use your social connections for their very own agenda
• They might depend on you for emotional help continuously with out giving something in return

This leaves you feeling used and unappreciated, which might harm your vanity and total well-being.

5. Narcissistic males solely care about their self-image and wishes, even at the price of yours

Male narcissists have a grandiose sense of their life; they’ll even create unrealistic expectations for his or her associate. Right here’s what it seems to be like:

• They might count on you to cater to their each want, disregarding your individual wishes and bounds
• This inflated sense of self can pressure the romantic relationship, because it turns into one-sided
• You’ll by no means discover them being self-deprecating about themselves

Dhriti says, “Such males exhibit the identical habits and entitlement in all places, together with romantic relationships. They do that by sexual calls for, monetary management, and monopolizing their associate’s time and a focus. These actions erode boundaries, stripping companions of their company and leaving them feeling suffocated.”

6. They’re at all times taking part in the blame sport in a relationship

This is without doubt one of the most overt narcissist traits males present. A person like this takes benefit of the state of affairs at hand and deflects blame and accountability, therefore conflicts usually stay unresolved. You might really feel like you might be continuously strolling on eggshells. You worry any dialogue which may result in the blame being shifted on you. This avoidance of accountability by male narcissists can result in an unhealthy and irritating communication sample between the couple.

7. The partnership can’t be equal as narcissistic males are at all times on an influence journey

Female and male narcissists usually view themselves as distinctive or distinctive, with an overarching perception of their superiority. Sustaining this inflated sense of management and dominance usually ends in imbalanced energy dynamics throughout the relationship. Male narcissists might keep energy by:

• Limiting your independence
• Making selections unilaterally
• Undermining your vanity. This management could make you are feeling helpless and depending on them

8. Male narcissists really feel attacked rather a lot due to lack of vanity  

The indicators of low vanity hidden beneath the grandiose narcissism makes it tough for such males to deal with criticism or perceived threats to their self-worth. This emotional volatility can result in a thick environment of pressure for you, as you worry triggering a defensive or offended response even in random conversations.

Dhriti explains, “Narcissist habits in males is displayed by a fragile vanity that tends to be emotionally reactive, making you stroll on eggshells. They retaliate fiercely to criticism, viewing it as a deep insult to their core. Their confidence masks a fragile ego, which results in defensive habits and an incapability to deal with jokes or critiques gracefully.”

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9. They shuffle between idealizing and devaluing you

The cycle of idealization and devaluation could be emotionally complicated for companions. Within the preliminary phases of the connection, you could be showered with extreme admiration, affection, and reward, however as the connection progresses, you would possibly all of a sudden be devalued and criticized. This inconsistency by male narcissists could cause emotional turmoil.

Dhriti says, “Narcissists create a rollercoaster of feelings by initially making companions really feel cherished and valued, solely to withdraw affection later. This hooks the companions emotionally, making them crave the misplaced validation. This cycle faucets into our mind’s reward system, just like substance dependancy, leaving you grappling with withdrawal-like feelings when the narcissistic love bombing ends.”

10. One of the covert narcissist traits in males — They’re envious of you

The competitiveness and envy of a narcissistic individual can result in a hostile and unsupportive surroundings for his or her associate. As a substitute of celebrating your achievements, they could belittle or downplay them, making it difficult so that you can thrive or really feel safe in your accomplishments. You would possibly ultimately cease sharing what brings you pleasure and delight.

11. They’ll’t maintain down the connection with you for lengthy

Attributable to their passive-aggressive habits and probably some persona issues, sustaining a wholesome, long-term relationship could be exceptionally difficult. There are repeated relationship formation makes an attempt and failures. This turmoil can go away you emotionally drained, struggling to search out stability and happiness in a relationship with a narcissistic man. It usually takes remedy or a big private transformation for male narcissists to construct and keep lasting, wholesome relationships.

Traits Of A Narcissist Man

Narcissistic Persona Dysfunction is a fancy and infrequently difficult psychological well being situation characterised by a pervasive sample of behaviors, ideas, and feelings. When analyzing the traits of male narcissists, it’s important to know that not all people with narcissistic traits meet the factors for Narcissistic Persona Dysfunction NPD. Nevertheless, sure traits are generally related to such males and might considerably influence their romantic relationships and interactions. Listed below are some key traits:

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1. One of many main traits of a narcissist man is grandiosity

Narcissistic males usually have an over-inflated sense of self-importance. In accordance with a research on NPD, “Typically, individuals with grandiose narcissism can current with heightened temper and extra power when excited by a brand new thought, which can initially level to a hypomanic/manic presentation.”

Narcissistic Persona Dysfunction NPD is characterised by a pervasive sample of grandiosity, a necessity for admiration, and a lack of empathy. This inflated sense of self can lead to haughty behaviors corresponding to bragging about achievements and anticipating fixed admiration.

2. Want for admiration

Narcissistic males are inclined to have a continuing want for admiration and validation. It is because male narcissists search reward and recognition from others to bolster their fragile vanity. This want for admiration can drive them to have interaction in attention-seeking behaviors, like stealing the highlight from these round them.

Dhriti provides, “Narcissist habits in males is indicated by craving the highlight, usually overshadowing your achievements by making it about them. To them, persons are possessions they usually use your success to spice up their picture. In case you are residing with a narcissist husband or boyfriend then it’s essential to already understand how this self-centered habits, mixed with histrionic tendencies, leaves folks feeling unimportant, overshadowed, and pressured to continuously please the narcissist.”

3. Lack of empathy

Male narcissists are inclined to lack empathy. They might wrestle to acknowledge folks’s emotions, and it’s arduous for them to care in regards to the feelings and wishes of others. Their lack of real empathy can lead to a depleting emotional connection and understanding of their relationships.

4. Male narcissists are inclined to have manipulative habits

They’re expert manipulators. They might use love bombing, silent therapy, flattery, or manipulation to attain their objectives or to regulate and exploit others. This manipulation can tackle numerous kinds, corresponding to guilt-tripping, gaslighting (making somebody doubt their perceptions or emotions), or using emotional manipulation techniques to get what they need.

5. Sense of entitlement

Male narcissists are inclined to demand privileges, no matter their precise accomplishments. Entitlement is without doubt one of the most typical traits of a narcissist man. In spite of everything, narcissists are inclined to imagine they’re distinctive, distinctive, and entitled to particular therapy and recognition. When others don’t meet their expectations or cater to their wishes, they could turn into resentful or offended, viewing any perceived slights as private affronts.

6. Issue in sustaining relationships

Narcissistic habits can pressure relationships. Their self-centeredness, want for fixed validation, and lack of compassion are a number of the the explanation why narcissists can’t maintain long-term, intimate relationships. Narcissists are usually sad of their private relationships. Companions and mates might discover it exhausting to repeatedly meet the narcissist’s calls for for reward.

7. A fragile vanity is among the many widespread traits of narcissistic males

Dhriti provides one other facet, “Coping with a narcissistic associate can shatter your vanity and confidence too, making you reliant on their validation. Your emotional boundaries blur, tying your well-being to their approval, just like residing in a world the place Barbie has a superb day each day, whereas Ken solely does when Barbie seems to be at him.”

Some widespread traits of a male narcissist embrace lack of self-confidence and low vanity. Paradoxically, that’s what lies beneath their inflated sense of grandiosity. They’re hypersensitive to criticism and infrequently react with rage or defensiveness when their self-worth is challenged. This could create a unstable environment of their relationships.

8. Exploitative habits

They exploit others for private achieve, whether or not within the office, friendships, or romantic relationships. They might showcase their narcissistic habits subtly and use folks as a way to an finish, with out real concern for his or her limitations. The identical habits can lead to emotional abuse, harming the belief and well-being of these round them.

Dhriti provides, “Narcissistic males usually make use of an enthralling facade to butter up those that can help them, making you are feeling like their closest ally and galvanizing you to assist them willingly. They might additionally resort to utilizing blackmail when it serves their private pursuits.”

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9. Fantasies of energy

Some covert narcissist traits males have embrace fantasies of energy. Narcissists are inclined to harbor grandiose fantasies about reaching energy, limitless success, or bodily look past what’s practical. These narcissistic behaviors can drive their relentless pursuit of admiration, recognition, and validation. They see themselves as high-status folks in each method. 

10. Vanity is often present in self-obsessed males

Vanity and a way of superiority are widespread traits in a male narcissist. Narcissists are inclined to have a distorted sense of self-importance, so that they demean or belittle their companions and different folks as properly to bolster their very own ego, viewing themselves as higher or extra essential. This vanity can create a hostile and ugly environment of their private dynamics.

Dhriti suggests, “Dealing with a narcissistic associate requires a strategic strategy.” Listed below are some suggestions from our skilled:

• Begin by crafting a strong exit plan
• Deprive them of emotional reactions, and also you’ve taken away their energy
• Sustaining emotional distance in each method is essential
• Bear in mind, the very best protection is proscribed contact — Protect your peace by minimizing interactions

11. Issue dealing with criticism

A male narcissist usually has a poor tolerance for even the slightest criticism they obtain, even when it’s constructive. They might showcase narcissistic habits by reacting with anger, defensiveness, or hostility when their actions or talents are questioned. This issue in receiving suggestions can hinder private development and the decision of conflicts.

12. Devaluation of others

This is without doubt one of the most typical traits of narcissistic people. Their sense of self-importance can’t not be touched however they’ll freely play with the feelings of others. Male narcissists are inclined to initially idealize somebody, putting them on a pedestal, however later devalue them when their perceived flaws turn into obvious. This sample could be emotionally exhausting for these of their orbit, as they by no means know when they are going to be praised or criticized.

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13. Competitiveness and envy are male narcissistic tendencies too

Competitiveness is without doubt one of the main indicators of a narcissist man. They might interact in unhealthy competitors with others and specific envy when others obtain limitless success or recognition. They might understand any accomplishment by others as a risk to their very own vanity, making it difficult for others to take pleasure in their achievements with out going through resentment or competitiveness.

Understanding the character of narcissism is step one in successfully managing these relationships, whether or not by setting emotional boundaries, searching for remedy, or making knowledgeable selections about interact with such people whereas safeguarding your individual emotional well-being. Recognizing these traits in a male narcissist, corresponding to an exaggerated sense of self-importance, a continuing want for admiration, and an absence of concern, could be a beneficial software in defending oneself from emotional manipulation. 

It’s important to do not forget that narcissism is a spectrum dysfunction, and never all individuals who exhibit these traits have Narcissistic Persona Dysfunction. Addressing the narcissism of a associate will help encourage private development and alter, particularly in those that are unaware of the influence their habits has on others. 

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