Female narcissism
6 signs you can use to recognize a narcissist
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Self-doubt, perfectionism, modesty – female narcissism often appears completely different from the “male” one. We explain why and what it is all about.
Narcissistic people are self-indulgent, ruthless, and extremely selfish – at least that’s how we imagine them to be. Mostly they seem like huge show-offs, bad people and energy vampires who instrumentalize and suck out other people in order to push their own ego. What we often forget (understandably …): Narcissism is a personality disorder triggered by severe inferiority complexes and a drastic lack of self-esteem. This side, however, appears more clearly in a special form of this disease, which psychologists also refer to as “female narcissism”.
Female narcissism: that’s behind it
Of course, both men and women can basically develop narcissistic personality disorder, and the causes are the same for both:
- lack of self-esteem
- Feeling of inferiority
- pathological self-doubt
- excessive self-criticism
- traumatic childhood
- extreme pressure to perform
- Fixation on status and material
While men have these shortcomings, misprints and insecurities usually women tend to overplay, for example, by bragging about status symbols, mocking others or belittling their fellow human beings through their behavior tends to different – for example with an increased striving for recognition and positive feedback. That is why psychologists sometimes differentiate between female and male or conventional narcissism: They use it to denote different symptoms or forms of the same problem. These are indeed typical for the respective gender, but not exclusively reserved for him. So that means: There can also be men who develop a female narcissism and vice versa.
The psychotherapist Bärbel Wardetzki, among others, has dealt intensively with the typically female way of dealing with narcissism: In her book “Female Narcissism – The Hunger for Recognition” (Kösel) she describes how much women suffer from this disorder – but also how they suffer Break the vicious circle of a lack of self-esteem and fixation on feedback from others. (Incidentally, with us you will also find various tips and methods on how you can strengthen your self-esteem and strengthen your self-confidence!)
Female Narcissism: 6 Signs By Which You Can Identify Narcissists
One of the most striking features of female narcissism is – that it is very difficult to recognize and hardly notice it! Therefore, theoretically, there can be a narcissist in many women (and men) from whom one would never suspect: In the stylish colleague, the self-sacrificing friend, the angelic world savior, in you … Or would you have the following characteristics possible signs of a narcissistic personality disorder seen?
1. Perfectionism
Narcissists or female narcissists are often pathological perfectionists – because the more “perfect” a person, the more valuable they believe …
2. Strikingly well-groomed and attractive appearance
Stylish, stylish and always on trend – this is how female narcissists try to attract admiration and attention.
3. Apparently (!) Very confident demeanor
Controlled, always prepared in the best possible way and a precise expression – in the eyes of a narcissist, a strong appearance is the prerequisite for recognition. And a great facade to hide all uncertainties behind …
4. Extremely high standards
Female narcissists are never satisfied with the average, they aim high. Above all, they expect not only perfection but also top performance from themselves.
5. Modesty
Narcissists react to compliments, especially those related to performance or personality, with greater modesty. They attribute success and sympathy primarily to their attractive appearance, so some also show a tendency towards impostor syndrome.
6. Flawless
Female narcissists never seem to make mistakes – because in a pinch they always have an explanation or can assign the blame to someone else. Unfortunately, this does not silence their inner critics …