Despite being grown adults, many narcissists act like teenagers — or worse, infants.
They’d never admit it, of course — in their minds, they’re the paragon of maturity. However, for anyone who has the displeasure of interacting with them, we know differently. Here are just some of the ways narcissists behave as if they’re still in nappies.
1. They crave constant attention.
Much like a toddler vying for their parent’s gaze, narcissists thrive on being the centre of attention. They crave validation, admiration, and recognition from those around them. If they feel ignored or overlooked, they may resort to dramatic displays or attention-seeking behaviours to regain the spotlight. It’s all about feeding their insatiable need for admiration and ensuring everyone knows how special they are.
2. They have difficulty sharing.
Remember those playground squabbles over toys? Narcissists haven’t quite outgrown that possessive streak. Sharing the spotlight, resources, or even compliments can be a real challenge for them. They may hoard praise, refuse to acknowledge anyone else’s achievements, or even sabotage their peers’ efforts to maintain their perceived superiority. It’s their way of ensuring they remain on top of the heap.
3. They throw tantrums when they don’t get their way.
Just like a child who throws a fit when denied a treat, narcissists can become incredibly frustrated when things don’t go according to their plan. They may lash out, become verbally abusive, or engage in manipulative tactics to regain control of the situation. Their inability to handle disappointment or setbacks often leads to dramatic outbursts and a refusal to accept any outcome that doesn’t align with their desires.
4. They lack empathy for pretty much everyone but themselves.
Children often struggle to understand or care about anyone else’s feelings, and narcissists can exhibit a similar lack of empathy. They may be oblivious to the impact their words or actions have on those around them, or simply dismiss any concerns raised. Their self-centredness prevents them from truly connecting with people on an emotional level, making it difficult for them to form genuine, supportive relationships.
5. They blame everybody else for their mistakes.
Remember that time you blamed your sibling for breaking the cookie jar, even though it was your fault? Narcissists have perfected the art of deflection. They rarely take responsibility for their own shortcomings or mistakes. Instead, they point fingers to shift blame, or create elaborate excuses to protect their fragile egos. It’s always someone else’s fault, never theirs.
6. They have a sense of entitlement.
Just like a child who believes they deserve everything they want, narcissists often feel entitled to special treatment, privileges, and admiration. They may expect everyone to cater to their every whim, fulfil their demands, and constantly validate their inflated sense of self-worth. This entitlement can manifest in a variety of ways, from demanding preferential treatment to expecting other people to clean up their messes.
7. They are manipulative.
Children are masters of manipulation, using tears, tantrums, and guilt trips to get what they want. Narcissists employ similar tactics, albeit in more sophisticated ways. They may use flattery, guilt, or even threats to influence people, exploit their weaknesses, or bend them to their will. Their manipulative behaviour is often driven by a desire for power, control, and the satisfaction of their own needs, regardless of how it affects anyone else.
8. They live in a fantasy world.
Children often create imaginary worlds where they are superheroes, princesses, or all-powerful beings. Narcissists, too, can become lost in their own fantasies of grandeur, success, and adoration. They may exaggerate their achievements, fabricate stories, or create an idealised version of themselves to maintain their inflated self-image. This disconnect from reality can make it difficult for them to form genuine connections or engage in healthy relationships.
9. They are overly competitive.
Remember those intense games of tag or hide-and-seek? Narcissists never really outgrew that competitive spirit. They strive to be the best at everything they do, constantly comparing themselves to other people and being desperate for validation for their accomplishments. They may even resort to underhanded tactics or sabotage other people’s efforts to maintain their perceived superiority. Winning isn’t just about the game; it’s about proving their worth and dominance.
10. They have difficulty accepting criticism.
Children often get upset when their parents point out their mistakes or offer constructive feedback. Narcissists react similarly to any form of criticism, perceiving it as a personal attack or a threat to their fragile egos. They may become defensive, lash out, or even sever ties with those who dare to challenge their idealised self-image. Their inability to accept feedback hinders personal growth and prevents them from forming healthy, balanced relationships.
11. They can be incredibly charming.
Children often possess a natural charm that disarms adults and wins them over. Narcissists have mastered this art, using their charisma, wit, and charm to manipulate people and gain their trust. They may shower you with compliments, offer insincere apologies, or create an illusion of intimacy to get what they want. Their charm is a powerful tool for manipulation and control, making it difficult to resist their allure.
12. They have a distorted sense of self-importance.
Just as children often believe they are the centre of the universe, narcissists possess an inflated sense of self-importance. They see themselves as special, unique, and better than everyone else. This grandiose self-image fuels their need for admiration, entitlement, and control. They may exaggerate their achievements, downplay their flaws, or create an idealised version of themselves to maintain their inflated ego.
13. They can be extremely jealous.
Children often experience jealousy when they see people getting attention, praise, or possessions they desire. Narcissists are no different. They may (and usually do) get jealous of everyone else’s accomplishments, relationships, or material possessions, viewing them as a threat to their own perceived superiority. This jealousy can lead to resentment, sabotage, or even attempts to undermine other people’s success.
14. They lack emotional maturity.
Children often struggle with regulating their emotions, expressing their feelings in healthy ways, and understanding the consequences of their actions. Narcissists can exhibit similar emotional immaturity, reacting impulsively, lashing out when frustrated, or resorting to manipulative tactics to get their way. Their emotional development is often stunted, making it difficult for them to form mature, stable relationships.
15. They have difficulty maintaining long-term relationships.
Children often form fleeting friendships, moving from one playmate to the next. Narcissists can exhibit similar patterns in their relationships, struggling to maintain long-term connections due to their self-centredness, lack of empathy, and manipulative tendencies. Their constant need for attention, validation, and control can be exhausting for their partners, leading to conflict, resentment, and ultimately, the demise of the relationship.
