They may also become easily overwhelmed and have difficulty dealing with stress.
Vulnerable narcissism is also known as covert narcissism.
They tend to be insecure, as well.
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They become angry or offended when not put on a pedestal.
A person with vulnerable narcissism is highly sensitive to criticism.
People with vulnerable narcissism often lack empathy.
If they do show empathy it is used to build their own self-importance."
Below are 12 signs of a vulnerable narcissist.
They may becomedefensiveor aggressive when faced with any kind of feedback.
Unclear Sense of Self
People with narcissistic vulnerability often struggle to identify their own emotions and needs.
They may attempt to manipulate people into giving them what they want by using guilt or shame as leverage.
This inability to connect with others can leave them feeling isolated,lonely, and misunderstood.
They may attempt tomicromanage everythingfrom conversations, and decisions, to activities.
Jealousy and Envy
Vulnerable narcissists often feeljealous or enviousof those around them.
This can lead to negative comparisons and overly competitive behavior that may make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships.
Difficulty Trusting Others
Vulnerable narcissists often have troubletrusting people, even those that are closest to them.
These feelings of mistrust can prevent them from forming meaningful connections with others.
Poor Boundaries
Individuals with this vulnerability can havedifficulty setting healthy boundariesbetween themselves and other people.
Fear of Abandonment
People with this personality vulnerability may struggle with a deepfear of abandonment.
They may cling to people too tightly or become overly possessive to prevent others from leaving them.
This kind of behavior can be very damaging and hard to break out of without proper help.
Other childhood, environmental, and cultural contributions can also be involved.
The key is setting and maintaining healthy boundaries while trying to empathize with the individuals struggles.
“Those with NPD have a strong need for plausible deniability.
It’s a vital weapon in their arsenal.
Those who have serious problems will take a stab at pick at your weak spots in a passive-aggressive way.
You should not put up with such emotionally toxic behavior.”
Do Vulnerable Narcissists Have Empathy?
Particularly when their sense of self-esteem feels threatened.
But again, with the help of a therapist, they can work on developing their empathy.
Find out which option is the best for you.
2014;5(4):422-427. doi:10.1037/per0000023
