6+ Weird Things Covert Narcissists Do (And How to Respond)

Filed in Articles by on November 30, 2022

Narcissism is a term used to describe a person or people with a sense of superiority over others.

Narcissists think so highly of themselves and they are very manipulative. They always want their voices to be heard, they may be controlling and abusive in nature.

These individuals believe that the world revolves around them. Also, they see other people as being less or not important, thereby taking advantage of others to harness all they want for themselves.

Furthermore, people with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) tend to be less empathetic, making it difficult to have a good and genuine relationship with them.

They hide under the camouflage of being a good person to attract people to them, whereas deep down, they are nothing to write home about.

What is Covert Narcissism?

You’ve probably heard of “converted narcissists.” Sure, you have! These types of narcissists are known for being vulnerable or soft; they appear to be innocent and quiet. Due to their nature, they solely rely on the admiration and recognition they get from others.

Covert narcissists always try to prove a point, and they do this by constantly comparing themselves to others. They earnestly yearn to be reassured and validated, and they feel less of themselves when they see others succeed.

They lack empathy toward others. While it can be more difficult to recognize, covert narcissism can be just as destructive as more overt narcissistic behaviors.

Even the most reasonable individual will occasionally act selfishly or carelessly, but a narcissist will take this to a higher level.

Difference Between Covert Narcissism and Overt Narcissism

An overt narcissist is simple to identify since they are charismatic and appealing while also being outgoing, boisterous, conceited, greedy, and self-absorbed.

Moreover, the basic difference between overt and covert narcissism is that the latter’s actions are readily apparent to others. Overt narcissists exhibit the typical characteristics and actions of narcissists.

They look down on others, are full of confidence in themselves, and believe they are better than others. Overt narcissists engage in self-centered conduct and manipulation. They might have abrupt mood swings, act impulsively, and have hostile outbursts of fury.

Contrarily, covert narcissistic actions are typically more subtly disguised and unnoticeable to individuals who do not share a home with a narcissist.

Weird Things Covert Narcissists Do and How to Respond to them

Due to their deceitful nature and how they stay undercover for a long time, covert narcissists are considered more dangerous than overt narcissists.

Outwardly, they appear to be normal and without fault. However, only a covert narcissist’s close circle can genuinely understand life or how deceitful a narcissist’s behavior is.

Here are some weird things covert narcissists do and how to respond to them.

1. A Clear Sense of Inferiority

Covert narcissists disguise themselves as being insecure, and they have a sense of low self-esteem, which makes them difficult to spot.

Wherever covert narcissists find themselves, they are always seen comparing themselves with other people, and they are full of unending demands. They are also quick to maneuver their responsibilities, leaving them for others to do.

2. Can Never Give a Compliment

Since a narcissist is known to be controlling, they find it hard to complement the success of other people. They are full of spiteful comments and degrading words about the success of another person.

3. The Silent Treatment

When someone entirely disregards you as a form of punishment or control, it is known as silent treatment. Narcissists enjoy treating their close associates silently. This is how they try to frustrate and render you helpless.

They are aware that doing this will lead to you reaching out to them, which will make them feel in charge and satisfied. Hours, days or even weeks may pass as you receive the silent treatment. It is an extremely traumatic experience that might make you feel disoriented, worried, and alone.

The narcissist may entirely ignore you and act as if you don’t exist as part of the silent treatment.

4. They Gaslight those around them

Gaslighting is a type of psychological abuse used by covert narcissists to establish an interpersonal dynamic where they are in complete control and have total power. For instance, they may tell you outright lies while later denying doing so.

Furthermore, they could distort what was said or done to pressure you into apologizing for something you did not say or do. They’ll keep you in the dark and cast doubt on everything.

Gaslighting frequently causes the victim to seriously doubt their reality to the point where they no longer feel confident in themselves.

5. Competing with Children and Younger People

To some extent, a full-grown adult should feel intimidated or in competition with children and teenagers.

However, a narcissist can believe that every young person poses a threat to their ego. To feel better about themselves, they can strive to outdo or undercut themselves.

6. They Value the Opinions of Strangers over Family

They constantly seek out the next new person to idealize in order to gain approval and prestige while undervaluing people who are near them since reality lets them down and any society that would still want to have them is no longer of interest.

7. They are in the Habit of always Interrupting People

This is more common in overt narcissists, they feel compelled to take over the conversation; they lack empathy and are prone to getting bored easily; they have poor impulse control; they believe they have more important things to say than you do, and they feel more entitled to talk.

8. They Disregard Others’ Emotions and Needs

Narcissists have no empathy for others and are full of themselves. They think about what’s best for them and how to acquire what they want; they have no interest in other people’s feelings or needs.

9. They Don’t Take Responsibility for their Actions

One of the typical strange behaviors of covert narcissists is a tendency to hold others answerable for their own mistakes. A covert narcissist needs to be in command at all times because they think they are always correct and superior to everyone else, even you.

Though, they never accept responsibility for their words or actions, instead placing blame on others for their own errors and shortcomings.

How to Deal with a Covert Narcissist

1. Learn to Set Boundaries

Setting boundaries helps shield you from manipulation, gaslighting, and other forms of abuse that come with being in a relationship with a covert narcissist.

It might be challenging to create proper limits in a relationship with a narcissist since they don’t respect others’ boundaries.

However, it is crucial to communicate your values, what is significant to you, and which actions you do not approve of to the narcissist.

2. Learn to Stand your Ground

You could lose sight of who you are as a result of constant narcissistic abuse. So, look after yourself. Contact those who are concerned about you.

Spend time outdoors while meditating and unwinding. You can advocate for yourself, establish healthy boundaries, and improve your relationship with yourself by practicing self-care.

3. Advocate for Yourself

Being around a covert narcissist might make it easy to lose your voice. It could take some time for you to notice that you’re not speaking up for yourself because the interactional patterns are so deceptive.

Spend some time getting in touch with your true self, your values, and your passions. Make a list of your values, aspirations, and skills.

Whether you are dealing with a covert narcissist or an overt narcissist, we hope that after reading through this post, you are able and well-enlightened on how to deal with this set of persons.

CSN Team.

Comments are closed.

Hey Hi

Don't miss this opportunity

Enter Your Details