12 Weird Things Narcissists Do
Although we have become familiar with the common signs and behaviors exhibited by narcissists, there are some peculiar actions that they engage in, which may not be widely recognized as symptoms of their disorder.
Here are weird things narcissists say. These lesser-known behaviors could potentially serve as additional criteria for identifying individuals with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) if observed alongside the more established criteria. While one or two of these behaviors alone may not indicate narcissism, regularly displaying several of them, in conjunction with the well-known signs of NPD, should be considered red flags to be cautious of. Here are twelve peculiar behaviors that narcissists commonly demonstrate:
Unblinking gaze: Some narcissists possess a predatory stare. If someone of the opposite gender looks at you in this way without blinking, they may be assessing you as potential prey. Trust your instincts and distance yourself if their intense gaze makes you uncomfortable.
Constantly interrupting or talking over others: Interrupting conversations is a strange behavior frequently displayed by narcissists. If someone consistently prioritizes their own thoughts and fails to acknowledge or hear what you say, it may indicate narcissistic tendencies.
Everything revolves around them: When you share something personal with a narcissist, they redirect the conversation to focus on themselves. Rather than acknowledging your experience, they find a way to relate it back to their own life. In their perspective, your existence is inconsequential.
Flat or lifeless eyes: Narcissists with a more severe condition, such as malignant narcissists or psychopaths, often have eyes that appear devoid of life or emotion. This trait can be a significant indicator of their personality disorder. It is advisable to distance yourself from such individuals.
Occasional psychotic behavior: All malignant narcissists exhibit irrational behavior, and their delusions can rival those seen in individuals with schizophrenia. Prolonged periods without narcissistic supply or significant losses can lead them to experience psychotic episodes. Their speech may include neologisms and nonsensical word salads, similar to those observed in schizophrenic individuals.
Drastic and unsettling mood swings: Narcissists’ mood swings, often characterized by rapid shifts in their behavior and attitude (also known as mask switching), can resemble symptoms of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). For instance, a narcissistic mother may be happily engaged with her child and suddenly, without apparent cause, become verbally or physically abusive.
Poor sportsmanship: Narcissists exhibit immaturity and a lack of sportsmanship. They throw tantrums or act like sore losers when they do not win a game. It is not uncommon to witness them ruining the experience for everyone else if they cannot be the victor.
Attracted to dark and uncomfortable subjects: Narcissists, especially those higher on the narcissistic spectrum, are drawn to the dark side. They may have an obsession with topics like the occult, mass murderers, the Holocaust, or weapons. They might listen to dark music or watch slasher movies. While many people may have an interest in these subjects, a malignant narcissist or psychopath often harbors a secret fascination with something dark or evil, which they may not openly discuss.
Resisting the natural aging process: Somatic narcissists, driven by a deep fear of aging, may undergo excessive cosmetic surgery, including numerous facelifts, to maintain a youthful appearance.
Affected way of speaking: Some narcissists adopt an affected way of speaking that may include a fake foreign accent or an overall manner that sounds artificial, as if they were performing on a stage. However, this behavior tends to come across as annoying rather than glamorous to others.
Exaggerated mannerisms, facial expressions, or speaking voices: Similar to actors in silent movies who relied on exaggerated expressions and gestures.
