Have you ever been in a situation where you felt like your self-esteem was being attacked by someone else? Perhaps you were dealing with a narcissist. Narcissists are individuals who have an inflated sense of self-importance and believe that they are superior to those around them. They often attack others’ confidence and self-esteem as a way to maintain their own superiority and control.
There are several reasons why narcissists attack the confidence of others. Firstly, by bringing others down, they feel better about themselves. Narcissists often struggle with low self-esteem and insecurity, despite appearing to be confident and self-assured. By criticising others’ appearances, abilities, or accomplishments, they can feel better about themselves and their own shortcomings. This behaviour is known as projection, where the narcissist projects their own insecurities onto others.
Secondly, narcissists need to be the centre of attention and receive constant validation and admiration. When someone else is confident and successful, it takes away attention from the narcissist. Thus, they feel threatened and may try to sabotage the other person’s success or belittle their accomplishments to regain the spotlight.
Lastly, narcissists seek control and power over others. By attacking their confidence, the narcissist can maintain a power dynamic where they are on top. If someone is confident and self-assured, they may be perceived as a threat to the narcissist’s control. Therefore, the narcissist may attack the person’s confidence to bring them down and maintain their position of power.
In conclusion, narcissists attack confidence for several reasons related to their own insecurities, need for attention, and desire for power. It’s essential to recognise this behaviour and protect your self-esteem and confidence. By setting boundaries and asserting yourself, you can maintain your confidence and prevent a narcissist from bringing you down. Remember, confidence comes from within, and no one has the power to take that away from you.
So just how do narcissists attack your confidence?
Blame-shifting.
Do you feel like everything is your fault? That you can’t do anything, right? Are you constantly criticised for things that aren’t even your fault? If so, you may be dealing with a narcissist trying to undermine your confidence.
Narcissists are often known for their lack of empathy and ability to manipulate those around them. One of the ways they do this is by blaming others for all of their problems, shortcomings, and mistakes. They refuse to take responsibility for their actions and instead, shift the blame onto their partners, friends, and family members.
For example, a narcissist may say things like, “If you had just listened to me, we wouldn’t be in this mess” or “If you weren’t so sensitive, we wouldn’t be fighting right now”. These kinds of statements make it seem like everything is your fault and that you’re the one who needs to change in order for the relationship to work.
However, this constant blaming can have a negative impact on your confidence. If you’re constantly told that you’re the problem, you may start to believe it. You may start to doubt your own abilities, think that you’re not good enough, and become more dependent on the narcissist for validation.
Furthermore, the constant blaming can lead to a toxic cycle of guilt and shame. You may feel like everything is your fault, even if it’s not, and feel guilty for things that aren’t even within your control. This can lead to a sense of shame and low self-esteem.
It’s important to recognise the signs of narcissistic behaviour and take steps to protect yourself. Remember that you are not to blame for everything and that you deserve to be treated with respect and empathy.
Making out you’re incapable.
Have you ever interacted with someone who always seems to make you feel inferior? Maybe they constantly talk about their accomplishments, belittle your ideas, or even blame you for things that aren’t your fault. These are all common behaviours of a narcissist, and unfortunately, their actions can have a significant impact on your confidence and self-esteem.
One way narcissists make you feel incompetent is by constantly comparing themselves to you. They may make remarks like “I could do that better” or “I don’t know how you managed to mess that up”. This type of behaviour not only minimises your efforts but also makes you feel like you’re not good enough. Over time, you may start to doubt your abilities and give up on things that you once enjoyed doing.
Additionally, narcissists love to gaslight their victims. This means they manipulate situations and twist your words to make you question your sanity. For example, they may insist that they said or did something differently than they actually did, causing you to doubt your own memory. This constant confusion can leave you feeling incompetent and unsure of yourself.
Another way a narcissist may make you feel inferior is by not giving you credit for your achievements. They may downplay your successes or even take credit for your hard work. This can lead you to believe that your achievements don’t matter or that you deserve recognition less than others.
These examples of how narcissists make you feel incompetent are just the tip of the iceberg. Their actions can slowly erode your confidence, making it harder to believe in yourself and take risks. It’s important to recognise these behaviours and take steps to protect yourself. Surround yourself with supportive people who will lift you up and encourage you to reach your full potential. Remember that your achievements matter, and don’t let anyone make you feel otherwise.
Impress strangers.
When we come across someone who is excessively charming, confident, and seemingly perfect, we are often drawn to them. However, it’s important to be aware that this type of behavior may be a sign of narcissism, a personality disorder characterized by an overinflated sense of self-importance and a lack of empathy.
Narcissists are masters at impressing strangers with their charming words and behaviours. They often know how to push the right buttons to make others feel good about themselves, and they may even appear to be flawless in every aspect.
For instance, a narcissist might boast about their career achievements, their prestigious education, or their luxurious lifestyle. They may dress impeccably, speak confidently, and exude an air of superiority. In some cases, narcissists may even fake their interests in order to appear well-rounded to others.
Unfortunately, this type of behaviour often comes at a cost to those closest to the narcissist. In order to maintain their image and sense of superiority, they may resort to lying, cheating, or manipulating their loved ones. They may prioritise their own needs and desires over everyone else’s, leaving their partners, children, and friends feeling overlooked, neglected, or outright ignored.
As the saying goes, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” It’s important to recognise signs of narcissism in the people we meet and to be cautious of those who seem too perfect or too good to be true. While initial impressions can be alluring, it’s important to look beyond the surface and pay attention to how those around us are being treated.
Comparing you to others.
Have you ever been compared to someone else by a narcissist? If so, you’re not alone. Narcissists have a tendency to compare you to others in order to manipulate and control you. This behaviour can have a negative impact on your confidence and leave you feeling insecure about yourself.
For example, a narcissist may compare your abilities to those of a coworker or friend in an effort to make you feel inferior. They may use phrases like “Why can’t you be more like so-and-so?” or “So-and-so does it better than you.” This type of comparison can be hurtful and damaging to your self-esteem.
Narcissists may also compare your physical appearance to others. They may comment on your weight, skin, or hair and compare it to someone they find more attractive. This can lead to body image issues and cause you to feel self-conscious about your appearance.
One of the most insidious ways that a narcissist may compare you to others is by belittling your achievements. They may dismiss your accomplishments, saying things like “That’s not really a big deal” or “I know someone who did that much better than you did.” This type of comparison can leave you feeling unappreciated and diminish any sense of pride you may have had in your achievements.
All of these examples of comparison can have negative impacts on your overall confidence. It’s important to recognise this behaviour for what it is and not let it affect how you feel about yourself. Remember that your worth is not defined by how you or anyone else compares you to others. You are valuable and deserving of respect, regardless of what a narcissist may say.
Mocks belittle and criticise.
Have you ever been around someone who constantly puts you down and belittles your accomplishments? You might have found yourself dealing with a narcissist. Narcissists have a tendency to mock, judge, and criticise others, and this behaviour can have a serious impact on your confidence.
One way that narcissists will mock you is by making fun of your appearance or the things you enjoy. They may comment on your weight, clothing choices, or hobbies in a way that makes you feel inadequate. This behaviour can be particularly damaging if it comes from someone close to you, such as a partner or family member.
Narcissists are also known for their judgmental behaviour. They may criticise your choices and decision-making abilities. They may also make you feel like you are being constantly evaluated and found lacking.
These negative behaviours can have a severe impact on your confidence. When someone is constantly criticising you, it’s easy to start believing that you are not good enough. You may begin to doubt your own abilities and question your own worth.
The good news is that you don’t have to put up with this kind of treatment. By recognising the behaviour for what it is, you can begin to put your own needs first and set healthy boundaries. It’s important to surround yourself with people who build you up and support your goals.
Remember, your worth is not determined by the opinions of others. By taking steps to protect your self-esteem, you can avoid the negative impact of narcissistic behaviour and thrive in your personal and professional life.
Replace.
We all have had to deal with a difficult person in our lives, but nothing compares to the toxicity of a narcissist. They have a way of manipulating and dominating your life to suit their needs, particularly in relationships. They will use every tactic in the book to replace you at the slightest opportunity, and unfortunately, the effects on your self-confidence can be devastating.
One common tactic of narcissists is the silent treatment. When you don’t meet their expectations, needs, or wants, they punish you by ignoring you. They will deprive you of attention and affection and use this time to look for someone else to fill in that void. They may start to flirt with other people or reach out to old flames, all while intentionally making you feel left out and unwanted.
Another strategy used by narcissists is called “triangulation.” This means they will create a triangle in their relationships and include a third party. They’ll use this person to fill in the emotional gaps that you are not meeting, which can make you feel like you’re not enough. Unfortunately, they will use this triangulation to justify their cheating or emotionally manipulative behaviour.
The negative effects of being replaced by a narcissist are numerous. Not only can it damage your self-esteem, but it can also leave you feeling like you’re not enough. The narcissist may also try to make you feel guilty or responsible for their behaviour with blame-shifting phrases such as “If you’d had paid me more attention.” leading you to question your worth as a partner or person. This toxic behaviour can make it challenging to trust others and even yourself, which can lead to long-term emotional and psychological damage.
In short, dealing with a narcissist can be a traumatic experience that can have lasting effects. It’s essential to recognise the signs of narcissistic behaviour and learn how to disengage and protect yourself. If you’re feeling negatively impacted by a narcissist, seek the help and guidance of a licensed therapist to regain your confidence and self-worth.
Finally, here are five self-help steps to help you start building your self-confidence:
- Identify your strengths and weaknesses: Start by focusing on what you’re good at and reflecting on areas that you’d like to improve on. Take time to understand what you do well and what you need to work more on. This will help you set attainable goals and give you a sense of direction.
- Develop positive self-talk: Our thoughts can often be our biggest obstacle. Start replacing any negative self-talk with positive and affirming thoughts. Take a moment to acknowledge your achievements and successes, and remind yourself that you can achieve more.
- Practice self-care: Taking care of your physical and mental health is crucial to building confidence. Make an effort to exercise, eat well, and get enough rest. Surround yourself with people who uplift and encourage you, and spend time doing things that bring you joy.
- Put yourself out there: Sometimes, we need to take risks and step out of our comfort zone to build confidence. Start small and challenge yourself in little ways. Speak up in meetings or try something new. With each step, you’ll begin to feel more capable and confident in your abilities.
- Embrace failure: Failure is often seen as a negative thing, but it can be a powerful tool for learning and growth. When things don’t go as planned, take a step back and look at what you can learn from the situation. Use that knowledge to make adjustments and try again.
Building confidence takes time, but with these five steps, you’ll be well on your way to feeling more capable and self-assured. Remember, be patient with yourself, celebrate your wins, and keep pushing forward. You got this!
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Elizabeth Shaw is not a Doctor or a therapist. She is a mother of five, a blogger, a survivor of narcissistic abuse, and a life coach, She always recommends you get the support you feel comfortable and happy with. Finding the right support for you. Elizabeth has partnered with BetterHelp (Sponsored.) where you will be matched with a licensed councillor, who specialises in recovery from this kind of abuse.
