Narcissism is a personality disorder characterised by a grandiose sense of self-importance, a constant need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. When engaged in conversation, narcissists often display a number of bizarre behaviours that can be both frustrating and bewildering for those around them. In this article, we will explore eight of these behaviours and discuss how to identify and cope with them.
- Happy to talk, but quick to switch off when it’s your turn:
One typical behaviour of narcissists during a conversation is their tendency to dominate the discussion. They may appear engaged and interested when speaking, but as soon as it’s your turn to talk, they quickly become disinterested and may even interrupt or change the subject. This behaviour stems from their overwhelming need for attention and validation. They dislike being upstaged or overshadowed and will do whatever it takes to maintain the spotlight.
If you find yourself in a conversation with a narcissist who consistently exhibits this behaviour, it’s important to recognise who they are. If they’re not listening, stop talking, and if they’re talking, you can stop listening.
- Manipulating favours:
Another bizarre behaviour of narcissists during conversations is their tendency to manipulate favours. They may ask for a favour in a way that makes you think they’re doing you a favour, and you should be grateful for their help. This manipulative tactic is a way for narcissists to assert their superiority and control in the relationship. They want to maintain a position of power and influence over others, and manipulating favours is one way to achieve this.
If you find yourself in a situation where a narcissist is manipulating favours, it’s important to recognise the manipulation and assert your own boundaries. Stand firm in your own autonomy, and don’t allow yourself to be coerced into doing something that you’re uncomfortable with. Remember that you are in control of your own decisions and don’t owe anyone unwarranted gratitude for their actions.
- Outdoing bad news and good news:
Narcissists have a relentless need to be the centre of attention, even when it comes to sharing personal news. They often exhibit a bizarre behaviour of outdoing both bad news and good news. For example, if you share a story about a recent accomplishment, a narcissist may one-up you by boasting about an even greater achievement of their own. On the other hand, if you share a story about a difficult experience you’ve had, a narcissist may downplay your struggles and share a similar experience of their own that trivialises your feelings.
This behaviour can be incredibly invalidating and frustrating, as it shows a lack of empathy and consideration for the other person’s experiences. If you find yourself in a conversation with a narcissist who consistently outdoes your news, it’s important to recognise who they are and stop informing them.
- Ignorant behaviour:
Narcissists often display bizarre behaviour of ignorance during conversations, mainly when the topic at hand doesn’t pertain directly to them. They may appear disinterested, indifferent, or even dismissive when discussing subjects that they don’t find relevant to their own interests or experiences. This behaviour stems from their self-centred view of the world, in which they struggle to empathise with others or engage in topics that don’t revolve around them.
If you find yourself in a conversation with a narcissist who exhibits ignorant behaviour, it’s important to recognise their behaviour, and if it persists, it may be necessary to limit your interactions with them and seek out more empathetic and understanding individuals.
- Forgetful behaviour:
Narcissists often display bizarre behaviour of forgetfulness during conversations, particularly when it comes to acknowledging the needs and feelings of others. They may consistently forget important details about your life, dismiss your concerns, or fail to follow through on promises or commitments. This forgetful behaviour stems from their lack of empathy and ability to prioritise the needs of others over their own.
If you find yourself in a conversation with a narcissist who consistently displays forgetful behaviour, it may be necessary to reassess the dynamic of your relationship and consider distancing yourself from their toxic influence.
- Always wanting more.
Narcissists have an insatiable need for validation and attention, which often manifests in a bizarre behaviour of always wanting more during conversations. They may constantly seek praise, admiration, and affirmation from others, never feeling satisfied with the level of attention they receive. This behaviour stems from their deep-seated insecurities and need for external validation to bolster their fragile sense of self-esteem.
If you find yourself in a conversation with a narcissist who consistently exhibits this behaviour, it’s important to establish boundaries and assert your limits. Refuse to engage in their constant quest for validation and instead focus on building healthy, mutually respectful relationships with individuals who value your contributions and opinions.
- Inability to handle criticism:
One of the most well-known behaviours of narcissists during conversations is their inability to handle any form of criticism. They may become defensive, hostile, or dismissive when faced with feedback or constructive criticism, refusing to acknowledge their own faults or mistakes. This behaviour stems from their fragile ego and deep-seated insecurity, which causes them to lash out in the face of any perceived threat to their self-image.
If you find yourself in a conversation with a narcissist who reacts poorly to criticism when their behaviour is toxic or destructive, it may be necessary to distance yourself and seek out healthier relationships that allow for open, honest communication.
- Seeking strangers to impress:
Narcissists often display a bizarre behaviour of seeking out strangers to impress during conversations, particularly in social settings or networking events. They may go to great lengths to present themselves in a favourable light, boasting about their achievements, connections, and experiences to gain admiration and validation from others. This behaviour stems from their constant need for external validation, which drives them to seek out new sources of admiration and approval.
If you find yourself in a conversation with a narcissist who consistently seeks strangers to impress, it’s important to remain grounded and maintain a healthy level of scepticism. Don’t be swayed by their grandiose tales or inflated sense of self, and instead, focus on building genuine connections with individuals who value authenticity and humility. Remember that true confidence and self-worth don’t rely on the opinions of others, and seek out relationships that prioritise genuine connections and mutual respect.
In conclusion, narcissists often display a number of bizarre behaviours during conversations, stemming from their deep-seated insecurities, lack of empathy, and relentless need for validation. If you find yourself dealing with a narcissist in your personal or professional life, it’s important to recognise these behaviours, set clear boundaries, and prioritise your own well-being. By understanding and coping with these behaviours, you can navigate conversations with narcissists more effectively and seek out healthier, more fulfilling relationships. Remember that you deserve to be heard, valued, and respected, and don’t hesitate to assert your own needs and boundaries in your interactions with narcissists.
8 Bizarre Behaviours Of A Narcissist During Conversation.
