In different ways, everyone has a tendency to act in a narcissist or sociopathic way. However, being in a relationship of any kind with one can bring about emotional trauma or abuse without understanding the different disorders more deeply.
What is Narcissism?
Narcissism is a personality disorder that is often co-occurring with other mental disorders such as major depression. Born out of a deeply rooted insecurity, characteristics of narcissism often include manipulation and control in an effort to have the upper hand over one’s environment. Many stigmatize narcissism for making someone “evil” due to the seemingly villainous intentions of their behaviors. Someone with narcissistic personality disorder is known to have a very large ego which demands constant inflation through attention and admiration. Hidden beneath the surface of such demonstration is someone who is usually very unsure of themselves. Common characteristics of narcissism include: arrogance, superiority, hurting other’s feelings without regard, degradation, and humiliation.
What is an Antisocial Personality?
Antisocial personality disorder is another name for what many people refer to as a sociopath. The key characteristic of a sociopath is a clear disregard for others, even just the rights of others. Less manipulative and more impulsive, antisocial personality disorder is chronic and often problematic. People with antisocial personality disorder tend to have a criminal record and often find themselves getting into trouble. They exhibit destructive behavior that seems irrational. `Unlike narcissism, there is little underlying understanding for what fuels antisocial personality disorder. Seem link the behaviors to trauma and abuse, though some see it as a severe mental disorder.
Common Manipulative Phrases Used By Narcissists and Sociopaths
Falling into (or being caught in) an abusive and toxic relationship with a narcissist or sociopath is easy when their manipulative efforts are at top notch. Look for these common sayings to identify the negative behaviors of a personality disorder which may need deeper psychological treatment:
You’re too emotional. It is incredibly difficult for someone with a personality disorder to identify, understand, and regulate their emotions. Without an emotional connection, everyone else’s emotions seem hyperbolic. However, using that as a point of retaliation is manipulative. Reducing someone’s feelings to being “too emotional” is a bullying tactic to make someone think they are just overreacting.
You’re reading too far into this. Sometimes, overreacting is justified. Having to cover their tracks and secure their next move, someone who is in a manipulation wants to make sure they’re not found out. Being verbally abrasive to intimidate someone from investigating further is a way to control others. For narcissists, being “found out” would mean someone discovers they are not as big, beautiful, or superior, as they seem.
It isn’t that big of a deal. Protecting themselves over the rights, needs, or wants of others, a narcissist or someone with antisocial personality disorder will be quick to dismiss their own behaviors and your opinions of them. They will also be quick to tell you that you didn’t understand what they were doing or saying.
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