Difference between a narcissist and narcissistic traits

In recent years, the personality type of a Narcissist has become increasingly recognised and in turn the use of this term to label someone.

However, I must be honest, I have a bittersweet feeling about this as I believe narcissim is one of the worst personality types to have in your life and we should all do our best to avoid them. However, we must ensure that we are differentiating between a narcissist and someone who is redeemable with some narcissistic traits.

Have you ever met someone who seemed to be obsessed with themselves, constantly seeking attention and admiration from others?

You might have thought that person was a narcissist.

However, what if I told you there is a difference between being diagnosed as a clinical narcissist and simply having narcissistic traits?

It can be easy to confuse the two, but understanding this distinction can help us better understand ourselves and those around us.

In this article, we will explore the differences between a true narcissist and someone with narcissistic tendencies.  

Defining Narcissism and Narcissistic Traits

Whenever you think of someone as a narcissist or hear the term narcissist, do you automatically add that label to a certain individual or individuals that you have in your mind.

To begin understanding this topic, let's first define what we mean by "narcissism" and "narcissistic traits".

Narcissism refers to a personality disorder characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy towards others.

People with severe narcissism may have difficulty forming close relationships, struggle with criticism or rejection, and exhibit manipulative or exploitative behaviour.

In contrast, individuals with narcissistic traits may display some of these behaviours but not to the same degree or frequency as those diagnosed with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD).

While both narcissists and people with narcissistic traits can benefit from therapy there are differences in how they approach treatment.

A counsellor from Empowered Counselling in Wigan would work collaboratively with clients who exhibit mild forms of narcissism focusing on helping them develop healthier coping mechanisms when dealing with perceived threats to their ego.

On the other hand, and perhaps more importantly, treating both someone with some of the personality or traits or diagnosed with (NPD) would addressing underlying psychological issues such as childhood trauma that contribute to the development of this condition (levels of therapy dependant on the person).

Understanding the nuances between narcissists vs people with narcissistic traits is crucial for effective counselling. In the next section, we will delve into identifying key characteristics that distinguish one from another. 

Identifying Narcissists Vs People with Narcissistic Traits 

Have you ever wondered if someone in your life is a narcissist or just has narcissistic traits?

While both terms may seem interchangeable, there are distinct differences between the two.

 In fact, research suggests that only about 1% of the population could be diagnosed with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), while many more people exhibit some level of narcissistic traits.

 So how can you tell if someone is a narcissist or simply exhibits some narcissistic tendencies?

 One key difference lies in their behaviour patterns and motivations.

 A true narcissist often lacks empathy and takes advantage of others for personal gain without feeling remorse. They may also have an inflated sense of self-importance and demand constant admiration from those around them.

 There isn’t set definitive list that can be found for all the traits exhibited by a true Narcissist as the number of traits vary, however a base to guide from may be the list below: 

• Sense of self-importance

• Preoccupation with power, beauty, or success 

• Entitled

• Can only be around people who are important or special

• Interpersonally exploitative for their own gain

• Arrogant

• Lack empathy

• Must be admired

• Envious of others or believe that others are envious of them

 Now to confirm this list is not exhaustive but is a good marker (along with off-shoots/questions within each point) for a true narcissist or someone who is diagnosed (NPD).

So for example, someone who exhibits narcissistic traits may still feel compassion for others but struggle with issues like low self-esteem or boundary-setting.

While it's important to recognize these distinctions, it's equally crucial to remember that individuals exist on a spectrum when it comes to personality types.

Just because someone exhibits certain behaviours does not necessarily mean they fit neatly into one category or another. Instead, focus on observing specific actions and attitudes over time rather than jumping to conclusions based on limited information.

 Understanding the nuances between narcissists and those with related traits can help us navigate relationships more effectively - but first, we need to explore how these characteristics impact our interactions with others.

 So let's delve deeper into the ways that different levels of narcissism can shape our connections with loved ones, colleagues, and acquaintances alike. 

The Impact Of Narcissism And Narcissistic Traits On Relationships

 Relationships can be a tricky business, and when you add narcissism or narcissistic traits into the mix, things become even more complicated.

It's like trying to navigate through a minefield while blindfolded. The impact of these personality types on relationships can be devastating and long-lasting.

Firstly, let's talk about what we mean by "narcissistic traits."

These are behaviours that may not necessarily make someone a full-blown narcissist but still have an impact on their interactions with others (as listed above).

For example, they might constantly seek attention or put themselves first in situations where it's not appropriate. On the other hand, actual narcissists exhibit similar behaviour patterns but take them to extremes.

The effect on relationships is stark: both parties suffer from feelings of isolation and unhappiness. One partner may feel neglected, as if their needs don't matter at all, while the other becomes increasingly demanding and controlling.

Therefore because of this dynamic, many healthy relationships simply cannot survive in the face of such destructive tendencies.

Understanding the difference between a true narcissist and someone with only some narcissistic characteristics can help us identify potential problems early on.

By recognizing these issues for what they are - ‘serious red flags’ - we can avoid getting caught up in unhealthy dynamics that could harm our emotional well-being in ways that last far longer than any relationship ever will.

Ultimately, knowing how to spot these warning signs means being able to build stronger connections built on mutual respect and empathy rather than toxic self-absorption. 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, distinguishing between a narcissist and someone with narcissistic traits can be crucial in understanding the impact on relationships.

 Narcissists have an insatiable need for attention and validation, while people with narcissistic traits may exhibit similar behaviours but are capable of empathy and self-reflection.

 Therefore, one needs to be careful when seeing a friend, partner, loved one, displaying one of the traits of a narcissist and then labelling them as such.

 The key is determining which traits they have and asking further questions of yourself and of them with how toxic they are and/or how toxic do they make you.

 The understanding is knowing that both can cause chaos and confusion in personal connections.

 Therefore, reflect on what you have read today and reflect on the people/person that comes to mind when reading and either decide accordingly or alternatively contact us at Empowered Counselling Services for some counselling, whether it’s a few sessions to clear your own head or whether its for something more long-term.