Narcissists have an exaggerated sense of self-importance and entitlement, which makes it challenging for them to appreciate or acknowledge the efforts of others, even when those efforts are beneficial to them. There are several reasons why narcissists may not appreciate what you do for them, even when you take care of them when they are sick:
Lack of empathy: Narcissists struggle with genuine empathy for others. They find it difficult to understand or relate to the emotions and needs of those around them. As a result, they may not recognize the care and concern you are showing them when they are sick because they are primarily focused on their own well-being and desires.
Grandiosity and entitlement: Narcissists often have an inflated sense of self-importance and entitlement. They may believe that they deserve special treatment and that others should cater to their needs without question. Therefore, when you take care of them when they are sick, they might not see it as something special or worthy of gratitude but rather as something they are entitled to receive.
Need for control and manipulation: Narcissists thrive on maintaining control and power in their relationships. Expressing appreciation or vulnerability might be seen as a loss of control or a sign of weakness to them. They might withhold appreciation to assert dominance and ensure that you continue to serve their needs without question.
Fear of dependency: Narcissists often fear being dependent on others because it threatens their self-image of being self-sufficient and superior. When you take care of them when they are sick, they might feel uncomfortable with this dependency and try to downplay or dismiss your efforts to maintain a sense of autonomy.
Sense of entitlement to care: Narcissists might believe that others should take care of them unconditionally. In their minds, receiving care and attention is a given, and they may not feel the need to express gratitude or appreciation for something they perceive as their right.
Devaluation and idealization cycle: Narcissists tend to cycle between idealizing and devaluing others. During the idealization phase, they may temporarily appreciate your efforts and affection. However, when the devaluation phase sets in, they may suddenly devalue and disregard everything you've done for them, making you feel unappreciated and confused.
It's crucial to recognize that these behaviors are inherent traits of narcissistic individuals and are not a reflection of your worth or the value of your actions. Unfortunately, trying to gain appreciation or validation from a narcissist can be an exhausting and futile endeavor. It's essential to set boundaries and prioritize your well-being in relationships with narcissistic individuals. If the relationship becomes toxic and harmful, seeking support from friends, family, or a therapist may be beneficial to navigate through the challenges and protect your emotional health.