A narcissist's response to how others treat them can vary based on individual personality traits, the specific situation, and their current emotional state. However, there are some common patterns that may help shed light on their typical behavior:
Reactions to Criticism: Narcissists have a fragile self-esteem and an exaggerated sense of their own importance. They are highly sensitive to criticism and may react strongly when they feel attacked or belittled. Even minor criticism or perceived slights can trigger defensive and aggressive responses.
Dominance and Control: Narcissists often seek to control and dominate their interactions and relationships. They may strive to maintain a position of power and superiority, and any behavior that threatens their perceived dominance can be met with resistance or hostility.
Selective Vulnerability: While narcissists may struggle with vulnerability and dislike being perceived as weak, they can also selectively use vulnerability as a manipulative tactic. They might play the victim to elicit sympathy or gain an advantage in certain situations.
Lack of Empathy: Narcissists typically lack empathy for others, which means they might not care about how their actions or mistreatment affect others emotionally. However, they can be hypersensitive to their own emotional needs and react strongly when they feel mistreated.
Strategic Responses: In some cases, narcissists may tolerate mistreatment if they see it as a strategic move to gain sympathy or control over others. They might use such situations to justify their own behavior or manipulate others' perceptions.
It's essential to note that narcissists are complex individuals, and not all of them will respond in the same way to mistreatment or challenging situations. Additionally, their responses can be influenced by other factors, such as their current level of narcissistic supply (i.e., attention and admiration from others) and their emotional state at the time of the mistreatment.
In any case, dealing with a narcissistic individual can be challenging, as they often have difficulty maintaining healthy and empathetic relationships. If you find yourself in a situation where you are dealing with a narcissist who mistreats you or others, seeking support from friends, family, or a mental health professional can be beneficial in understanding and coping with the situation.