When narcissists feel jealous, their behavior can vary depending on their individual personality traits and the specific situation. However, some common behaviors and reactions they may display when experiencing jealousy include:
Arrogance and Grandiosity: Narcissists may try to hide their jealousy behind a façade of superiority. They might act dismissive or condescending towards the person or situation that triggers their jealousy, attempting to maintain an image of being above such emotions.
Competitiveness: Jealousy often sparks a sense of competition in narcissists. They may feel the need to outdo the person they are jealous of or prove themselves superior in some way.
Criticism and Belittlement: Narcissists may resort to criticizing and belittling the person they are jealous of to diminish their achievements or qualities. By devaluing others, they attempt to protect their own fragile self-esteem.
Seeking Attention: Narcissists crave attention and admiration. When they feel jealous, they might try to draw attention back to themselves through excessive displays of achievements or seeking reassurance from others.
Sabotage: In extreme cases, narcissists may attempt to sabotage the success or happiness of the person they are jealous of. This could involve spreading rumors, manipulating situations, or actively working against the person's interests.
Gaslighting: To gain control over the situation, narcissists may use gaslighting techniques to make the person they are jealous of doubt their own perceptions or feelings. By distorting reality, they try to maintain their dominance in the relationship.
Hoovering: If the source of their jealousy is an ex-partner, narcissists might try to "hoover" the person back into a relationship through manipulation and promises, even if they have no genuine intention of reconciliation.
Triangulation: Narcissists may use triangulation to create jealousy in others. They might intentionally flirt with or show interest in someone else to trigger jealousy in their current partner or manipulate the emotions of other people in their social circle.
Emotional Outbursts: Jealousy can trigger intense emotional reactions in narcissists. They might become irritable, angry, or even have outbursts of rage in response to their feelings of envy.
It's important to remember that not all narcissists will display the same behaviors when feeling jealous, and some may be more controlled or subtle in their reactions. Nevertheless, it is essential to be aware of these tendencies and protect yourself from any harmful actions or manipulation if you are dealing with a jealous narcissistic individual. If you find yourself in a relationship with a jealous narcissist, seeking support from friends, family, or a mental health professional can be beneficial.