It's important to remember that individuals' behavior and abilities can vary widely regardless of their personality traits. Not all narcissists are inherently bad at doing dishes or any particular task. Personality traits like narcissism can manifest in different ways, and not all narcissists will display the same behaviors.
That being said, narcissists may exhibit certain characteristics that can affect their approach to tasks, including household chores like doing dishes. Some reasons why your narcissistic parents might not put effort into cleaning the dishes or other tasks could include:
Lack of empathy: Narcissists often have difficulty empathizing with others, which can lead to a lack of concern for the impact their actions have on others. This might translate into not taking care of shared responsibilities like household chores.
Sense of entitlement: Narcissists may have an inflated sense of entitlement, believing that certain tasks are beneath them or that others should take care of such things.
Need for admiration: Narcissists often seek admiration and praise from others. If they do not receive external validation for completing tasks like doing the dishes, they might not feel motivated to put effort into them.
Lack of accountability: Narcissists may avoid taking responsibility for their actions and might not see the importance of completing chores correctly.
Prioritizing their needs: Narcissists tend to prioritize their own needs and desires over others, which can result in neglecting household responsibilities.
Distrust of others: Narcissists can have difficulties trusting others, including their family members, leading them to feel that tasks will not be done correctly even if they attempt to do them.
It is essential to remember that these behaviors are related to their personality traits and not reflective of all narcissists or even of all people with certain personality traits. Narcissism is a complex and multi-faceted personality trait, and not all individuals with narcissistic traits will behave the same way.
Living with or having parents who exhibit narcissistic traits can be challenging and emotionally draining. It's important to set boundaries, seek support, and prioritize your well-being in such situations. If you find yourself struggling to cope with your situation, consider talking to a mental health professional who can provide guidance and support.