While each narcissist's behavior can vary based on individual traits and circumstances, there are certain actions and characteristics that are generally less likely for narcissists to exhibit due to their underlying personality traits and self-centered worldview. Here are some things a narcissist is less likely to do:
Take Responsibility: Narcissists find it challenging to admit fault or take responsibility for their mistakes. They often deflect blame onto others and avoid acknowledging their own shortcomings.
Show Genuine Empathy: True empathy involves understanding and genuinely caring about other people's feelings and experiences. Narcissists lack this ability and often struggle to empathize with others' emotions.
Accept Criticism Gracefully: Narcissists have fragile egos and may react defensively or aggressively to criticism. They are unlikely to accept negative feedback with grace and may dismiss, belittle, or attack the person offering the critique.
Value Others' Needs Over Their Own: Narcissists prioritize their own needs, desires, and goals above others. They are unlikely to consistently put others' needs before their own.
Engage in Self-Reflection: Narcissists tend to have a limited capacity for self-reflection and introspection. They may avoid examining their behaviors, motivations, and their impact on others.
Build Healthy, Reciprocal Relationships: Narcissists often struggle with forming healthy, equal, and mutually beneficial relationships. They may seek relationships where they receive excessive admiration and attention, rather than seeking genuine connections.
Apologize Sincerely: While narcissists may offer apologies to manipulate or defuse a situation, their apologies are often insincere and lack true remorse for their actions.
Value and Respect Boundaries: Narcissists may disregard or violate others' personal boundaries, whether physical, emotional, or psychological, as they prioritize their own desires and needs.
Celebrate Others' Success: Narcissists may struggle to genuinely celebrate or be happy for others' accomplishments. They may feel jealous or envious of others' success and try to downplay or undermine it.
Engage in Healthy Self-Criticism: Narcissists typically have an inflated sense of self-importance and may have difficulty engaging in healthy self-criticism or acknowledging their own weaknesses and limitations.
Remember that narcissism exists on a spectrum, and not all individuals with narcissistic traits display the same behaviors to the same extent. Additionally, some people may demonstrate some narcissistic tendencies in specific situations or periods of their life without meeting the criteria for Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). If you suspect that someone you know is struggling with narcissistic behaviors, it's essential to encourage them to seek professional help from a qualified therapist or counselor who can provide appropriate guidance and support.