Yes, a narcissist can indeed feel inferior when they fail to convince someone of their perceived superiority. Narcissists have fragile self-esteem and a grandiose self-image. They rely heavily on external validation and admiration to maintain their inflated sense of self-worth. When they encounter someone who sees through their facade or rejects their attempts at manipulation and control, it can lead to what is known as a "narcissistic injury."
A narcissistic injury occurs when the narcissist's ego is wounded, leading to feelings of humiliation, shame, and inadequacy. They may react defensively and aggressively when they encounter challenges to their self-perceived superiority. The idea that someone doesn't buy into their grandiosity or recognizes their manipulative tactics can be highly threatening to their self-image.
In response to such situations, a narcissist may engage in various defensive behaviors, such as:
Gaslighting: Attempting to distort the other person's reality and make them doubt their perceptions, feelings, and judgment.
Smear Campaigns: Trying to tarnish the reputation of the person who sees through their facade, often by spreading rumors or making false accusations.
Discarding: If the narcissist is in a romantic relationship with the person who challenges them, they may abruptly end the relationship (discard) to regain a sense of control and superiority.
Seeking New Supply: Narcissists may look for new targets who provide the validation and admiration they crave, allowing them to avoid confronting feelings of inferiority.
It's important to note that not all narcissists will react in the same way, as individuals with narcissistic personality disorder can have different coping mechanisms. However, it is common for a narcissist to feel inferior or threatened by individuals who resist their manipulations or challenge their grandiose self-image. This response is a reflection of their deep-seated insecurities and emotional vulnerabilities, despite their outward display of arrogance and superiority.