Narcissists seek to make others submit to them primarily because they have an excessive need for control, admiration, and validation. This desire for dominance and superiority is a fundamental characteristic of narcissistic personality disorder. There are several reasons why narcissists aim to make others submit to them:
Need for Narcissistic Supply: Narcissists crave attention, admiration, and praise from others to boost their fragile self-esteem. By making others submit to them, they gain a sense of power and importance, which provides them with narcissistic supply.
Sense of Superiority: Narcissists have an inflated sense of self-importance and believe they are more special and superior to others. By making others submit, they reinforce this belief and maintain their grandiose self-image.
Control and Manipulation: Narcissists often have a deep need for control over others to maintain their sense of superiority. By making others submit, they can manipulate and dominate them to serve their own needs and desires.
Protection of Fragile Ego: Narcissists have a fragile and vulnerable self-esteem beneath their grandiose facade. By making others submit, they try to protect themselves from any perceived threats to their ego or self-image.
Boundary Violation: Narcissists have difficulty respecting others' boundaries and individuality. By forcing others to submit, they disregard the autonomy and needs of others in favor of their own desires.
Feeling of Accomplishment: For some narcissists, the act of making others submit can provide a sense of achievement and success, further bolstering their self-worth.
Pathological Need for Control: Narcissistic individuals often exhibit controlling behavior across various aspects of their lives, including relationships, work, and social interactions.
It's important to recognize that not all dominant or controlling individuals are narcissists, and the term "submission" can vary in meaning depending on the context. In the case of narcissistic individuals, however, the desire to make others submit is driven by their pathological need for control, validation, and admiration. Such behavior can be emotionally and psychologically harmful to those involved and may lead to toxic and abusive relationships. Recognizing these patterns is essential in protecting oneself and setting healthy boundaries in relationships with narcissistic individuals.