Narcissists have a personality disorder known as narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). Understanding what they want can be complex as it varies from person to person, but some common traits and desires among narcissists include:
Excessive admiration and attention: Narcissists crave constant validation, admiration, and attention from others. They have an insatiable need for praise and recognition to boost their fragile self-esteem.
Control and power: Narcissists often seek to control others and situations to maintain a sense of power and superiority. They may manipulate people and situations to get what they want and feel a sense of dominance.
Grandiosity: Narcissists have an inflated sense of self-importance and believe they are special, unique, or superior to others. They may exaggerate their achievements and talents to create an image of greatness.
Lack of empathy: Narcissists often struggle to empathize with others and are primarily focused on their own needs and desires. They may have difficulty understanding or caring about other people's feelings.
Admiration and envy: While narcissists desire admiration, they also envy others who they perceive as more successful, attractive, or talented. They might feel threatened by others' success and seek to undermine or belittle them.
Exploitation: Narcissists may exploit others for their own gain, using people as a means to achieve their goals without concern for the well-being of others.
Idealization and devaluation: In relationships, narcissists may initially idealize their partners or friends, seeing them as perfect. However, this idealization often shifts to devaluation when the other person fails to meet their unrealistic expectations.
Avoiding criticism: Narcissists have a fragile self-esteem, so they often avoid criticism at all costs. They may react defensively or with anger when confronted with their flaws or mistakes.
It's important to note that not everyone who exhibits narcissistic traits has NPD. Additionally, not all narcissists are the same, and their behavior can vary based on individual factors and the severity of their condition. Dealing with narcissistic individuals can be challenging, and it's essential to set healthy boundaries and seek support if you find yourself in a relationship with someone who exhibits harmful narcissistic behaviors.