It is widely believed that narcissists can often detect traits of narcissism in others, particularly because they may be more attuned to those behaviors. Narcissists tend to have an inflated sense of their own importance and believe they are superior to others, which can lead them to perceive others as potential threats or competitors for attention and admiration.
When a narcissist encounters another person who displays narcissistic traits, their reaction can vary depending on the specific situation and the individual narcissist's personality. Some possible reactions include:
Attraction: Narcissists may be drawn to other narcissistic individuals because they share similar characteristics and can mutually reinforce each other's egos. They may see the other person as someone who understands their way of thinking and behaving.
Competitiveness: If the narcissist perceives the other person as a potential rival for attention or admiration, they may feel threatened and engage in a subtle or overt competition for dominance.
Dislike or Antipathy: Narcissists may be critical of other narcissists, especially if they feel challenged or feel that the other person's behavior threatens their own grandiosity.
Manipulation: When two narcissists interact, there can be attempts at manipulation and power plays to assert dominance or control over the situation or the other person.
Lack of Interest: In some cases, if the narcissist doesn't see any benefit or opportunity in the other narcissistic individual, they may simply lose interest and move on to seeking attention and admiration elsewhere.
It's important to note that not all individuals with narcissistic traits will react the same way when encountering another narcissist. Additionally, people with narcissistic tendencies can have complex and diverse reactions based on their unique personalities, life experiences, and the specific context in which they interact with others.