It is important to note that individuals with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) can vary in their responses to compliments and praise, as people with this disorder can exhibit different behaviors and coping mechanisms. However, there are several reasons why a narcissist might dislike or have difficulty with receiving compliments or praise from a partner:
Insecurity and Low Self-Esteem: Despite the outward appearance of grandiosity and superiority, narcissists often harbor deep-seated feelings of insecurity and low self-esteem. Compliments can be seen as a threat to their fragile self-image because they may internally doubt the sincerity of the praise or believe they are undeserving of it.
Fear of Vulnerability: Accepting compliments may make the narcissist feel vulnerable or exposed, as it requires acknowledging that they have positive qualities that others appreciate. This goes against their need to maintain a facade of invulnerability and superiority.
Need for Control: Narcissists desire control in their relationships. Accepting compliments might make them feel indebted or obligated to the person giving the compliment, and this can be perceived as losing control or power over the situation.
Sense of Entitlement: Some narcissists have an exaggerated sense of entitlement and believe they deserve special treatment and praise without having to reciprocate. Accepting compliments may challenge this belief and force them to consider the needs and feelings of others, which they often find difficult.
Attention Seeking: Narcissists crave attention and validation constantly. While they want to be admired, praised, and recognized, they might also undermine or reject compliments to elicit further attention or to test the sincerity of the person giving the compliment.
Comparison and Rivalry: Narcissists tend to see others as rivals and might interpret compliments as a way for the person giving them to assert superiority or gain an advantage over them. In such cases, they might reject the praise to maintain their sense of being the superior one.
Manipulation and Control: Some narcissists engage in a push-pull dynamic in relationships to maintain control. They might reject compliments as a way to manipulate the partner emotionally and keep them uncertain about the narcissist's true feelings.
In general, compliments and praise can be complicated for individuals with NPD because their internal struggles with self-esteem, identity, and control often interfere with their ability to accept genuine positive feedback from others. Keep in mind that dealing with someone with NPD can be challenging, and it's essential to set healthy boundaries and seek support if you are in a relationship with a narcissistic individual.