Narcissists often have a distorted view of themselves and the world around them, which can influence how they perceive their own behavior. From their perspective, they may not see their actions as abnormal or problematic. Instead, they might believe that their behavior is justified, superior, or simply a reflection of their inherent greatness.
Narcissistic individuals typically have an inflated sense of self-importance and a strong need for admiration and validation. They may engage in behaviors that exploit others, lack empathy, and have difficulty recognizing or understanding the feelings and perspectives of others.
Some reasons why narcissists may not consider their behavior as abnormal include:
Grandiosity: Narcissists often have an inflated self-image and believe they are exceptional and entitled to special treatment. They may view their behavior as justified because they see themselves as superior to others.
Lack of Empathy: Narcissists struggle to empathize with others and understand their emotions and needs. As a result, they might not recognize the negative impact of their actions on others.
Externalizing Blame: When faced with criticism or negative feedback, narcissists tend to externalize blame and may not take responsibility for their actions. They might see themselves as the victim and others as the cause of their problems.
Manipulation and Gaslighting: Narcissists are skilled at manipulating situations and people to maintain control and avoid accountability. They may use tactics like gaslighting to make others doubt their perceptions and judgment, further obscuring any awareness of their abnormal behavior.
Lack of Insight: Narcissists often lack self-awareness and insight into their own personality traits and patterns. They may not recognize that their behavior is destructive or unhealthy.
It's important to note that not all narcissists are the same, and the severity of narcissistic traits can vary. Some individuals with narcissistic traits may have moments of self-awareness or may recognize that their behavior differs from others. However, admitting that they have a problem or seeking help to change their behavior is often difficult for individuals with narcissistic personality traits due to their deep-seated need for self-preservation and maintaining a sense of superiority.
Treating narcissistic personality disorder or significant narcissistic traits usually requires professional intervention. However, it can be challenging to convince a narcissist to seek therapy because they may not see the need for it or may be resistant to the idea of changing their behavior.