6 Traits of a Covert Narcissist, Signs, and How to Deal With One

Understanding a Covert Narcissist

This person hides their grandiose sense of self-importance and manipulative tendencies. They have specific traits that set them apart, such as craving admiration while feeling insecure. They say and do strange things that often confuse those around them. Understanding them involves unraveling their complex behaviors and dynamics.

What is a Covert Narcissist?

An individual who possesses narcissistic characteristics but conceals them beneath a more subtle and concealed demeanor. The behavior of covert narcissists is more reserved and introverted than overt narcissists, who desire constant admiration and attention. They may appear humble and self-effacing, but they conceal an acute need for validation, a sense of entitlement, and a lack of empathy for others. Their manipulation strategies are frequently subtle and covert, making it difficult to identify their narcissistic traits.

6 Covert Narcissist Traits

1. Hidden Sense of Grandiosity: possess an inflated sense of self-importance and uniqueness, despite appearing modest or self-effacing on the surface.
2. Constant Need for Validation: They rely heavily on others to validate their self-worth, seeking constant reassurance, admiration, and praise, though they may not overtly demand it.
3. Lack of Empathy: They struggle to genuinely empathize with others, often viewing them as tools for their gratification or obstacles to their self-validation.
4. Subtle Manipulation Tactics: They excel at manipulating others through subtle tactics, such as guilt trips, gaslighting, and emotional control, all while maintaining a facade of innocence.
5. Fragile Self-Esteem: Beneath their composed exterior, they possess fragile self-esteem and are easily wounded by criticism or perceived slights.
6. Playing the Victim: They frequently adopt a victim mentality, skillfully manipulating situations to portray themselves as the ones who have been wronged, deflecting blame, and avoiding accountability.

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Covert Narcissist Statistics

By examining these statistics, we can better understand the scope and implications of this intriguing and often misunderstood phenomenon.

Covert narcissists often fly under the radar due to their more subtle behaviors and the ability to blend in with society. However, here are a few general insights and statistics related to narcissism that may also apply to covert narcissism:

1. Prevalence: Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) affects approximately 1% of the general population, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). It is unclear what percentage of individuals with NPD exhibit covert narcissistic traits specifically.
2. Gender Distribution: Research suggests that narcissism, including covert narcissism, is slightly more prevalent among men than women. However, it is essential to note that narcissism can be found in individuals of any gender.
3. Comorbidity: Covert narcissism may often coexist with other mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, or borderline personality disorder.
4. Relationship Patterns: Covert narcissists may frequently engage in toxic relationship dynamics, including emotional manipulation, gaslighting, and emotional abuse. Victims of covert narcissistic abuse may struggle with their mental health and well-being.

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Covert Narcissist Signs

1. Excessive Sensitivity: Susceptible to criticism or perceived slights, reacting defensively or with passive-aggressive behaviors.
2. Lack of Empathy: They may struggle to genuinely empathize with others, often prioritizing their needs and desires over those of others.
3. Grandiose Fantasies: They may harbor grandiose fantasies or a sense of entitlement, believing they are unique or deserve special treatment.
4. Fragile Self-Esteem: Despite their outward modesty, they often have fragile self-esteem and require constant validation and admiration from others.
5. Victimization: They frequently portray themselves as victims, deflecting responsibility for their actions and using guilt or pity to manipulate others.
6. Subtle Manipulation: They employ subtle manipulation tactics, such as guilt-tripping, passive-aggressive behavior, or using silence to control and influence others.
7. Lack of Boundaries: They may disregard personal boundaries, invading others’ personal space or emotional boundaries to fulfill their needs.
8. Envy and Jealousy: They may harbor intense envy or jealousy towards others, particularly when they perceive others as more successful or admired.
9. Attention-Seeking Behaviors: While appearing introverted, they actively seek attention and validation, often through subtle means such as fishing for compliments or playing the victim.
10. Shifting Self-Image: They may have a fluctuating sense of self, adapting their behavior and personality to suit different situations or individuals, making it difficult to pinpoint their true identity.

Covert Narcissist Test

Welcome to the Covert Narcissist Test, a powerful tool designed to shed light on a complex personality trait that often remains hidden beneath a charming exterior. This "Am I a Covert Narcissist quiz " aims to provide you with insights into covert narcissism, enabling you to better understand yourself or someone you know. It is important to note that this test is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological diagnosis. Instead, it serves as a valuable self-assessment tool, offering you a glimpse into covert narcissistic tendencies.

Before we delve into the intricacies of covert narcissism, it is crucial to acknowledge that this test is not intended to diagnose or treat any mental health condition.

*By taking this free quiz, you may obtain your results online and in your email box. You’ll have the opportunity to opt-in to learn more about your symptoms, talk to a mental health consultant and join our newsletter. Rest assured your information is private and confidential. Results, consultations and assessment are provided without any cost to you and without any obligation. If you do not wish to provide your contact information, you may omit it during your quiz. Thank you for opting in and participating. To you best of health.

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1. Name:

2. Phone:

3. How do you handle compliments?

I appreciate them but don't let them go to my head

I feel pleased and validated by them

I feel like I deserved the compliment and become upset if I don't receive more

4. Have you ever lied to make yourself look better or avoid criticism?

No, never

Sometimes

Often

5. How often do you feel like you need to be validated or recognized by others?

Rarely

Sometimes

Almost constantly

6. How do you react when someone else is successful?

I feel happy for them

I feel a bit envious, but I don't dwell on it

I feel like their success somehow reflects poorly on me

7. Do you often feel like you are better than other people?

No, not at all

Frequently

Almost always

8. How often do you feel like you're not getting the recognition or attention you deserve?

Rarely

Often

Almost constantly

9. Do you feel like you have a special gift or talent that others don't appreciate enough?

No, not really

Frequently

Almost always

10. Have you ever used guilt or manipulation to get your way?

No, never

Sometimes

Often

11. How do you react when someone else gets more attention than you do?

I don't really mind, as long as I'm happy with my own accomplishments

I feel a bit jealous but try to hide it

I feel like it's a personal insult and become angry or resentful

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Things Covert Narcissists Say

They are skilled at using words to manipulate and control others while maintaining a facade of humility or innocence. Here are some examples of things they may say:

1. Playing the victim: They often portray themselves as the ones who have been wronged or misunderstood. They may say things like, “Nobody appreciates me,” or “I always end up being taken advantage of.”
2. Backhanded compliments: They may give compliments that seem positive on the surface but contain subtle criticism or undermine the other person’s self-esteem. For example, saying, “You’re pretty smart for someone who didn’t go to college.”
3. Gaslighting: They manipulate reality and make others question their sanity or perceptions. They may say things like, “You’re overreacting,” or “I never said that. You must be imagining things.”

4. Passive-aggressive remarks: They may use sarcasm, veiled insults, or disguised hostility to express dissatisfaction or indirectly criticize others. For instance, saying, “Oh, it must be nice to have all the free time in the world,” when someone is taking a break.

5. False modesty: They may downplay their accomplishments or talents to elicit praise and validation. For example, saying, “I’m not that great at it, but I guess I managed to pull it off,” expecting others to reassure them of their exceptional abilities.

6. Manipulative flattery: They may use excessive flattery to gain favor or control over others. They might shower someone with compliments, constantly praising their appearance, skills, or achievements to gain their trust and admiration.

Weird Things Covert Narcissists Do

They engage in various behaviors that seem strange or unusual to others. Here are some examples of weird things that covert narcissists may do:

1. Silent Treatment: Covert narcissists may employ silent treatment as a manipulative tactic, refusing to communicate or engage with others as a control or punishment.
2. Pity Parties: They may frequently play the victim and indulge in self-pity, seeking attention and sympathy from others by exaggerating their struggles or portraying themselves as perpetually downtrodden.
3. Smear Campaigns: Covert narcissists may engage in covert efforts to tarnish the reputation of others, spreading false rumors or engaging in character assassination behind the scenes to bolster their image and diminish others.
4. Subtle Sabotage: They may engage in covert sabotage or manipulation to undermine the success or happiness of those around them while maintaining plausible deniability or innocence.
5. Hoarding Attention: Covert narcissists may become jealous or resentful when others receive attention or praise and may go to great lengths to divert the focus back onto themselves, even if it means exaggerating their achievements or experiences.
6. Emotional Vampirism: They may drain the emotional energy of those around them by constantly seeking support and validation, requiring excessive reassurance, and taking advantage of others’ empathy and compassion.
7. Image Crafting: Covert narcissists may meticulously curate their online presence or social image, presenting an idealized version of themselves that differs significantly from their true personality or behavior.
8. Self-Deprecation: Covert narcissists may engage in excessive self-deprecation to fish for compliments or reassurance from others, disguising their underlying need for validation.
9. False Humility: They may feign modesty and downplay their achievements or talents, seeking praise and admiration from others while maintaining an air of false humility.
10. Triangulation: Covert narcissists may intentionally create conflicts or foster rivalries between people in their social circles, using manipulation and secrecy to control and manipulate the dynamics of relationships.

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Covert Narcissists FAQs

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