A narcissist is a person who is excessively into themself, someone who is extremely self-absorbed and obsessed with themselves.
Whether you’re simply interested in learning as much as you can about narcissists, or you are romantically involved with someone who you believe is narcissistic, you may be interested in learning as much as you possibly can about them.
One thing that you may be unsure of is: Do narcissists like to be touched?
Narcissists think of themselves and their bodies in such high regard that they welcome other people to touch them.
Some narcissists absolutely love being touched because it makes them feel as if the other person agrees that the narcissist is as amazing as he or she believes.
Some narcissists even thrive off cuddling and being touched and cuddling only increases their self-absorbed opinions of themselves.
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Are narcissists mentally ill?
There is an official mental illness called narcissistic personality disorder, and those who exhibit overly self-absorbed behavior are diagnosed with this condition. So yes, narcissists are mentally ill and there are different levels of the illness’s severity.
Narcissistic personality disorder, which is characterized by individuals that behave in an excessively boastful manner, have no empathy for others, and have a very fragile self-esteem, can be treated through psychotherapy and even medication.
However, if the individual doesn’t believe that they’re ill and that they need help, then they will likely reject any professional or non-professional help that is offered.
Being in a relationship with a narcissist
Being in a romantic relationship with a narcissist can be extremely challenging, because not only does the narcissist lack any empathy towards his or her mate but he or she is likely to be focused on himself all the time.
Narcissists have the tendency to be critical, and if everything that their mate does isn’t absolutely perfect at all times, then they’re very likely to become angry and even pick a fight.
Narcissists love sex and attention, but when it comes to providing their partners with support and attention, which is nearly impossible for them to do.
Can narcissists change?
Narcissists can change if they really want to and if they really work hard towards making that change.
Their ability to change will depend on whether they seek professional help and remain dedicated, if they have a supportive partner, as well as if they agree to follow the treatment plan.
A narcissist won’t change overnight, but with hard work and consistency, they can recover and be completely different people.
However, most narcissists believe that they’re perfect the way they are, and they might become offended and even hostile if someone suggests that they need professional help.
Can two narcissists get along in a relationship?
Many people who are familiar with narcissism would predict that two narcissists in a relationship would be disastrous, but it could actually be the exact opposite.
Since two narcissists will share many traits, they often understand each other, so if one isn’t showing support or empathy for the other, then it may not affect them like it would affect a non-narcissist.
Two narcissists have even been known to get married and become parents together while sharing a very harmonious life as a seemingly happy but somewhat dysfunctional family.
Tips for dealing with a narcissist
If you’re struggling with dealing with a narcissist in your life and you’re tired of them bragging about how gorgeous they are as well as constantly raving about all their accomplishments, then there are some ways to successfully deal with the person.
While it might seem rude and uncaring, sometimes, in order to maintain your sanity, you might have to simply ignore the incessant bragging that the narcissist is doing.
Instead of focusing 100% of your attention on the person and their annoying behavior, try to focus on their positive attributes while blocking out some of the negatives, if possible.
What to do if you believe you are a narcissist
If you believe you may be a narcissist, then the first thing that you need to do is remain calm and refrain from panicking.
The fact that you realize that something is wrong is a good thing, and it means that you’re more likely to seek the professional help that you need, if you are, in fact, diagnosed with this disorder.
So, the second thing that you need to do if you believe you’re a narcissist is to schedule an appointment with a psychiatrist who can perform a thorough evaluation and make a diagnosis. However, realizing you are a narcissist is unlikely, as most true narcissists aren’t aware of their condition.
How do narcissists become the way they are?
Narcissists are almost never born the way they are, and many become the way they are due to their upbringings.
Perhaps the person experienced abuse or neglect during their childhood, or they were excessively pampered by their parents and made to feel as if they were superior to others.
Other people become narcissists due to having had to deal with unrealistic expectations from their parents, but every narcissist became that way for a different reason.
Are narcissists difficult to get along with in the workplace?
Yes, narcissists can be almost impossible to get along with in the workplace, and if you have a supervisor who is a narcissist, then it can be an even more miserable situation.
All you can do in such a situation is to try to focus on your work as much as possible, and if you must work directly with the narcissistic person, then try to have as little contact with him or her as possible.
Sometimes, it can be impossible to work with a narcissist because most of them aren’t fair and are often angry. As an absolute last resort, you might have to request a transfer or even find a new job.
Narcissistic people are more common than many people believe
Even though statistics state that narcissism is rare and that fewer than 200,000 people are diagnosed with this condition each year in the United States, what about those narcissists that refuse to be evaluated and who go undiagnosed?
Many people can say that they have actually known a narcissistic person, even if they weren’t sure if the person was officially diagnosed or not.
It is highly probable that “fewer than 200,000” is substantially higher.
Celebrities who suffer from a narcissistic personality disorder
Celebrities are people, too, and there are many celebrities who suffer from this disorder, and some might surprise you.
Some of the celebrities who are known to suffer from narcissistic personality disorder are Kanye West, Kim Kardashian, Miley Cyrus, and Lady Gaga, among many others.
Sometimes, the lifestyle that a celebrity lives, especially if they become famous as a child, can be the cause of the celebrity developing this disorder.
Are all narcissists angry and uncaring?
Yes, all narcissists are angry and uncaring, but depending on the specific person, this may not occur all the time.
Some narcissists have extreme outbursts of anger and are easily triggered, while others have low levels of anger at all times.
Some narcissists can appear as if they care about others, but they really only truly care about themselves.
Is it wrong for someone to break up with a narcissistic partner?
By no means is it wrong for someone to break up with a narcissistic partner.
Again, it can be very challenging and nearly impossible to remain in a happy and compatible relationship with a narcissistic partner.
While a person may want to stick by their partner no matter what, if the narcissistic partner refuses to change or seek professional help, it can make life miserable for that person.
Narcissistic people lose relationships all the time due to their behavior, but many still refuse to seek help, as they don’t believe that all the breakups were their fault.
Most narcissists love being touched, as many of them seek out as much attention as possible, and touching them helps them to bask in their inappropriate self-love even more.
If you’re in love with a narcissist, then you are in for a ride. But if you just met someone interesting who you believe might suffer from this disorder, then you should run in the opposite direction, regardless of how amazing this love interest might appear in the beginning.
