How Are Narcissists Vulnerable?

It would have been difficult for Nemesis and young Narcissus to predict that his conceit would end up giving a name to a type of personality disorder: narcissism. Even less could they foresee what psychological research has given of itself in recent decades. Currently, numerous authors defend the existence of two subtypes of this pathology: vulnerable narcissists and grandiose narcissists.

Although both subtypes share personality traits, their differences are tangible. How can we differentiate them? Taking into account their peculiarities, which of them do you think would take more photos of himself? And which of the two do you consider the others like best? We will tell you!

The difference between the two subtypes of narcissism

In general terms, narcissistic people are characterized by presenting aggressive and rigid behavior with others. Likewise, they stand out for presenting excessive feelings of vanity and grandeur. However, if we look at two questions, the two mentioned subtypes are easy to differentiate from each other. To the perception they have of themselves and the one they generate in others.

Thus, while vulnerable narcissists make efforts to defend their ego, the great ones are convinced of its magnificence. This in turn influences how one and the other are perceived by others. And there are differences.

Vulnerable narcissists are often viewed as introverted and reserved. For their part, the great ones are mostly seen as extroverts. The latter can place them in a privileged position with respect to other people, to whom it can cause harm. Consistently and solving the question posed at the beginning of this article, it is the great subtype that publishes the most photos, takes the most “ selfies ” and gets the most “likes”, according to current research.

Characteristics of vulnerable narcissists

This subtype of narcissism is also known as “hypervigilant” or “covert”, which gives us clues as to which traits are predominant in terms of their behavior. Next, it is explained why they are defined in this way and what are their most representative characteristics.

Hypersensitivity and masking

Vulnerable narcissists are often very sensitive to the reactions of others. Therefore, when someone behaves in a way that they interpret or consider as negative towards them, they feel disproportionately hurt. An event or action that a priori to another person would not cause any type of injury, has an intense emotional impact on them.

This recollection is motivated by a feeling of disappointment with others, considering that they have been betrayed. However, they have great skill in masking this feeling, since from the outside, these people appear to be shy and shy. And they can even be considered as empathic.

Anxiety and low self-esteem

This withdrawal towards themselves generates restlessness and a high level of anxiety, which is increased by their low self-esteem. Faced with social disapproval, their response is affective inhibition, so they begin to avoid social contacts.

Little by little, they limit their relationships and diminish their environment of trust. Which, ultimately, can lead to severe social isolation. Therefore, it can be concluded that vulnerable narcissists do not tend to surround themselves with many people, they prefer solitude before seeing their personal integrity threatened.

They avoid being the center of attention

Far from what it may seem because of their displays of grandeur, vulnerable narcissists prefer to remain in the background. Due to their need for social approval as a way to self-regulate and regulate their self-esteem, they do not seek to be the center of attention. On the contrary, they prefer that the focus falls on others.

Therefore, they do not usually carry the weight of conversations. Even the opposite. They choose to take the place of a good listener. They listen very carefully and watch their attitude when others address them. They maintain eye contact and proper body posture, and use their gestures with great social skill while others speak to them. However, they do not do it out of interest in what they can tell them, but instead they are moved by another reason: to reaffirm their beliefs.

Vulnerable narcissists listen so they can lecture others on how underserved they feel. So much so that they often reproach how little listened they feel. In conclusion, although this type of narcissism requires the same amount of attention as the other subtype, its aspirations and beliefs of worth are more unconscious. And they only manifest themselves in their closest social environment. They are hypersensitive people, who are constantly alert and who reinforce their low self-esteem through the social reinforcements of the people around them.