Most people think narcissists are unhappy people and that they’re not happy. But they might be surprised by the truth.
Are narcissists happy with themselves? How do they view life?
In this article, we will answer these and other questions. You will learn things you didn’t know about narcissists.
Continue reading and find out more!
Are Narcissists Happy With Themselves?
Narcissism is often seen as a bad trait, it’s when a person thinks they are better and more important than others.
However, a study in 2019 by researchers at Queen’s University Belfast has found that narcissists may actually be happier than the average person.
The study seeks to understand the rise of narcissism in modern societies. It has been discovered that while narcissists may infuriate others, they are less likely to experience stress or depression.
Psychologist Dr. Kostas Papageorgiou, who is leading the study. Explains that while narcissism can be socially toxic, it also has positive benefits for the individual narcissist.
The researchers define narcissists as individuals who engage in risky behavior. Hold unrealistic views of themselves, lack empathy for others, and have little shame or guilt.
The study wants to find out why more and more people are becoming narcissistic, especially in politics, social media, and famous people. They also want to know why being narcissistic is often seen as a good thing instead of a bad thing.
While it’s easy to see narcissism as solely a negative trait, the study suggests that there may be more to the story.
Narcissists may infuriate others with their grandiose behavior, but they also may be less likely to experience stress or depression. It’s important to remember that everyone is complex and multifaceted and that no trait exists in a vacuum.
Why are narcissists happy with themselves?
Why do narcissists appear to be so content with themselves, despite their often detrimental behavior towards others? Here are 6 things you should know:
#1: They love themselves more than anyone else loves them
In a study1A Dose of Narcissism Can Be Usefulconducted by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, and Yale University. It was found that narcissists are happy with themselves. They don’t feel empathy toward others and don’t care what others think of them.
Narcissists love themselves more than anyone loves them because they don’t need validation from anyone else to make them feel good about themselves.
People with low self-esteem need validation from others to feel good about themselves. It makes them dependent on others and vulnerable to criticism.
#2: They’re confident in their abilities
Narcissists feel good about themselves because they believe they’re better than others. They tend to have high self-esteem and believe their opinions are valid and essential.
They might also be very ambitious, which can help them succeed at work, school, or other areas where success means a lot.
Narcissists are often highly confident in their abilities and talents. Their confidence in their abilities can also make them highly competitive and driven to succeed.
They may not be satisfied with anything less than the best and will go to great lengths to achieve their goals. They are also more likely to take risks and make bold decisions, as they strongly believe in their ability to succeed.
#3: They’re not afraid to take risks
Narcissists may be more likely than others to take risks because they feel more comfortable taking on challenges than other people do, says Dr. Paul Hokemeyer, a New York City psychiatrist specializing in relationships that works with couples and families.
But those risks don’t always lead to success. If you want to get ahead, assessing how much you’re willing to risk before making big decisions like quitting your job or moving across the country for a new opportunity is essential.
#4: They have a sense of entitlement
Narcissists often believe they are entitled to special treatment and privileges due to their perceived superior status. They may feel they deserve preferential treatment because of their intelligence, beauty, wealth, or other qualities.
This sense of entitlement can give them power and control over their environment, making them feel happy and fulfilled.
They may become angry or frustrated when they don’t receive the special treatment they feel they deserve. This sense of entitlement can also be reflected in their expectation of admiration, and they may have difficulty accepting criticism or feedback.
#5: They have a grandiose self-image
Narcissists often view themselves in an overly positive light, seeing themselves as more powerful, intelligent, or attractive than they are. This inflated self-image can give them a sense of superiority and self-importance, making them feel happy with themselves.
Narcissists often think they are better at things and have done more than they have. This creates a feeling of being unbeatable and very sure of themselves.
This grandiose self-image is often reinforced by their tendency to seek validation and admiration from others, making them feel even more confident in their abilities and worth.
They may also have unrealistic expectations for themselves and others and difficulty accepting failure or criticism. This inflated self-image can also fuel their entitlement, as they may feel they deserve special treatment and privileges due to their perceived superior status.
#6: They lack empathy
Narcissists often have difficulty understanding or caring about the feelings of others. This lack of empathy means they are not affected by the emotions and experiences of others. It allows them to pursue their goals and desires without feeling guilty or remorseful.
This lack of empathy makes them more selfish in their actions and decisions. It makes them less likely to consider the impact of their actions on others. It can make them feel happy and content as the emotions and needs of others do not hold them back. They can focus on achieving their own goals and desires.
Additionally, Narcissists tend to see other people as objects to be used to fulfill their own needs. Rather than as individuals with their thoughts and feelings.
This lack of empathy makes it easier for them to manipulate, exploit, or hurt others without feeling remorse or guilt. It can also contribute to their happiness as they can achieve their goals and desires without obstacles.
Are narcissists happy alone?
Narcissists may have moments of happiness. When they are alone, but in general, they often require external validation and attention.
Maintaining their sense of self-worth and happiness. Narcissists tend to have a grandiose self-image, and they often rely on the admiration and validation of others to reinforce their sense of superiority and self-importance.
They may also use others as a means to an end, to achieve their goals and desires, and to boost their sense of self-worth.
Being alone for an extended period of time may cause a Narcissist to feel a sense of emptiness and inadequacy. This is because they are not receiving the external validation and attention they crave. They may also experience boredom or frustration. This is because they may not have anyone to exploit or manipulate.
Therefore, Narcissists may seek new relationships or interactions to fill this void and continue feeling happy and content.
5 Reasons why narcissists are often unhappy
Are Narcissists always happy? The answer is: no.
Narcissism is often associated with confidence, self-importance, and a sense of superiority.
However, the reality is that narcissists can struggle with unhappiness and dissatisfaction just like anyone else. Despite putting on a front of confidence and self-assurance, they may have deep-seated feelings of insecurity, inadequacy, and unresolved emotional trauma.
We will explore 5 reasons why narcissists may be unhappy and how their distorted sense of self and constant need for validation can affect their ability to experience genuine happiness.
#1: They find difficulty in being vulnerable
Narcissists often have a hard time being vulnerable with others, making it difficult for them to form genuine connections and relationships. They may fear being rejected or perceived as weak, which can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
#2: They find difficulty in joy for others
Narcissists tend to have a competitive and envious nature, making it hard for them to feel happy for others. They may see others’ successes as a threat to their self-worth and may resent or be jealous of others’ accomplishments.
#3: They have unresolved emotional difficulties from their past
Narcissists often have unresolved emotional trauma from their past that they have never fully processed or dealt with. This unresolved trauma can lead to anger, insecurity, and low self-esteem, which can affect their ability to be happy.
#4: They have additional mental health issues
Narcissism is often comorbid with other mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. These other mental health issues can make it difficult for them to be happy and fulfilled.
#5: They struggle with maintaining a facade and being genuine
Narcissists tend to be highly defensive and protective of their self-image, which means they can never fully relax or let their guard down. This constant need to maintain their image can lead to feelings of exhaustion and stress.
This can also make it difficult for them to form genuine connections with others. They are constantly worried about how they are perceived and may not be able to be fully open and honest with others.
Also, they are constantly needed to maintain a specific image. It can also lead to feelings of insecurity and vulnerability, which they may try to hide by acting arrogant or superior.
Are Narcissists Happier Than “Normal People?”
It is not accurate to say that narcissists are happier than “normal people,” as happiness is a subjective experience and can differ from person to person. Narcissists may put on a front of confidence and self-assurance, but this does not necessarily mean they are truly happy.
Many narcissists struggle with insecurity, inadequacy, and unresolved emotional trauma. They also tend to have difficulty feeling empathy for others, forming genuine connections and relationships, and feeling happy for others.
They also tend to have difficulty letting their guard down and being authentic. Therefore, it is not accurate to compare the happiness of narcissists and “normal people” as both groups can experience a wide range of emotions.
Can a narcissist have a happy relationship?
Are you in a relationship with a narcissist? Then you might question your relationship and wonder if he or she is truly happy with you.
In reality, narcissism is a complex mental health disorder that lies on a spectrum, with some cases being more severe than others. One of the major challenges of being in a relationship with a narcissist is the imbalance of power.
Narcissists often demand control, while their partners may feel the need to keep the peace and avoid conflict. This dynamic can make it difficult for both parties to be happy indeed.
Narcissists also struggle with empathy, trust, and compassion towards others, making it challenging to have a healthy and fulfilling relationship.
If you are in a relationship with a narcissist, accepting them for who they are is essential, rather than having unrealistic expectations for them to change. It is also important to reevaluate your motives for staying in the relationship if you cannot accept them for who they are.
Final Thoughts
This article has highlighted the complexities surrounding the topic of happiness in relation to narcissism. It is important to note that happiness is a subjective experience and can differ from person to person.
It’s important to focus on your own happiness rather than wondering if narcissists are happy.
Take a moment to reflect on whether your needs are being met and receiving the respect you deserve. Remember, your feelings are important and should be taken care of.
Dealing with a narcissist can be challenging and, in some cases, toxic. Regardless of your circumstances, prioritize your well-being and happiness above all else.
