The Psychology Behind 7 Things Narcissists Do Without Even Realizing

The inner workings of a narcissist.

Last updated on Apr 30, 2025

Narcissistic man. Andrey Sarymsakov | Canva
Advertisement

You’ve likely encountered a narcissist or two in your life. Perhaps a former lover could never put your needs above their own. Or maybe you’ve worked with someone who couldn't stop promoting his accomplishments long enough to do any work. 

Whether your encounters are professional or personal, there are telltale signs that you’re dealing with a narcissistic person. And when you are, establish healthy boundaries and keep an emotional distance.

The psychology behind 7 things narcissists do without even realizing it:

1. They make it clear they know everything

man who is a narcissist and knows everything Prostock-studio / Shutterstock

Narcissists don’t hesitate to educate lawyers about the legal system or enlighten doctors about medicine. After all, they know more about everything than anyone else, and they’re not afraid to show it. 

They can be expected to argue, educate, and inform you about virtually every topic you bring up in conversation: “Here’s where you got that wrong." "That’s what most people think, but that’s not actually true.” They don’t shy away from disagreements or opportunities to tutor others about their way of thinking.

RELATED: 20 Extremely Brutal Signs You're In Love With A Narcissist

Advertisement

2. They insist on being the exception to the rule

woman who is a narcissist trying to be the exception to the rule Xavier Lorenzo / Shutterstock

Rules are for people who aren’t smart enough to make good decisions on their own, the narcissist believes, but they know they’re exceptional. And so, the usual rules, laws, or policies do not apply to them. 

They’re often good at manipulating others to bend the rules for them, reinforcing their belief that they shouldn’t have to succumb to the same regulations as everyone else.

An article by Stanford's Graduate School of Business explained that narcissists often insist on being an exception to the rule due to a combination of a strong sense of entitlement, a belief in their exceptionalism, and a need for external validation. This stems from a deeply ingrained belief that they are superior and deserving of special treatment, leading them to reject or disregard established rules and boundaries.

RELATED: I'm A Self-Aware Narcissist And Here Are 18 Truths About Loving People Like Us

Advertisement

3. They project an image of superiority

man who is a narcissist projecting image of superiority MDV Edwards / Shutterstock

Narcissists care greatly about their image. They want to appear wealthy, popular, and elite. They’re often materialistic and greatly enjoy name-dropping, as associating themselves with the hottest brand or famous friends makes them feel important.

RELATED: 9 Dominant Traits That Reveal Someone Might Have Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Advertisement

4. They make a great first impression, but quickly wear out their welcome

man who is a narcissist wearing out his welcome Antonio Guillem / Shutterstock

Narcissists’ charming personalities tend to win them favor with new people initially. They may come across as confident, exciting — maybe the most endearing and engaging person in the room. However, over time, their selfish tendencies cause people to run in the opposite direction.

Narcissists often make positive first impressions due to their charisma, confidence, and ability to appear self-assured. However, a 2018 study explained that their tendency to be exploitative, entitled, and self-absorbed leads to a decline in popularity over time. Their manipulative behaviors and disregard for others' feelings ultimately erode relationships.

RELATED: Deeply Narcissistic People Often Display These 3 Involuntary Behaviors

Advertisement

5. They boost their egos by implying others are inferior

woman who is a narcissist boosting her ego Nicoleta Ionescu / Shutterstock

Not only do narcissists need to establish how superior they are, they also tend to imply that everyone else is less intelligent, experienced, or likable. No matter how much training or education someone else has had, the narcissist thinks he or she is the real expert.

RELATED: 8 Subtle Ways Your Body Warns You When You're Interacting With A Sociopath

Advertisement

6. They assume everyone adores them

woman who is a narcissist assuming everyone loves her Daniel Hoz / Shutterstock

The narcissist truly believes that everyone from former co-workers to past lovers holds them in high regard, and assumes that anyone who doesn’t like them must be jealous. However, while they can be susceptible to criticism, they outwardly try to dismiss any negative comments about their personality or performance. They may attempt to punish anyone who dares express an unfavorable opinion about them.

Narcissists often assume everyone adores them due to a combination of a lack of self-awareness, an inflated sense of self-importance, and a deep-seated fear of rejection. A 2019 study concluded that their inflated self-perception leads them to overestimate their positive qualities and misinterpret others' reactions, often assuming compliments or favorable attention even when it is not present.

RELATED: 3 Evil Daily Habits Of A Narcopath (Narcissist + Sociopath)

Advertisement

7. They put their own feelings ahead of other people’s needs

woman who is a narcissist putting her feelings above the needs of otherd Josep Suria / Shutterstock

A lack of empathy is one of the most glaring ways to tell if someone is a narcissist. They don’t care what other people need or how they feel. Everything they do centers around what they want and need. They don’t care what type of pain they inflict on others.

Some research suggests that narcissists may lack a strong moral compass, making it difficult for them to understand the impact of their actions on others. They may not truly grasp the concept of right and wrong and may not consider the consequences of their behavior on others.

While fundamentally unsupportive and manipulative, they can feign empathy when it benefits them. But they lack a genuine desire to put anyone else’s needs above their own desires.

If you think you may be experiencing depression or anxiety as a result of ongoing emotional abuse at the hands of a narcissist, you are not alone. Domestic abuse can happen to anyone and is not a reflection of who you are or anything you've done wrong.

If you feel as though you may be in danger, there is support available 24/7/365 through the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 1-800-799-7233. If you’re unable to speak safely, text LOVEIS to 1-866-331-9474, or log onto thehotline.org.

RELATED: 11 Signs Of A Highly Problematic Person, According To Psychology

Amy Morin is a licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist, college psychology instructor, and internationally recognized expert on mental strength. Her advice has been featured on Today, Good Morning America, Time, Fast Company, Success, CNN, CNBC, and Fox News.

Advertisement
Loading...