10 Secret Habits of Narcissists When They're Alone!

Welcome to Metro Psychologist! Today, we're diving deep into a fascinating and somewhat unsettling topic: "10 Things Narcissists Do When They Are Alone." If you're interested in relationship advice, dating tips, work-life balance, organizational psychology, or couples counseling, you've come to the right place. Let's get started.

1. Admire Themselves
When alone, narcissists often spend a significant amount of time admiring themselves. This can involve looking at their reflection in mirrors, taking selfies, or reviewing photos of themselves. This behavior stems from their need for constant validation and admiration, even if it comes from themselves. They derive a sense of importance and confidence by affirming their own attractiveness and worth.

2. Fantasy World
Narcissists frequently retreat into a fantasy world where they envision themselves as superior beings, achieving grand success and receiving adulation from others. These fantasies can be about their professional success, physical appearance, or social standing. This imagined world helps them cope with the reality that often doesn't match their inflated self-view. These fantasies are a way to sustain their grandiose self-perception and avoid feelings of inadequacy.

3. Plotting and Scheming
Narcissists are often strategic planners. When they are alone, they might spend time plotting and scheming about how to manipulate situations and people to their advantage. This could involve thinking about how to gain more power at work, how to win arguments, or how to make others look bad to make themselves look better. Their manipulative nature drives them to constantly think ahead about how they can maintain control and dominance.

4. Reliving Past Glories
Narcissists often dwell on their past achievements and glories. They replay these moments in their minds, savoring the admiration and accolades they received. This behavior serves as a way to bolster their ego and remind themselves of their perceived superiority. By constantly reliving these moments, they maintain their self-esteem and reinforce their grandiose self-image.

5. Seeking External Validation
Even when alone, narcissists seek external validation through social media and other online platforms. They might post pictures, status updates, or achievements to garner likes, comments, and admiration from their online audience. This need for validation is insatiable, and social media provides a perfect avenue for them to receive constant attention and approval.

6. Obsessing Over Criticism
Narcissists are highly sensitive to criticism. When they are alone, they often obsess over any negative feedback or perceived slights they have received. They may ruminate on these incidents, thinking about how to retaliate or dismiss the criticism. Their fragile self-esteem makes it difficult for them to accept any form of negative feedback, and they might go to great lengths to discredit or diminish the sources of such criticism.

7. Playing the Victim
Narcissists often view themselves as perpetual victims. When alone, they might indulge in self-pity and believe that they are misunderstood or unfairly treated by others. This victim mentality helps them justify their behavior and shift blame away from themselves. By seeing themselves as victims, they can rationalize their actions and avoid taking responsibility for their negative behaviors.

8. Engaging in Addictive Behaviors
To cope with their inner emptiness and lack of genuine self-worth, narcissists might engage in addictive behaviors when alone. This could include substance abuse, excessive shopping, gambling, or other compulsive activities. These behaviors provide a temporary escape from their inner turmoil and offer a fleeting sense of satisfaction and control.

9. Planning Social Conquests
Narcissists thrive on social validation and power dynamics. When they are alone, they might plan their next social conquests, whether it’s seducing a new romantic partner, impressing a potential business connection, or manipulating friends and family. They strategize on how to charm, impress, and control others to maintain their social dominance and fulfill their need for admiration.

10. Lying to Themselves
Finally, narcissists often lie to themselves about their true nature and the impact of their behavior on others. They construct a false narrative where they are always the hero or the victim, never the villain. This self-deception helps them maintain their grandiose self-image and avoid facing the reality of their actions. By lying to themselves, they can continue living in a bubble of self-importance and superiority.

Conclusion
Understanding these behaviors can help you navigate interactions with narcissists, whether in personal relationships, at work, or in social settings. Recognizing their patterns can empower you to set boundaries and protect your own mental health.

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