True Narcissists Avoid These 7 Things At All Costs, According to Psychology
Ever find yourself puzzled by someone who always has to be right and never seems to let their guard down? It can be tough figuring out where confidence ends and narcissism begins.
A big clue is not just what narcissists do, but what they avoid. They tend to sidestep situations that might make them feel exposed or less in control.
Let’s look at the things true narcissists steer clear of, and why it matters for anyone dealing with them.
Genuine emotional intimacy
Narcissists often keep their distance when it comes to real feelings. They shy away from vulnerability because it feels risky.
If you try to connect on a deeper level, they might pull away or act cold. Trust and honesty can feel threatening to them.
Instead of forming close bonds, they prefer to keep relationships on the surface. Emotional intimacy feels like a loss of control.
You may notice them craving attention but shutting down when things get too personal. Understanding this pattern can help you set healthy expectations.
For more on why narcissists avoid emotional closeness, check out this article on why do narcissists avoid intimacy.
Honest feedback and criticism
Giving honest feedback to a narcissist rarely goes smoothly. They often react by denying your point or changing the subject.
You might find them shifting blame onto you or others instead of accepting any fault. This helps them protect their self-image.
They tend to attack the person giving feedback rather than address the actual issue. This makes real conversations difficult.
Knowing they avoid criticism prepares you for their likely reactions in tough talks. For more on what true narcissists avoid, check this article on 7 things true narcissists avoid.
Admitting personal faults
Narcissists don’t like to admit when they’re wrong. Owning up to mistakes can make them feel weak or imperfect.
They often blame others or make excuses to protect their image. If you point out their faults, expect denial or anger.
Accepting blame threatens their self-image and makes them feel vulnerable. This isn’t about you—it’s their way of protecting themselves.
Setting boundaries can help you avoid getting caught in their cycle of blame. Learn more on why narcissists avoid fault in relationships at True Narcissists Avoid These 7 Things At All Costs, According To Psychology.
Being held accountable
Trying to hold a narcissist accountable is rarely easy. They often see blame or criticism as a personal attack.
You may notice them deflecting blame onto others or twisting the situation. Sometimes they try to make you feel guilty instead.
Tactics like gaslighting or denying facts can leave you feeling confused. It can be exhausting to deal with this behavior.
Holding them accountable feels like a challenge to their self-image. That’s why they work so hard to escape responsibility.
More on how narcissists avoid accountability can be found in this article on true narcissists avoiding these things.
Acknowledging others’ achievements
If you share your success with a narcissist, don’t expect much celebration. They struggle to give credit because it makes them feel less important.
They might downplay your wins or ignore them completely. Sometimes, they even take credit for your accomplishments to boost their own ego.
This behavior is about protecting their self-esteem, not about you. Keeping this in mind can help you stay confident and set clear boundaries.
If you want to learn more, check out this article on how narcissists avoid acknowledging others’ success and why it matters.
Setting and respecting boundaries
Setting boundaries with a narcissist can feel like an uphill battle. They often resist limits because it threatens their sense of power.
You might see them get defensive or try to guilt-trip you when you stand firm. Sometimes they ignore your boundaries or try to confuse you.
Staying calm and clear about your needs is important. Keeping your boundaries firm protects your emotional well-being.
Finding support from others can help you feel stronger. For practical tips, check out advice on setting boundaries with narcissists.
Authentic vulnerability
Narcissists shy away from showing real feelings. Being open about emotions feels risky to them.
They rarely share their true fears or doubts. Keeping up a strong image helps them feel protected.
If you try to connect on a deeper level, they may change the subject or act distant. Real emotions make them uncomfortable.
Understanding this helps you see why they might shut down emotionally. It’s not always about you, but about their need to protect themselves.
Being ignored or excluded
Narcissists have a strong fear of being ignored or left out. They need attention to feel important.
When you don’t give them attention, they may act cold or upset. Feeling excluded can hurt them deeply.
They might try harder to control the situation or demand more attention. This can make you feel like you’re walking on eggshells.
Remember, their need for validation is about their own feelings, not your worth. For more details, see true narcissists avoiding being ignored.
Losing control in conversations
Talking with a narcissist can feel like a power struggle. They hate feeling like they’re losing control.
If you challenge them or don’t react as expected, they may try harder to steer the conversation. Sometimes you’ll hear confusing or hurtful comments meant to make you doubt yourself.
This is often a form of gaslighting. When they feel their control slipping, they use words as weapons.
Understanding these patterns helps you keep your own voice strong.
Questions that expose their behavior
Ever noticed how some people always dodge certain questions? True narcissists often avoid answering directly when you ask about their actions.
They might change the subject or get defensive if you bring up their mistakes. Questions about their bad behavior make them especially uncomfortable.
Instead of taking responsibility, they might blame others or deny anything happened. If you ask how their actions affect those around them, they could get angry or upset.
This reaction can reveal their fear of being exposed or losing control. Asking clear, direct questions can help you spot patterns like manipulation or avoidance.
