To better understand narcissism, it’s important to appreciate the different types of narcissists. Because although they all have similar aims, their methods of achieving them differ.

Bear in mind that narcissists often display traits from more than one of these narcissism types. So don’t exclusively pigeon-hole them.

Here’s the main different types of narcissists…

Grandiose Or Overt Narcissists

Grandiose narcissists are the stereotypical narcissists that most people picture.

• Loud, confident, braggadocios, and larger than life.
• Love being the centre of attention.
• Often charming, at least at first.

Grandiose narcissists thrive on admiration. They might be the charismatic boss. The life and soul of the party. Or the friend who turns every conversation back to themselves. Grandiose narcissists can be fun, until their need for validation steam rolls everyone else.

Covert Or Vulnerable Narcissists

Covert narcissists are trickier to spot, because they more under the radar than grandiose narcissists.

• Sensitive, insecure, and often passive-aggressive.
• They don’t brag out loud, but they gain recognition in more subtle ways. Such as with hints and downplaying.
• They might play the victim to get sympathy or validation. And be self depreciating to encourage reassurances.

Unlike the grandiose narcissists, covert narcissists hide their self-importance under a shell of shyness or defensiveness. They might seem fragile, but they still expect the world to revolve around them.

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Malignant Narcissists

Here’s where things get darker. Malignant narcissists aren’t just selfish. They enjoy hurting others to feel powerful.

• Combines narcissism with aggression, and even cruelty.
• Can be manipulative, exploitative, and sometimes abusive.
• Have little regard for other people’s feelings.

Malignant narcissists aren’t just difficult, they can be dangerous. Think of them as narcissism mixed with a dash of sadism. They don’t just want admiration, they also want power over others. And may enjoy watching people squirm.

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Communal Narcissists

Communal narcissists are the ultimate do-gooders. They’re sneaky because, on the surface, they appear kind and generous. They may be the first to volunteer for charity events and fundraisers.

• They want to be seen as caring, giving, and moral.
• They do good deeds, but only so people notice and praise them.
• Their self-image revolves around being the hero or saviour.

Communal narcissists may help people. But their motivation comes from a need to be admired for their kindness. Not genuine compassion. Which is why their “good deeds” are often plastered all over social media. And they get upset when they don’t receive recognition.

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Somatic Narcissists

Somatic narcissists are obsessed with their looks. They may engage in endless gym selfies. Wear tight revealing clothing. And may book cosmetic surgery when they don’t need it.

• Somatic narcissists focus on their bodies, looks, or sexual appeal.
• They thrive on compliments about their appearance and attractiveness. And may constantly fish for compliments.
• They may get hyper competitive with people they consider better looking than them. But don’t care if someone’s more intelligent than them.

Somatic narcissists may struggle with ageing. Or anything they can remotely conceive as criticising their appearance.

Cerebral Or Intellectual Narcissists

Cerebral narcissists are know-it-all’s who always look for intellectual one-upmanship.

• Cerebral narcissists rely on their intelligence, wit, or knowledge to feel superior. They want to be seen as the smartest person in the room.
• They may get hyper competitive with people that challenge them intellectually. But don’t care if someone’s better looking than them.
• They may correct your grammar and vocabulary. Use long and complicated words. And take 10 minutes to explain something that should take 10 seconds!

Cerebral narcissists may show off their qualifications and academic knowledge. But often lack common sense. You may find they memorise words and concepts. But don’t always understand them.

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Final Thoughts

Some narcissists shine in the spotlight, whilst others skulk in the shadows. But at the core, they all share the same need to feel special, admired, and important. Often at the expense of others.

Don’t get too bogged down with these labels. There’s plenty of cross overs with these different types of narcissists. They rarely fit neatly and exclusively into one box.

For instance, overt narcissists may have moments of feeling vulnerable. And may sometimes want to hide from the world. They may even be self depreciating to gain sympathy and reassurance. Especially if something has happened that gives them a narcissistic collapse.

However, awareness of these different types of narcissists helps you spot them. And predict their behaviours. Especially when it comes to covert narcissists.

Covert narcissists can sometimes be the most dangerous. Despite appearing the most harmless. Because they’re harder to detect. And their vulnerable style gains sympathy with well meaning people.

This allows them to gain access and help. And when narcissists ingrain themselves into your life, that’s when they do the most damage.

Please CLICK HERE For A Explanation Of All 10 Different Personality Disorders

All 10 Personality Disorders Explained