Narcissists aren’t comfortable playing second fiddle. They must be centre of attention at all times. Otherwise they don’t feel validated and special.
It doesn’t matter whether it’s your birthday, you’re getting married, or even a funeral. Narcissists try to grab the spotlight. And make it all about them.
Of course they don’t publicly demand attention. And they don’t literally tear down your name banners from the walls, and replace it with theirs. They use more subtle means to steal the show.
If you’ve ever had a narcissist in your life, then you’ve probably witnessed these things at other peoples celebrations…
Please Check Out This Short Video To Aid Your Understanding…
Fake An Illness
During a celebration, it’s common for narcissists to “suffer” a sudden bout of illness. They might faint dramatically. Writhe on the floor in agony with back pain. Or mysteriously fall ill to another unprovable ailment.
The narcissist won’t quietly slip away to sort themselves out. Instead they involve as many people as possible. And let EVERYONE know they’re the poor victim. Just to reclaim their rightful place as centre of attention.
Cause An Argument
Another way to steal the limelight is to cause an argument. It might be with family, friends, or even the staff.
If the narcissist provokes someone into an argument at a celebration, it’s never quiet and dignified. It’s an all guns blazing affair. Designed to attract as many eyeballs as possible. Their need for attention drives them to such lengths.
Even if the narcissist looks like the bad guy, it’s still mission accomplished. Because they’ve stolen the show. And the argument is on everyone’s lips. To a narcissist, negative attention is better than none. And… the hijack doesn’t end there…
In the future when anyone mentions the celebration, the narcissist basks in the glory. And reminds everyone of their dramatic contribution. Placing themselves firmly in the spotlight for years to come.
Make A Speech
If it’s a wedding or a funeral, then the narcissist may make a speech. Especially if they’re overt narcissists.
Narcissists revel in the attention and the plaudits for their “kind words”. But really it’s a self serving act to give them supply. Because they crave attention like a starving bear craves honey.
Narcissists know they must sometimes give to receive. So they grit their teeth and muster up a few kind words. Even if they don’t know the recipient that well. Anything to take centre stage.
Arrive Late
Some narcissists make a grand entrance by arriving late. They know this makes them stand out from the crowd, because they’re not flocking in with the rest of the riff raff.
In the narcissists mind, their lateness is the talk of the town. And everyone is nervously waiting on their arrival.
The narcissist may revel in the notoriety of always being late. Because this means people are talking about them. And to a narcissist, you can’t put a price on that.
Dress To Stand Out
Some narcissists try to outdo everyone in the wardrobe department. Including the person who’s celebrating. Just to steal the show.
They may go to extraordinary lengths to wear the finest clothes. Spend weeks visiting the solarium. And even go on a crash diet.
If fashion’s not their thing, then they may dress unusually. Or wear something loud that stands out. Anything for attention.
Change Their Mind About Going
In the build up to the celebration, the narcissist may constantly flip flop. And change their mind about whether they’re going. One minute they are, the next minute they’re not.
This is typical narcissist diva behaviour. Because they think the celebration can’t go ahead without them. And in their mind, everyone’s begging them to go. So they keep their “fans” guessing until the last minute.
The narcissist doesn’t realise that people tire from these shenanigans. And once they’ve experienced this behaviour a few times, they no longer care whether they go. In fact, they probably wish they didn’t.
Try To Change The Celebration
Some narcissists take control of celebrations by offering their wise insights into how it should be run. And look to put their stamp on it by changing things around. Even when they haven’t been asked.
They may try to change the venue to somewhere THEY prefer. Volunteer to bring music, which is all to their taste. And maybe even change the décor.
Narcissists like to modify celebrations to cater for their own needs. And to put their stamp on it for all to see. Because this gives them a feeling of control. And to top it off, they want credit for their work!
Invite Their Friends
A narcissist might take over a celebration by inviting their own guests. They may ask for permission. But they usually do it in a way that makes it difficult to say no.
Narcissists often have a harem of admirers who give them supply. And friends they can dominate. So they like to have these people around them to feel popular and important. So they often try to bring them along to other peoples celebrations. Even when they’ve not been invited.
Flirting
Narcissists get excited at large gatherings. Because there’s so many new faces to impress. So they often use it as an opportunity flirt and mingle.
Narcissists don’t care if their partner is in the same room. And stood alone, bored and p*ssed off. The celebration is THEIR time to shine. And they grab this opportunity with both hands.
Get Drunk And Cause A Scene
If all else fails, then the narcissist may get horribly drunk and cause a scene. They may stagger and fall about. Or become loud and obnoxious. In full view of everyone.
Part of the reason for this display might be their mask slipping, because alcohol lowers inhibitions. And they may be less willing to uphold their false façade. But there’s also another possibility…
The narcissist may CHOOSE to act drunk and play up. And exaggerate how drunk they really are.
Narcissists know that their drunken antics place them firmly in the spotlight. Even if it’s not for the right reasons. And like I said earlier, negative attention is better than none. Also, they have a get out clause…
People who misbehave when drunk generally get a free pass. Because people put it down to “the drink talking”. And blame the alcohol, and not the person.
Whilst they may be mad at the narcissist at first, all is quickly forgiven. So the narcissist gets their moment, with little long term damage to their reputation. And whilst this may not make sense to you or me, it makes perfect sense to a narcissist.
Final Thoughts
Narcissists aren’t happy playing a minor role during someone else’s celebration. Their grandiosity demands them to be the star of the show. So they find ways to take over, and make it about them.
Some narcissists are so sly that no one notices what they’re up to. But after reading this article, you’ll now see through their charade. Because you know how important it is for narcissists to be centre of attention.
In fact it’s so important, you can’t even die in peace! Narcissists often take centre stage at funerals, dressed in their best clothes. Making dramatic “emotional” speeches. Placing themselves firmly in the spotlight.
Narcissists fear standing in the shadows. Even for a day. Because it makes them feel ordinary. And they need to feel special all the time, to justify their delusions of superiority. So they’re prepared to do almost anything to stand out from the crowd.
If a celebration is approaching and you know a narcissist, then watch out for these behaviours. They may justify them as helping. Or play the innocent act. But the truth is they can’t stand by, enjoy a celebration, and let someone else have their moment. Narcissists HAVE to make it about them. It’s what they do.
Please CLICK HERE To Learn About The Secret Lives Of Narcissists
Or Scroll Down For My Most Popular Posts (Mobile)…

Narcissists make me mad ! I would never have one in my.life again.
They’re hard work alright!
At least I’d have one advantage if a narcissist is making dramatic “emotional” speeches at my funeral; I’d already be dead! But it would be much more fun for me to come back as a zombie so I could push the lid of my coffin and lurch towards the narcissist, giving him or her the fright of their lives! But then, they’ll be talking about their terrible ordeal over and over again and getting attention galore! No. Scratch that. Better for me to stay dead so I don’t have to deal with the narc!
You’re probably right!