6 Signs Your Best Friend Is a Covert Narcissist

Covert narcissists are a subtype of narcissistic personality disorder characterised by their self-centeredness, lack of empathy, and an inflated sense of self-importance, often hidden behind a façade of humility and insecurity. While they may appear friendly and supportive on the surface, covert narcissists often struggle to form and maintain healthy relationships, including friendships, due to their underlying personality traits. In fact, research has shown that covert narcissists tend to experience greater difficulty forming relationships than other types of narcissists, such as grandiose narcissists (Fossati et al., 2015).

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Moreover, covert narcissists tend to have a fragile sense of self-esteem and may feel threatened by others’ success or accomplishments, leading to envy and resentment. This can result in competition and a need to be seen as superior to others, making it difficult for them to form mutually supportive relationships.

Furthermore, covert narcissists tend to have an avoidant attachment style, which means they avoid closeness and intimacy in relationships. They may also use passive-aggressive behaviour to get their way and avoid taking responsibility for their actions.

Overall, these factors contribute to the challenges covert narcissists face in building and maintaining healthy relationships with family or friends. It’s important to note that not all individuals with covert narcissism will exhibit these behaviours, and each person’s experience may vary.

Here are seven reasons covert narcissists make awful friends and family members.

1. They Are Dictators

Covert narcissists have a highly inflated sense of self-importance, which makes it difficult for them to accept that others may have needs and wants that differ from their own. They often believe that they are the centre of the universe and that their needs and desires should be given priority over others. As a result, they can struggle with the concept of equality in relationships, including friendships.

Covert narcissists may believe that they are entitled to special treatment, such as preferential treatment or excessive attention, simply because of who they are. They may expect their friends to cater to their every need and…