Member-only story

Five Hidden Habits of A Covert Narcissist

Sherile Turner-Myles
2 min readJan 18, 2023

Covert narcissism, also known as ‘closet’ or vulnerable narcissism, is a form of narcissism in which an individual possesses many of the same traits as a typical narcissist but presents them in a more subtle and less obvious manner.

Photo by Melanie Wasser on Unsplash

This type of narcissism can be difficult to detect, as the individual may not exhibit the more obvious traits of grandiosity or entitlement. However, certain signs can indicate the presence of covert narcissism.

Here are five hidden signs of a covert narcissist.

  1. The constant need for validation. Covert narcissists have a deep-seated need for validation and attention. They may seek constant reassurance and validation from others and become upset or angry if they do not receive it. This need for validation is often rooted in feelings of insecurity and low self-esteem.
  2. Difficulty handling criticism. Covert narcissists may have a difficult time handling criticism or rejection. They may react with anger or defensiveness when feeling judged and may struggle to take responsibility for their actions. They may also blame others for their mistakes and shortcomings.
  3. Triangulation: Covert narcissists may use triangulation as a way to control and manipulate others. This involves involving a third person in a relationship in order to create drama and…

--

--

Sherile Turner-Myles
Sherile Turner-Myles

Written by Sherile Turner-Myles

I write about Covert Narcissism and other Personality Disorders, and how they impact relationships.

Responses (2)