Grandiose narcissism is a personality trait characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a constant need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. Individuals with grandiose narcissism often believe they are superior to others, have a sense of entitlement, and seek to dominate social interactions. They may exaggerate their achievements, expect special treatment, and exploit others to achieve their goals. Kennedy Balzen led a recent study on narcissism and relationships, explaining that grandiosity is commonly expressed through arrogance, self-enhancement tactics, and social boldness.
Research highlights that grandiose narcissism can be understood as the presence of narcissistic admiration and narcissistic rivalry. These behaviors aim to enhance and maintain one’s inflated self-concept, often at the expense of close relationships. The two core traits of grandiose narcissism, narcissistic admiration, and narcissistic rivalry, can negatively impact romantic connections.
Narcissistic admiration refers to the intense desire for attention, praise, and adoration that individuals with narcissistic traits seek from others to boost their fragile self-esteem and validate their inflated sense of self-importance. This quest for admiration can impact relationships due to the constant need for attention, exaggerated self-image, manipulative behavior, and difficulty maintaining intimacy with a partner.
On the other hand, narcissistic rivalry involves defensive strategies aimed at protecting one’s self-image through aggressive behavior toward others. Individuals high in narcissistic rivalry may engage in exploitative behaviors and feel envy toward others’ accomplishments, leading to sensitivity to criticism, envy and resentment, confrontational and aggressive behavior, and a lack of constructive communication in relationships.
These competitive dynamics make it challenging for their partners to feel emotionally safe or valued, leading to lower relationship satisfaction and potential abuse. Individuals with grandiose narcissism may appear charming and confident initially, but as narcissistic rivalry emerges, their true intentions can derail their relationships. It is crucial for individuals in relationships with narcissists to set boundaries, prioritize their well-being, and seek support if needed.
For those with grandiose narcissism, seeking support to cultivate self-awareness and work through their self-serving and antagonistic tendencies can help build healthier and more sustainable relationships. The superficial nature of romantic connections characterized by admiration and rivalry traits in narcissistic individuals can lead to negative outcomes such as anger towards ex-partners and difficulty in forming genuine emotional connections. Taking an evidence-based assessment can help individuals identify narcissistic tendencies and take steps towards personal growth and healthier relationships.
