Today, I’m diving into a fascinating topic: the peculiar worries that narcissists obsess over. Believe it or not, narcissists have their own set of fears and anxieties that drive their behavior. Let’s break down the 10 weird things narcissists worry about and explore what makes them tick.
1. Their Image and How They’re Perceived
Narcissists are hyper-focused on their public image. They’re constantly worried about how others perceive them, whether it’s their appearance, status, or reputation. A wrinkle in their shirt, lint on their hat, or slightly scuffed shoes? Absolute nightmare!
They’ll spend hours perfecting their look just to run a quick errand, all to avoid being seen as anything less than flawless. The fear of being judged as a “slob” or imperfect is a major trigger for them.
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2. How They Smell
Ever notice a narcissist doused in cologne or perfume? It’s not just about attracting attention, it’s a deep-seated worry about smelling anything less than perfect. They want to ensure they’re always appealing to potential “supply” (people they manipulate for validation).
Plus, they’re hyper-critical of how others smell and might even try to make you feel insecure by commenting on your scent, even if there’s nothing wrong. It’s all about control and planting doubt.
Note: Wearing cologne or caring about your scent doesn’t make you a narcissist! We’re talking about an extreme obsession here.
3. If You Have More Money Than Them
Narcissists hate feeling inferior, especially when it comes to wealth or success. They’re fiercely competitive and nosy, often stalking your social media to see if you’re doing better than them financially. If you’re posting about a promotion, a new business, or any achievement, it drives them up the wall. They’re also known to manipulate family dynamics to secure inheritances, always scheming to stay on top.
4. If You’re More Successful Than Them
Beyond money, narcissists worry about you outshining them in any area, career, accolades, or personal achievements. They can’t stand the thought of being “beneath” you. Your success threatens their fragile ego, so they might try to undermine you or dismiss your accomplishments to keep you in check.
5. If You’re Happier Than Them
Narcissists are deeply envious and can’t bear to see you thriving emotionally. If you’ve moved on after a breakup, are dating someone new, or are simply posting happy moments online, it eats them up inside.
They’ll stalk your social media to gauge your mood and may even try to sabotage your happiness to bring you down. Why? Because they’re miserable inside and can’t stand the idea of you living a better life.
6. Not Having Enough “Supply”
Narcissists rely on a constant stream of validation from others, known as “supply.” Being alone is their worst nightmare; it’s like death to them. They’re always worried about securing enough people to feed their ego, which is why they often line up a new partner before ending a relationship. This “monkey branching” ensures they’re never without someone to manipulate.
7. Getting Caught Stealing
Many narcissists have a sneaky side and worry about how they can “get over” on others, whether it’s stealing money, jewelry, or even using your credit card. They’re always casing your home or looking for opportunities to take advantage. Never leave a narcissist unattended in your space, as their thieving tendencies are a real concern for them (and should be for you!).
8. Being Seen as the “Bad Guy”
Narcissists, especially covert ones, work hard to maintain a “good guy” persona. They play the victim to gain sympathy and make you look like the villain. They’ll fake empathy in public or tell others they’re “concerned” about you, all while manipulating the narrative. Their biggest worry? That others will see through their act and realize they’re not the saint they pretend to be.
9. You’re Getting the Upper Hand
Narcissists are paranoid about being outsmarted or betrayed. They’ll often cheat or sabotage you first to avoid being “hurt” themselves. For example, a narcissist might accuse you of cheating (when you haven’t) or admit to cheating on you just to say they “got you first.” Their fragile egos can’t handle the idea of you having any power over them, so they always aim to stay one step ahead.
10. Being Exposed for Who They Are
Perhaps their deepest fear is that you’ll see through their carefully crafted mask and expose their true, toxic nature. Once you recognize them for who they are—a liar, gaslighter, or manipulatorthey lose their ability to control you. They’re terrified of being “found out,” as it ruins their game and threatens their supply. This fear often drives them to discard you and move on to someone who hasn’t yet seen their real face.
Narcissists may seem confident, but they’re consumed by these weird worries that fuel their manipulative behaviors. From obsessing over their image to fearing exposure, their lives are a constant battle to maintain control and validation. Understanding these fears can help you spot narcissistic behavior and protect yourself from their tactics.
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