Narcissists are amongst the most toxic human beings on Earth.
Their self-absorbed nature makes it tremendously challenging for anyone else to have a chance to be in the spotlight. Besides, their controlling mindset perceives everyone around them as pawns in their game plan.
When a narcissist gets outraged, things could get really ugly.
They have a strong sense of superiority, which makes them believe they are grandiose. Simply put, suchlike people think they are better than everyone else. So when they rage, they feel as if they have the right to lash out at others and express their aggressive side without any drop of remorse.
Whenever narcissists are forced to face their real nature, they are capable of turning into monsters. In times when others try to confront them directly about their unacceptable behavior, they feel awfully vulnerable. Since feeling weak is one of their biggest fears, being exposed triggers the worst in them. They might fall into intense outbursts, which, in some extreme cases, can turn into violence. Other negative reactions narcissists express when confronted are simmering resentment, icy silence, deliberate neglect, or cutting sarcasm.
Unlike other people, when these self-centered individuals get angry, they can become dreadfully unreasonable. However, this irrational response is not a result of them being treated unjustly, but of them having their nasty mind-games revealed. In a way, their plans didn’t work out as they wished, so they use aggression to revive their dominance in the situation.
What are the common scenarios that trigger narcissistic rage?
Here are the 8 most common situations when narcissist can become aggressive, according to Preston Ni, professor of Communication Studies:
- The narcissist doesn’t get his or her way, even when it’s unreasonable.
- The narcissist is criticized in some way, even when the critique is made diplomatically, reasonably, and constructively.
- The narcissist isn’t treated as the center of attention, even when there are other priorities.
- The narcissist is caught breaking rules, violating social norms, or disregarding boundaries.
- The narcissist is asked to be accountable for his or her actions.
- The narcissist suffers a blow to his or her idealized, egotistical self-image (such as when being told he will not be given “exception to the rule”, or be granted “special treatment”).
- The narcissist is reminded of his or her charade, manipulation, exploitation, inadequacy, shame, or self-loathing.
- The narcissist feels (fears) not in control of their relational or physical surroundings.
All of these different circumstances have something in common: They represent the act of narcissists trying to disguise their fear of being exposed by manipulating the situation through their outbursts.
Any scenario where a self-absorbed individual doesn’t feel grandiose is enough to make them outrage. Unfortunately, there are many destructive consequences after narcissists release their fury.
What are the most damaging outcomes after narcissistic rage?
The expert notes there are several destructive consequences that could happen after a narcissist decides to unleash their anger. They include family estrangement, relational dissolution & divorce, relationship cut-offs, loneliness & isolation, missed opportunities, financial issues, reputation damage, and a deep-seated fear of rejection.
It has been studied many times before that narcissism severely affects all kinds of relationships. No matter how many people are praising you, it all falls down when the people closest to you reveal your true nature and despise you for it. However, many egocentric creatures fail to realize that and risk being left all alone.
One question remains: Can a narcissist change for the better?
Of course, every single human being is capable of changing. However, one must be well-aware of the need for change to actually go for it and make an effort. For a narcissist to understand they need to shift their perspective and lose the grandiose attitude, they need to realize how much their behavior affects their relationships with the people around them, and with themselves.
