Grandiose Narcissism: What It Is and How to Protect Yourself From It

Grandiose narcissism is a type of narcissism that is characterized by delusions of grandeur. Individuals with grandiose narcissism often have an exaggerated sense of self-importance and believe that they are superior to others. They may also exhibit traits such as excessive arrogance, entitlement, and aggression.

Grandiose narcissists can be very harmful to those around them and can be difficult to deal with.

In this blog post, I will discuss what grandiose narcissism is, the signs and symptoms of it, and how to protect yourself from it.

What are the main traits of a grandiose narcissist?

Grandiose narcissists usually display the following traits:

Grandiose Narcissism – An inflated sense of self-importance and an overwhelming sense of grandiosity

This is one of the most defining characteristics of grandiose narcissism. Grandiose narcissists genuinely believe that they are better than everyone else and that they deserve the best of everything.

They are also convinced that everyone envies them and wants to be them.

Grandiose Narcissism – A need for constant admiration and validation

Grandiose narcissists need constant attention and praise in order to feel good about themselves. If they don’t receive the attention and admiration they feel they deserve, they may become angry or depressed.

In fact they will often engineer a grand entrance at parties or even business meetings, to make sure that the spotlight is on them. Once they have made sure that their presence has been felt, they will do their best to continue to monopolize as many people’s attention as possible.

If you have the misfortune to be conversing with them, you will have to listen to them boasting extravagantly about their successes and accomplishments.

Grandiose narcissists are usually the ones wearing the most expensive designer clothes and driving the flashiest car, just to make sure that everyone knows how successful and well off they are.

Grandiose Narcissism – A disproportionate sense of entitlement

As far as the grandiose narcissist is concerned, the world revolves around him (or her). They believe that they are entitled to special treatment because they inhabit a higher social or moral plane than others. If anyone denies them what they believe is theirs by right, they react angrily and even vengefully.

Grandiose Narcissism – A lack of empathy

It is often said that grandiose narcissists do not have the ability to see things from another person’s perspective. The truth is that they could if they wanted to, but they simply do not care about how other people feel. This is because they are so wrapped up in their own sense of self-importance that everyone else seems insignificant to them.

Grandiose Narcissism – A tendency to fantasize

Grandiose narcissists often have very grandiose fantasies about themselves. They see themselves as destined for great things or believe that they have a special talent or ability that sets them apart from others.

Grandiose Narcissism – A need for power and control

Grandiose narcissists often need to feel in control of their environment and the people around them. They may try to control conversations, manipulate others into doing things they want, or put down those who they see as a threat to their power.

This is where their toolkit of narcissistic abuse tactics comes in handy. They will not hesitate to use gaslighting, abuse by proxy, love bombing, or any other tactic to control and manipulate those around them.

Grandiose Narcissism – A habit of curating their circle of acquaintances

Grandiose narcissists want to “be seen with” the “right type” of people. If you’re not wealthy, or don’t have the desired social status, the grandiose narcissist will likely see you as beneath them and not worth their time.

Grandiose Narcissism – A disposition to envy those who they perceive as having what they want

Grandiose narcissists often feel envious of those who are more successful, more beautiful, richer or of a higher status than they are. They genuinely believe that these things are theirs by right, so they resent those who actually have them.

Grandiose Narcissism – A readiness to exploit and take advantage of others

The grandiose narcissist is not above using others to get what they want. They may take advantage of their friends, family, or even co-workers to get ahead.

Grandiose Narcissism – A lack of insight

Grandiose narcissists are often completely oblivious to the fact that they have a problem. They genuinely believe that they are perfect and that everyone else is wrong. This lack of insight can make it very difficult for them to get help or even realize that they need help.

Grandiose Narcissism – An extraordinary drive to achieve success

The grandiose narcissist often has a phenomenal drive. They will do whatever it takes to be successful and perceived as being successful by others. They are often workaholics and will sacrifice their personal lives in pursuit of their career goals.

How to deal with the grandiose narcissist

If you find yourself dealing with a grandiose narcissist, there are some things you can do to protect yourself:

Set boundaries. It is important to set boundaries with the grandiose narcissist and not allow them to take advantage of you. Make it clear what you will and will not tolerate from them.

Don’t try to change them. It is unlikely that the grandiose narcissist will ever change, so trying to change them is a fruitless endeavour.

Talk to them about their behaviour. If the grandiose narcissist’s behaviour is impacting you negatively, talk to them about it. Be direct and assertive in your communication.

Get help from a professional. If a grandiose narcissist is abusing you or making your life excessively difficult, you must get help from a professional. They can help you to deal with the abuse and protect yourself from further harm.

Cut them out of your life. If all else fails, the best thing you can do is to cut the grandiose narcissist out of your life. This may not be possible if they are a family member or close friend, but it is something to consider if you can.

Final Thoughts

Grandiose narcissism is a personality disorder that results in grandiose fantasies, a need for power and control, a lack of insight, and a readiness to exploit and take advantage of others.

If you find yourself dealing with a grandiose narcissist, there are some things you can do to protect yourself, such as setting boundaries, talking to them about their behaviour, and getting help from a professional. If all else fails, you may need to cut the grandiose narcissist out of your life.

Life is too short to waste your time dealing with such people. Cut your losses and run.