10 Traits of the Male Narcissist

Have you ever dealt with a man who seemed to be overly obsessed with himself? Maybe he demanded constant attention or belittled those around him to elevate himself? If so, you may have encountered a male narcissist. Narcissism is a personality disorder characterized by excessive self-love, lack of empathy, and a need for admiration. In this blog post, we will delve into the 10 traits of a male narcissist that will help you identify, understand, and hopefully avoid them in your life.

Traits of the Male Narcissist – Grandiose Sense of Self-Importance

One of the key traits of a male narcissist is the belief in their superiority. They view themselves as the most important person in the room and can’t stand the thought of not being the center of attention. This inflated sense of self-importance often manifests in various aspects of their lives, such as personal relationships, work environments, and social interactions.

Male narcissists tend to have an insatiable need for admiration and validation from others. They often expect others to cater to their needs and may throw a tantrum if they don’t receive the attention they believe they deserve. This can lead to them becoming overly demanding, controlling, and manipulative to ensure that they remain in the spotlight.

In social situations, male narcissists may dominate conversations, frequently interrupting others to share their own stories or opinions, which they believe are more valuable or interesting than those of others. They may also engage in name-dropping or brag about their accomplishments to reinforce their perceived superiority and impress others.

In the workplace, male narcissists will exhibit a strong desire for power and control. They may be overly competitive, taking credit for others’ work, or belittling colleagues to elevate their own status. They often have little regard for the feelings or needs of others, viewing them as obstacles to their success or tools to be used for their benefit.

In personal relationships, male narcissists may display a lack of empathy and emotional support for their partners. They often put their own needs and desires above those of their loved ones, expecting constant praise and admiration. This can lead to emotionally abusive behaviors, such as gaslighting, manipulation, and infidelity, as they prioritize their own satisfaction over the well-being of their partners.

Traits of the Male Narcissist – Lack of Empathy

A male narcissist typically has very little regard for others’ feelings. Their primary focus is on themselves and their own needs, often at the expense of those around them. As a result, they may refuse to acknowledge other people’s pain or dismiss it outright, believing that their own feelings or problems are more significant or important.

This inability to empathize can manifest in various ways, such as dismissing someone’s concerns, invalidating their emotions, or offering unsolicited advice without considering the other person’s perspective.

Male narcissists are often incapable of seeing things from another’s perspective, which can make it difficult for them to form deep, meaningful connections with others. They may struggle to comprehend why someone might be upset or hurt by their actions, focusing instead on how the situation affects them personally. This lack of empathy can lead to a pattern of one-sided relationships, where the narcissist demands constant attention and support but fails to reciprocate or provide emotional care for their partner.

Traits of the Male Narcissist – Preoccupation with Fantasy

Male narcissists often create a fantasy version of themselves and the world around them in order to maintain their inflated sense of self-worth and superiority. This imaginary persona may include exaggerated achievements, abilities, and social status, all inflated to unbelievable proportions. By creating this grandiose image, they can convince themselves and others that they are special, unique, and deserving of admiration.

They may spend excessive amounts of time daydreaming about their idealized lives, where they are successful, powerful, and adored by everyone around them. These fantasies can serve as an escape from reality and any feelings of insecurity or inadequacy they may be experiencing. As a result, male narcissists may manifest emotional detachment or inattention towards the real world, focusing instead on their imagined success and importance.

This detachment from reality can have negative consequences for both the narcissist and those around them. In their pursuit of maintaining the fantasy, male narcissists may become manipulative, deceitful, and exploitative, using others to validate their self-image and achieve their goals. They may also develop a sense of entitlement, expecting others to treat them as the exceptional individuals they perceive themselves to be.

Traits of the Male Narcissist – Need for Admiration

A male narcissist craves constant attention and admiration, which they view as essential to maintaining their inflated sense of self-worth and superiority. This insatiable desire for validation can drive them to surround themselves with people who worship them, showering them with praise and reinforcing their grandiose self-image.

These individuals, often referred to as narcissistic supply, provide the male narcissist with the adoration and approval they crave, essentially becoming a source of emotional fuel. Narcissists may engage in manipulative tactics to maintain this supply, such as love-bombing or excessive flattery, to ensure that these individuals continue to idolize and support them.

Unable to tolerate any criticism, male narcissists often react defensively or aggressively when confronted with negative feedback or perceived slights. They may lash out, belittle the critic, or attempt to discredit them in order to protect their fragile self-esteem. This aversion to criticism can make it difficult for them to accept responsibility for their actions or engage in constructive self-reflection.

In their pursuit of validation, male narcissists may actively seek out those who will boost their ego and avoid those who threaten their self-worth. This can result in a pattern of superficial relationships, where the narcissist is primarily focused on receiving praise and admiration rather than forming deep, meaningful connections with others.

Traits of the Male Narcissist – Sense of Entitlement

Male narcissists possess an unwavering belief in their entitlement, which drives them to think that they deserve everything they want and that rules don’t apply to them. Their arrogance may cause them to disregard rules, laws, or social norms, as they believe that such constraints are beneath them or only apply to “ordinary” people. This can lead to a pattern of reckless or impulsive behavior, putting themselves and others at risk. In some cases, male narcissists may even engage in illegal activities, convinced that they won’t face any consequences due to their perceived superiority.

Feeling entitled to take advantage of others, male narcissists view people as tools to be used for their benefit or stepping stones on their path to success. They will manipulate, deceive, or exploit those around them in order to get ahead, demonstrating little empathy or concern for the harm they may cause. This can result in a trail of broken relationships, damaged reputations, and emotional pain for those who become entangled with them.

In professional settings, male narcissists feel entitled to promotions, recognition, or special treatment, regardless of their actual performance or qualifications. They become resentful or envious when others receive accolades or advance in their careers, believing that they are inherently more deserving of such rewards.

Traits of the Male Narcissist – Envy

Male narcissists, driven by their inflated sense of self-worth and superiority, can be extremely jealous of others and will react negatively to their accomplishments. This jealousy often stems from a deep-rooted insecurity and fear of being overshadowed or outperformed by others, which threatens their self-image as the most important and successful person in any given situation.

When faced with the achievements of others, male narcissists will not offer congratulations or acknowledge the success of those around them. Instead, they may downplay or dismiss the accomplishments, attempting to minimize the importance of the achievement or attribute it to luck or external factors rather than the individual’s hard work or talent.

In some cases, male narcissists may even go so far as to actively sabotage the success of others to maintain their perceived superiority. This can involve spreading rumors, withholding information, or undermining others’ efforts to create obstacles and impede their progress.

Traits of the Male Narcissist – Exploitation of Others

Male narcissists will not hesitate to exploit others to fulfil their own needs, driven by their inflated sense of self-worth and superiority. They view people as mere objects or tools to be used for their benefit, rather than individuals with their own feelings, needs, and desires.

In their pursuit of self-serving goals, male narcissists will target those who are weaker or more vulnerable, as they perceive them as easier to control or manipulate. This can involve exploiting the emotions, resources, or efforts of others for personal gain, without any regard for the impact on the individual being exploited.

Some ways in which male narcissists may exert power and control over others include:

Emotional manipulation: They might use tactics such as guilt-tripping, gaslighting, or playing the victim to elicit sympathy or compliance from others.

Financial exploitation: Male narcissists may take advantage of someone’s financial resources, either through deception, coercion, or outright theft.

Control through dependency: They might foster a sense of dependency in others, making them reliant on the narcissist for emotional support, validation, or material needs, and then using this dependency to maintain control over them.

Isolation: Male narcissists may attempt to isolate their targets from friends, family, or other support networks, making them more vulnerable to manipulation and control.

Intimidation and threats: They could use threats, coercion, or intimidation to force others into submission, either directly or indirectly, such as threatening to harm themselves if their demands are not met.

The exploitative behavior exhibited by male narcissists can have severe consequences for their victims, potentially leading to emotional trauma, financial loss, or the erosion of self-worth and trust in others. It is crucial to recognize the signs of narcissistic exploitation and take steps to protect oneself from such harmful actions.

Traits of the Male Narcissist – Arrogance and Pride

A male narcissist often displays arrogance and pride to the point of outright hostility. This behavior is rooted in their inflated sense of self-worth and superiority, making them feel entitled to assert dominance over others. In order to maintain this perception of themselves, they may resort to insulting and demeaning others in an attempt to elevate their own status and reinforce their grandiose self-image.

When interacting with others, male narcissists often engage in belittling or condescending behaviors, even when completely unwarranted. They will make derogatory comments, mock others’ abilities or achievements, or dismiss their opinions and feelings as insignificant or irrelevant. These actions are often driven by the narcissist’s need to assert control and feel superior to those around them.

In some cases, this hostility can escalate to more aggressive or abusive behaviors, both verbally and physically. Male narcissists may become confrontational, resorting to name-calling, threats, or violence to intimidate or dominate others. This aggression can be particularly harmful in personal relationships, creating a toxic and damaging environment for those involved.

Traits of the Male Narcissist – Inability to Handle Criticism

Male narcissists often react strongly to any perceived criticism, whether it’s constructive or not, due to their inflated sense of self-worth and fragile ego. They want to see themselves as superior and infallible, making it difficult for them to accept any feedback that challenges this self-perception. As a result, they may become defensive, angry, or even aggressive in response to criticism, perceiving it as a personal attack rather than an opportunity for growth or improvement.

Some common reactions of male narcissists to criticism include:

Defensiveness: They may immediately become defensive, denying any flaws or mistakes, and insisting that they are right or justified in their actions. This can make it difficult for them to engage in constructive conversations or accept responsibility for their behavior.

Rationalization: Male narcissists might attempt to rationalize or justify their actions, shifting the blame onto external factors or other individuals rather than acknowledging their own shortcomings.

Counter-attack: In response to criticism, they may launch a counter-attack by pointing out the flaws or mistakes of the person offering the critique, attempting to divert attention away from themselves and undermine the credibility of the critic.

Anger and aggression: They could become visibly angry or aggressive when faced with criticism, lashing out verbally or physically in an attempt to assert control and intimidate the person offering the feedback.

Silent treatment or withdrawal: Some male narcissists may respond to criticism by giving the silent treatment or withdrawing from the situation, using this tactic to manipulate the critic into feeling guilty or backing down.

Traits of the Male Narcissist – Lack of Accountability

Male narcissists are unwilling to accept responsibility for their actions or consequences, primarily due to their inflated sense of self-worth and perceived infallibility. They view themselves as superior and flawless, making it difficult for them to acknowledge any mistakes or shortcomings. As a result, they frequently resort to blaming others for their missteps and are unable to admit when they’re wrong.

Some common ways male narcissists avoid taking responsibility include:

Deflection: They may deflect attention away from their own actions by focusing on the faults or mistakes of others, attempting to shift the blame or responsibility onto someone else.

Rationalization: Male narcissists might create elaborate explanations or excuses to justify their behavior, often attributing their mistakes to external factors or circumstances beyond their control.

Denial: They could outright deny any wrongdoing or refuse to acknowledge the negative consequences of their actions, even when presented with clear evidence to the contrary.

Projection: Male narcissists may project their own faults or insecurities onto others, accusing them of the very behaviors or attitudes they themselves exhibit.

Gaslighting: In some cases, they may engage in gaslighting, manipulating others into questioning their own perceptions or memories in order to avoid taking responsibility for their actions.

This unwillingness to accept responsibility can have significant consequences for male narcissists and those around them. Their inability to learn from their mistakes or take corrective action can lead to repeated patterns of harmful behavior, damaging relationships, and hindering personal growth.

Differences Between Male and Female Narcissists

While both male and female narcissists exhibit similar traits, there are subtle differences in how they express their narcissism. Understanding these distinctions can help identify and address narcissistic behaviors more effectively.

Male Narcissists:

Aggression and Dominance. Male narcissists often display aggression and dominance, both physically and verbally. They may assert their superiority through intimidation, bullying, or belittling others to maintain control in relationships or social situations.

Sexual Exploitation. Male narcissists may use sex as a means to manipulate and exploit their partners. They might engage in infidelity, objectify their partners, or pressure them into unwanted sexual acts to assert power and control.

Status and Success. Male narcissists tend to place a high value on status symbols, such as wealth, physical appearance, and professional success. They may exaggerate their accomplishments, compare themselves with others, and feel threatened by the achievements of others.

Female Narcissists:

Covert Manipulation. Female narcissists tend to use covert manipulation tactics, such as guilt-tripping, passive-aggressive behavior, or playing the victim to gain sympathy and control. They may be more subtle in their attempts to undermine or sabotage others.

Appearance and Image. Female narcissists often place great emphasis on their physical appearance and social image. They may go to great lengths to maintain a perfect facade, seeking validation and admiration for their looks and fashion choices.

Emotional Exploitation. Female narcissists may use emotional exploitation to control their relationships, playing on the feelings of others to get what they want. They might engage in emotional blackmail, gaslighting, or silent treatment to manipulate their partners and maintain power.

Envy and Competition. Female narcissists are prone to feelings of envy and unhealthy competition with other women. They may become preoccupied with comparing themselves to others or undermining the achievements and success of other women in their social circles.

How to Deal with a Male Narcissist

Dealing with a male narcissist can be challenging, but understanding their behavior and implementing specific strategies can help you maintain your boundaries and emotional well-being. Here are some tips for dealing with a male narcissist:

Set boundaries

Establish clear boundaries regarding what you will and will not tolerate in your interactions with the narcissist. Communicate these boundaries assertively and consistently enforce them. If the narcissist continues to disrespect your boundaries, consider limiting or cutting off contact.

Avoid engaging in power struggles

Male narcissists often seek control and dominance. Avoid getting into arguments or power struggles, as they may use this as an opportunity to assert their superiority. Keep conversations focused on facts and remain calm and composed during disagreements.

Do not take their behavior personally

Narcissists often project their insecurities onto others, so try not to take their behavior personally. Recognize that their actions stem from their own issues and not from anything you have done.

Practice self-care

Prioritize your mental and emotional well-being by engaging in self-care activities, such as exercise, meditation, or spending time with supportive friends and family. This can help you maintain resilience and avoid being consumed by the narcissist’s negativity.

Remain grounded in reality

Narcissists often manipulate situations and gaslight others to distort their perception of reality. Keep a record of events and conversations, if necessary, to remind yourself of the facts and avoid falling for their manipulative tactics.

Seek support from others

Share your experiences with trusted friends, family members, or a therapist who can provide guidance and support. They can offer valuable insights and help you develop coping strategies for dealing with the narcissist.

Limit your expectations

Understand that narcissists are unlikely to change their behavior significantly. Do not expect them to empathize with your feelings or take responsibility for their actions. Adjust your expectations accordingly to avoid disappointment and frustration.

Focus on your goals and values

Keep your attention on your personal goals and values, rather than focusing on the narcissist’s behavior. This can help you maintain a sense of purpose and direction in your life, despite their attempts to manipulate or control you.

Know when to walk away

If the relationship with the narcissist becomes too toxic or damaging to your well-being, recognize when it is time to walk away. Prioritize your mental health and happiness above maintaining a relationship with someone who consistently disrespects and undermines you.

Final Thoughts on the Traits of the Male Narcissist

Dealing with a male narcissist can be challenging, but understanding the 10 most common traits of a male narcissist can help you recognize this behavior and allow you to make informed decisions. Remember, you deserve to be in relationships that are healthy and fulfilling, so don’t be afraid to set boundaries or walk away when necessary.