Unmasking Covert Narcissism: Signs to Look Out For

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  • Опубліковано 11 січ 2019
  • Checkout my workbook for clinician's on how to identify and treat NPD: Narcissistic Personality Disorder Toolbox: 55 Practical Treatment Techniques for Clients, Their Parents & Their Children: goo.gl/sZYhym
    Covert narcissism can occur in anyone, that includes your parents, friends, coworkers, bosses, or significant others.
    In this video I discuss the 4 components that make up covert narcissism to help you identify it in others, or perhaps in yourself; these include self-concept, interpersonal, social, and ethical aspects.
    Social components - Inferiority, Self-doubt, Feels Ashamed, Fragility
    Sensitive to setbacks & criticism.
    Interpersonally - Unable to depend or trust others, Envy of others’ talents, possessions, & capacity for deep relations, Lack of regard for boundaries, Disregard for others’ time.
    Socially - Nags continuously, Little vocational commitment, Multiple superficial interests, Chronic boredom.
    Ethics - Shifts values to gain favor, Pathological Lying, Delinquent tendencies, & Disrespect for authority.
    Remember, like all disorders covert narcissism is on a continuum, mild, moderate, severe or extreme. This can be determined by the degree of express of the traits as well as the degree of impairment in socioeconomic dysfunction.
    If you feel that some of these aspects are representative of yourself or someone in your life, you may want to seek out a mental health provider to help you explore it to decide next steps.
    Pre-order my latest BPD workbook at: goo.gl/LQEgy1
    Daniel J. Fox, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist in Texas, international speaker, and award winning author. He has been specializing in the treatment and assessment of individuals with personality disorders for over 15 years in the state and federal prison system, universities, and in private practice. His specialty areas include personality disorders, ethics, burnout prevention, and emotional intelligence.
    He has published several articles in these areas and is the author of:
    The Borderline Personality Disorder Workbook: An Integrative Program to Understand and Manage Your BPD. Available May 1, 2019, but you can pre-order it now at: goo.gl/LQEgy1
    Antisocial, Borderline, Narcissistic and Histrionic Workbook: Treatment Strategies for Cluster B Personality Disorders (IPBA Benjamin Franklin Gold Award Winner): goo.gl/BLRkFy
    Narcissistic Personality Disorder Toolbox: 55 Practical Treatment Techniques for Clients, Their Parents & Their Children: goo.gl/sZYhym
    The Clinician’s Guide to Diagnosis and Treatment of Personality Disorders: goo.gl/ZAVe9v
    Dr. Fox has given numerous workshops and seminars on ethics and personality disorders, personality disorders and crime, treatment solutions for treating clients along the antisocial, borderline, narcissistic, and histrionic personality spectrum, emotional intelligence, managing mental health within the prison system, and others. Dr. Fox maintains a website of various treatment interventions focused on working with and attenuating the symptomatology related to individuals along the antisocial, borderline, narcissistic, and histrionic personality spectrum (www.drdfox.com).
    UA-cam: / drdanielfox
    Dr. Fox’s website: www.drdfox.com/
    Facebook: / appliedpsychservices
    Twitter: / drdanieljfox1
    LinkedIn: / drdfox
    Instagram: / drdfox
    Amazon Author’s Page: amazon.com/author/drfox
    Thank you for your attention and I hope you enjoy my videos and find them helpful and subscribe. I always welcome topic suggestions and comments.
    Citation:
    Fox, D. (2018). Narcissistic Personality Disorder Toolbox: 55 Practical Treatment Techniques for Clients, Their Parents & Their Children. WI: Pesi Media Publishing

КОМЕНТАРІ • 1,7 тис.

  • @kimphan5418
    @kimphan5418 4 роки тому +1116

    They're very good at making themselves look good in front of other people while treating you badly.

    • @user-gn7rm1vq2j
      @user-gn7rm1vq2j 3 роки тому +17

      Yes

    • @tallone09
      @tallone09 3 роки тому +5

      Very true

    • @katalinbalazs8671
      @katalinbalazs8671 3 роки тому +34

      Yesss very true!! Happened to me and I knew what kind of person they were while everyone else was falling for the fake persona, and I just sat there thinking "wow these people have no idea"

    • @JahannamHellfire
      @JahannamHellfire 3 роки тому +17

      Indeed, charming to others...

    • @sophiejohnston6871
      @sophiejohnston6871 3 роки тому +17

      YES!!! omg how!?! I recently split from one and it was hard trying to get my parents to understand that he was hurting me

  • @LittleLulubee
    @LittleLulubee 5 років тому +1628

    The worst thing is the lack of self-awareness and inability/unwillingness to have empathy. Narcs can hurt people so badly, but because they never bother to put themselves in your shoes, they act clueless about the harm they're causing. But if anyone ever gave them the same treatment, they would be shattered. I've seen this happen, where if someone reacts to their abuse, they act shocked and hurt, not understanding that the reaction was caused by their original bad action. They view themselves as innocent, and can justify every bad deed they do. And if they're knowledgable about psychology, they'll use psychological theories to excuse their behavior. It's maddening.

    • @gl4982
      @gl4982 5 років тому +55

      You just described my boyfriend :(

    • @propagandatechniques
      @propagandatechniques 5 років тому +83

      I think a narc doesn't care how bad they hurt you because they think you deserve it. This would explain their lack of remorse and empathy later when you tell them to get to steppin'. Since they cannot elevate themselves out of their inferiority mindedness, it may be easier to "bring 'em [the victims they envy] down a notch" by harming them.

    • @doloresdrury8018
      @doloresdrury8018 4 роки тому +39

      What can you do about this? When you are dealing with a daughter who is 40yrs old, who is a convert narcissist and I love her. I don't want to shatter her I want to help her. I don't know how to handle her anymore..except avoid her. But I don't want to hurt her.

    • @libbynovotny9979
      @libbynovotny9979 4 роки тому +38

      I had to explain to a man in his 60's the word 'empathy' sad

    • @toninj71
      @toninj71 4 роки тому +74

      This is so true, This video is spot on... I'm married to one, he has me in the silent treatment phase so this will be the time I use to plan my exit strategy, 14 years I've been playing his game and I didn't even realize it until this year. So because he's giving me the silent treatment I'm allowing it to play through I've blocked him on my phone and on Facebook, when he comes home, I'll do the same if he asks me a question I'll give him one word answer and walk away, he's even trying to get me to react by leaving a mess around knowning that I'll say something to him and clean it up...Welp not this time. The mess he left is still in the same spot although it's killing me to leave the mess, I have to show him that he to can be devalued in my eyes as well. I'm working on building back up my self love.

  • @leeboriack8054
    @leeboriack8054 4 роки тому +476

    A narcissist uses your empathy
    as a weapon against you
    and to control you.

    • @AFFoC
      @AFFoC 4 роки тому +10

      Oooh, so wise and deep, damn.

    • @JackthePumpkincat
      @JackthePumpkincat 4 роки тому +4

      True

    • @jamesfreres5611
      @jamesfreres5611 3 роки тому +15

      Yup. Because they lack empathy themselves, and introspectively, the world is just an instrument to accomplish their goals.

    • @CNSproductions14
      @CNSproductions14 3 роки тому +7

      WTF. I can see the light finally!

    • @PixieRose7
      @PixieRose7 2 роки тому +2

      Exactly.

  • @charliedallachie3539
    @charliedallachie3539 4 роки тому +363

    These are the worst, they are more devastating because they seem like a good person and gain your trust then tend to backstab you when you least expect it. Especially in the workplace.

    • @echase416
      @echase416 4 роки тому +5

      Charlie Dallachie 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

    • @mewmew8909
      @mewmew8909 4 роки тому +5

      It's really tough because my mother is a covert narcissist and she 100% doesn't believe that she is one, even after bringing it up to her many times. She thinks she can't be a narcissist, in her words, because she has empathy for other people, but when she's confronted or ''challenged'' about a behavior, she acts like a victim, is passive aggressive, makes you feel like you're crazy so basically invalidates everything, completely denies ever being hurtful NO MATTER HOW SMALL THE ISSUE IS, and she has NEVER apologized to me IN MY ENTIRE LIFE even after laying out all the narcissistic and hurtful things she's done. She also has a hard time putting herself in my dad's shoes even though he's suffering from depression, etc etc etc. All other signs point to her being a covert narcissist... thankfully I don't live with my parents anymore so I can be away from it, but it's really tough to _not_ feel crazy, because she hides those behaviors so well until she's ''challenged'' on an issue. Is this a true narcissist or just one with strong traits of it, I wonder...?

    • @lizannewhitlow1085
      @lizannewhitlow1085 4 роки тому +20

      In the workplace...in my life I can look back and see a pattern: the FIRST person I’d meet at the the job (who would be very nice, helpful, likable, etc.) would turn out to be the most TOXIC. 🙈

    • @charliedallachie3539
      @charliedallachie3539 4 роки тому +17

      Lizanne Whitlow it’s crazy sometimes. I befriended a guy at my work who’s an expert and valuable on the team, helped onboard him etc... we’d sit next to each other and talk all the time when things were slow. Then it’s like literally (around the holidays) in less than a week he changed. I came in once and was like “hey happy Monday” no response. Figured he was busy but then it became every day and I’d just keep my distance. Then before I knew it he’d be calling me out in meetings without cause, throwing me under the bus, painting me as an idiot in front of management and in front of the client etc, completely out of nowhere. Copying emails to management and putting me down, very condescending and micromanaging....a dictator and a bully sometimes.
      I wanted to ask him did I do anything or say anything wrong? Nope. I learned a hard lesson, co workers aren’t your friends. Maybe some can be over a long time but don’t trust them right away. The mask falls eventually for the coverts and they stab you in the back, it can cost a job.

    • @lizannewhitlow1085
      @lizannewhitlow1085 4 роки тому +2

      Charlie Dallachie Did he have a history of doing that to others? Did you stay in that job?

  • @karennaturallyartby
    @karennaturallyartby 2 роки тому +197

    I like to describe the conflict as a crazy making merry go round. If you start feeling confused and discussions turn into arguments that just go in circles and you feel you’re not being heard and this becomes the pattern, you are quite possibly dealing with a fragile covert narcissist. If it doesn’t feel normal, then it’s not.

    • @DrDanielFox
      @DrDanielFox  2 роки тому +21

      Good job developing and ear for your inner compass. Be well.

    • @janipt
      @janipt 2 роки тому +2

      Well said

    • @spongequeenie
      @spongequeenie 2 роки тому +2

      Omg so true….

    • @djbond6241
      @djbond6241 Рік тому

      A CRAZY MAKING MERRY- GO - ROUND OF DENIAL...
      PATHOLOGICAL LIARS,COMPULSIVE LIARS AND CON-ARTISTS, PREDATORS, CRIMINALS

    • @djbond6241
      @djbond6241 Рік тому +1

      @@DrDanielFox APPRECIATED ALL YOUR VIDEOS XOXO THANKS DR.FOX
      I'M TRULY GRATEFUL

  • @dhd-00
    @dhd-00 3 місяці тому +86

    In the beginning - It's like finding the most sincere kindest person in the whole wide world. They are nice and gentle. They are affectionate. They will cuddle you and hold you. A couple months in you will notice that they seem to lack in the intimacy department but you will dismiss that to shyness. They will mimic/mirror your style of communication & you the entire time (which goes unnoticed until they become distant with you & use new words). I learned that If you express intimate emotions they will say “I feel the same way for you too or I would do the same thing for you or I love you just as much or I'm glad to hear that.” Which feels insincere and robotic. However you might dismiss that to shyness or inexperience expressing feelings (even tho they could be gorgeous & clearly experienced with women). They will never voluntarily just express their love for you in their own words and say how much they love or miss you. Very rarely will you get an “I miss you" or ” love you" for no reason at all. You will wonder why? Like do they have any feelings? So, you find yourself working harder to make them feel more safe & more loved in hope's that they provide that love back to you. It's easy to dismiss them withholding as a lack of trust or insecurity because they seem so nice. You will look for logic in behaviors and with Coverts there is never any logic which will lead your further down a rabbit hole creating confusion. In time you will start to doubt your own perception of what you see and lack the clarity to see the abuse. You will have more anxiety, lack inner peace & feel tired. Your physical appearance might change where you either gain or lose weight. You struggle to keep yourself at peace. Its exhausting. By now, you have became an expert at everything they like. You take on all the chores and make their life as easy as possible. You feel isolated too b/c they kept you “away". You feel so confused b/c you worked so hard to break down their walls in hopes of a more consistent close bond with them. One day they seem really into you and the next they withhold affection. It's hard trying to figure out what is wrong. The more you vocalize your feelings the more they encourage you with their words that everything is ok. You certainly don't feel “ok" but you make peace with it the best you can and start “withholding” your feelings too b/c they have made you feel like your “too" sensitive and it's too much! Most of the time it will feel like they are present in the flesh but nothing else is going on inside them. Even after all this time you've been together you still feel like you don't really know them. If you happened to gain the courage at a later time to ask more questions as to why things still feel off they will say your being insecure & that they aren't cheating and make you feel like you have issues. If you cry they will watch tv, stare at their phone or even continue to eat dinner. They won't ever give you all their undivided attention & acknowledge your pain. Which makes you more confused bc their actions doesn't match their words. They won't look at you while you cry, they seem like it causes them shame to see you cry. At times you might feel like your having to teach them about feelings as if they were a child. You will wonder why their emotional intelligence seems very immature/off. Everything they have is something you also don't have access too. Their family, phone, friends, bank accounts, pay stubs, credit card statements, and etc. You will start off feeling like they are very private or insecure & years in it now feels like they are super secretive b/c it makes no sense for them to still be so private. They promise things that they don't see through or conveniently feel bad or forget everything that is important to you. They will isolate you and hide their relationship with you. When you express that something about what they are doing isn't right then they act like they lack understanding and that they do nothing to hurt you. You will always be explaining everything and wondering why they just don't get it! They will even use apologies as a form of manipulation. (lack of empathy and no change to their behavior). You will always feel like you need to phone a friend to ask if your situation is normal because this person will give you $200 to pamper yourself but won't invite you to Christmas dinners or let you have access to their phone. They will leave/abandon/ghost you to say they are sleeping at a relative's house then on their way home they will offer to bring you breakfast or something from the store. Even their giving is a form of manipulation. They want to distract you with gifts to keep you off balanced from the emotional abuse they are putting you through. When you ask them why they didn't come home they will say they felt like you didn't want them around or etc. You will spend the entire relationship wondering how someone who seems like such a nice person can be so emotionally cold. Moreover, People wonder why they end up hurt, seriously hurt, and even killed for their own actions. Cheating is a choice and there’s simply a lot of ignorance in the process.... Thank you so much for helping me out Metaspyclubllc@gmail. com. Your advice and services helped me so much. You are a lifesaver !!! The information you gave me about my cheating partner when you gave me access to his phone was everything I needed to get,.. thank you very much..

    • @nadinesoussi7352
      @nadinesoussi7352 2 місяці тому +3

      You have described them so perfectly ,it's so incredibly correct.

    • @lemaxx2638
      @lemaxx2638 Місяць тому +2

      So true. They don't put any effort, all passive aggressive, never say love u or miss you. They just reply me too baby and mimic ur communication style

  • @Jacks_here
    @Jacks_here 3 роки тому +310

    I was in a relationship with covert narcissist. I ended up being controlled. Nothing was never enough. I once was left to sleep on the floor when I was at my lowest point. In the end I had to somehow beg to be ‘loved’. It took me years to finally let it go. The feeling of loss somehow lingers on. These people.. they put you down and take everything they can get. Avoid at any cost. If you start to feel the signs just go.

    • @BK-ip7ie
      @BK-ip7ie 3 роки тому +24

      i was in similar situation with covert narcisist .. they are cruel people in relationships

    • @cecilebonnefont9803
      @cecilebonnefont9803 2 роки тому +26

      The covert narcissist i know drove me crazy he broke my heart, he chatted with girls in front of me
      He was often cold and silent, he was jealous of my situation .. If you don't spot his defects and dark side very early you dive into depression ypu are a puppet for the narc. Not a human being... Oh i suffered

    • @jackidezell3401
      @jackidezell3401 2 роки тому +10

      Omg I had to beg to be loved too, or even acknowledged about anything. I felt like everything about me didn't exist except ahem 1 part. If you'd like to talk, I think we can support and help each other. 💝

    • @jackidezell3401
      @jackidezell3401 2 роки тому +11

      Lol I always wonder why us good but scorned and enlighten ppl don't become friends, and support each other away from toxicity? I would be your friend Jack

    • @player12hello14
      @player12hello14 2 роки тому +4

      I hope Ur self esteem has matured out of that experience.

  • @wanderingfree149
    @wanderingfree149 4 роки тому +406

    My sister is a covert. If you really listen to a covert while they're telling a story, you'll see that in the story they are the heroes and the victim. Its crazy!

    • @pauladuncanadams1750
      @pauladuncanadams1750 3 роки тому +7

      Right on!

    • @nikita2841
      @nikita2841 2 роки тому +6

      Omg... So true

    • @joniatoms9798
      @joniatoms9798 2 роки тому +4

      True! I have a parent that is one, the other parent is beaten (metaphorically) into submission, Every day all the time.

    • @jennifermaxine2453
      @jennifermaxine2453 2 роки тому

      They make up stories, pathological liars...they are delusional & actually believe they are a victim...however, they also consciously know they are manipulative...they see it as justified....they are entitled, yet full of shame...narcissists are the epitome of irony & hypocrisy/double standards because they believe they deserve special treatment & at the same time the covert feels a sense of guilt while their conscience is not enough to stop their sick behavior.

    • @elpacho....9254
      @elpacho....9254 2 роки тому

      You are attractive.are free as in single?

  • @cassiedeehoo
    @cassiedeehoo 4 роки тому +354

    In my experience. They know what they're doing I can see it in them, they know exactly what they're doing, it's their entitlement.

    • @Benlovesscience
      @Benlovesscience 3 роки тому +12

      damn that spot on in my experience too makes me sad that i let it happen

    • @carnivoroussarah
      @carnivoroussarah 3 роки тому +9

      @@Benlovesscience Have you looked in to see why you hang around them? You have the power to fill your emptiness with soul searching rather than the rollercoaster of other maliciously empty individuals. You need a purpose, a mission, to open up your emotions, and to find who you are through spiritual growth. Otherwise, you can blame them for their behavior, but at the end of the day, you can and will eventually walk away.

    • @sabinegroe2006
      @sabinegroe2006 3 роки тому +6

      @@carnivoroussarah a covert narcissistic individual is not easy to discover and she broke literally my heart

    • @carnivoroussarah
      @carnivoroussarah 3 роки тому +13

      @@sabinegroe2006 It may not be what you want to hear, but I am not looking for your approval. My heart has been broken by a covert and an overt narcissist before. I know the feeling. But I also know that I found them, meaning I had codependency to work on. Don't think you're blameless. I know I sure as hell wasn't. Once the victim phase, which btw is what your ex is continuously in, passes, you'll come to realize this.
      Have a lovely day. It only goes up from here.

    • @sabinegroe2006
      @sabinegroe2006 3 роки тому +2

      @@carnivoroussarah she is calling my anonymous! I won’t return and stay by myself

  • @BlackHatTy
    @BlackHatTy 4 роки тому +465

    I never realized my mother was a covert narcissist until I went to counseling. She did some terrible, terrible things to us and never took responsibility. Narcissist mother, alcoholic father...how did I make it this far?

    • @ahnnascott3341
      @ahnnascott3341 4 роки тому +13

      Uranium Rabbit Jesus ❤️

    • @manuelalvarez25
      @manuelalvarez25 4 роки тому +19

      Uranium Rabbit yet you still here! That makes "you" remarkable!

    • @rohithreddy75
      @rohithreddy75 4 роки тому +3

      i would appreciate if you share your birth details.

    • @kanamexzeroxyuuki
      @kanamexzeroxyuuki 4 роки тому +28

      I wanna hug You! I've got a covert narc mom and absent father. It's tough

    • @Dylann8245
      @Dylann8245 4 роки тому +14

      "No one suffers like me" is a pretty good description of this comment lol.

  • @AhsanKhan-eo8dv
    @AhsanKhan-eo8dv 4 роки тому +631

    Hypocrisy is what defines them!

    • @stephaniebonner8889
      @stephaniebonner8889 4 роки тому +10

      Absolutely!

    • @joannerogan2404
      @joannerogan2404 4 роки тому +19

      Correct.do as I say not as I do!!!

    • @cesarherrera1926
      @cesarherrera1926 4 роки тому +16

      Rules dont apply to them only you that shit drove me crazy the shit she thought she can pull on me

    • @BrendenNichols
      @BrendenNichols 4 роки тому +5

      Not sure how this is a good point when hypocrisy is a trait all of us have...

    • @nmHispana
      @nmHispana 4 роки тому +3

      Add to that legalistic!

  • @stormaurora5536
    @stormaurora5536 Рік тому +48

    My ex was a covert and he said everyone in his life needed to be trained, so they would do things properly. He was highly vindictive and said he would wait years to get revenge on someone who hurt him. He was also proud of the fact that he had no empathy. When I first met him, the first few months, I would never have believed he was a narcissist at all, he was so charming and a lot of fun. They are so clever at acting at being nice.

    • @basewho5230
      @basewho5230 Рік тому +4

      That's crazy mine holds insane grudges and prides himself on it

    • @Hotmamafox13
      @Hotmamafox13 5 місяців тому

      Yes I didn’t know either until recently been Marty to him 21 years never noticed because I was working taking care of the kids taking to sports etc . I have been notice it more and more where it’s weighing me down .

    • @matthewbrown8679
      @matthewbrown8679 13 днів тому

      "he said everyone in his life needed to be trained, so they would do things properly. " Beautiful description. When my son-in-law's love-bombing mask came off and his vulnerable narcissism came to the fore, with my daughter becoming both his flying monkey and a vulnerable narcissist in her own right, they set off on a mission to "train" her side of the family, largely on how not to offend him. The whole world pretty much had to revolve around his sensitivities, and to a growing extent feeding her insatiable need for validation. They wanted to do this through family therapy and other means.
      In the particulars of our case it happened to revolve around race, CRT, and the idea of white privilege to begin with, then as we became completely estranged from him, the core became my daughter's need for validation regarding her own extreme changes in behavior.

  • @StandupGirl-ym3ey
    @StandupGirl-ym3ey 4 роки тому +416

    All of this overwhelming!! I really just wanna be single forever!!!!

    • @e.turn.ot.e9850
      @e.turn.ot.e9850 4 роки тому +58

      Be single cuz these evil demons are all over the damn place these days

    • @mrp8173
      @mrp8173 4 роки тому +41

      Just be calm and keep your eyes open.
      Most people are not what they pretend to be should be understood. You will draw people similar to yourself. Take care of loving yourself. If you are an Empath personality like myself narcs will spot you easily.

    • @mrp8173
      @mrp8173 4 роки тому +37

      @@e.turn.ot.e9850 My thought is that Empaths should be with Empaths

    • @e.turn.ot.e9850
      @e.turn.ot.e9850 4 роки тому +13

      @@mrp8173 but they pretend to be. We have no more time to waist on if they truly are or not. The narrcissist have gift and abilities too. They are decievers.

    • @e.turn.ot.e9850
      @e.turn.ot.e9850 4 роки тому +13

      @@mrp8173 dont you know by now there isnt enough empaths to go around. Empaths a rare . especially when your one yourself, it is really hard to find another one. The percentage in my opinion is 1 out of 10 people are truly a empath in this world.

  • @paey-p3
    @paey-p3 Рік тому +101

    I would say the first sign will come from your own gut feeling which will send signal to your body telling you that this person doesn't make you feel comfortable being around him/her. The fact that you are already asking this question should alert you to be careful. Something will feel off and you won't know what it is exactly. Covert narcissists can act very charming in the beginning but there will be often also present underlying sense of superiority about them. That sense is actually deriving from them feeling insecure about themselves, so they tend to quietly degrade others in order to feel better about themselves. On the other hand if covert narcissist feels that you are above his league, he will act like your servant, trying to please you - almost annoying in a way. But make no mistake. If you decide to stay in a relationship with him, he will downgrade you and abuse you like all the others. Because in his mind, if you love him, he thinks you are unworthy of him. Covert narcissists hate themselves so if someone loves them, than they think this person is worth less than them and that they can do better. Other sign to look for is any kind of judgment towards others. If he criticises other frequently, he will more likely criticise you as well once he gets more comfortable around you. Pay attention to how he treats people that are dependent on him as well. Narcissists hate those especially if they can't get anything of of that for themselves. Moreover, Cheating in marriages is not restricted to only men. Women cheat as much as men do. If you're suspecting your husband of infidelity, you'll have to keep an eye on him without his knowledge. One of the best ways to know if your spouse cheats on social platforms is by paying close attention to how your spouse behaves while online. The signs are pretty the same. Is your spouse more time on the app without explanation and gets unnecessarily defensive when you ask about it? If your spouse behavior has changed lately, and continues to spend more time on social apps, it's time for you to take action, with the help of a private investigator (suggested; METASPYHUB@GMAIL. COM , you can find out what is taking all their time on social apps, who they are talking to and other things happening,,

    • @happyday3368
      @happyday3368 9 місяців тому

      100% - your instincts kick in WELL before your brain does.

    • @anne-marie6098
      @anne-marie6098 8 місяців тому

      Wow! Yes, it was incredibly uncomfortable and bizarre to me that my now ex boyfriend, a covert narcissist acted like my servant for a week then stonewalled for reasons unknown to me. Then left me in a heartbeat for a job 4 hours away. He thought I would just wait on him until he decided to take a different job. He didn’t have to get a job 4 hours away. He wanted that particular job to compete with me.

    • @happyday3368
      @happyday3368 8 місяців тому

      @@anne-marie6098And? He acted like your servant and he left? Really? Off ya go - troll!'

    • @happyday3368
      @happyday3368 8 місяців тому

      @@anne-marie6098 Troll - really?

    • @happyday3368
      @happyday3368 8 місяців тому

      @@anne-marie6098 Off ya go!

  • @tkemp2459
    @tkemp2459 4 роки тому +319

    When in a relationship with a narcissist; your problems will never be as bad as theirs so they will NEVER be there for you
    You will NEVER be good enough for them! It doesnt matter what you do? They will make sure to find a reason why you didnt make them happy!
    If you are sensitive? It will take a VERY long time for you to heal!
    As soon as you know they are a narcissist? RUN RUN RUN FAST!!

    • @primsandwhims7533
      @primsandwhims7533 4 роки тому +2

      So just because someone is sensitive it takes them longer to heal? Can you explain please. I just think it really depends on the person's strengths and mind.

    • @latinaalma1947
      @latinaalma1947 4 роки тому +10

      @@primsandwhims7533 Not. Sure what she meant that if you are sensitive it takes longer to heal from a narcissistic relationship But I am psychologist and can tell you healing does take varying lengths of time. Much depends on the victims personality. Some people are more prone to depression than others, some have a history of another narcissistic relationship eg with a parent so they have two deep wounds to,heal instead of one. The time to heal indeed DOES vary widely. I DONT MEAN TO SPEAK FOR HER and I am not chastising you for your comment either....I just thought I should say something factual to this Sybil Francis PhD

    • @oscarwilliamson1264
      @oscarwilliamson1264 3 роки тому +1

      T Kemp, you are so beautiful 🌹 🌹🌷 🌷🌺🌹 🌹🥀🥀 🥀 and too intelligent

    • @marybondar9416
      @marybondar9416 3 роки тому +5

      Omg this is so true. Im trying to escape a narc now and the guy always has something chaotic and challenging happening around him. So bad that he NEVER has space for me to feel ANYTHING. And when I am upset, he gets so upset because of the fact that I'm upset that im helping him work through it. There is no room for feelings with narcs!

    • @pinkimietz3243
      @pinkimietz3243 3 роки тому

      @Joseph Gross I don't believe you a single word.

  • @LTZ_Z71
    @LTZ_Z71 2 роки тому +100

    I've suspected for a long time my wife was possibly a covert narcissist and your videos have more or less confirmed my belief. There have been a multitude of things done over the years, but just days after my dad passed away and knowing I was deeply hurting, she actually said to me "dwelling on his death isn't going to bring him back, just get over it". Followed closely by "you knew this day was coming so him passing shouldn't have been a surprise". Deeply insensitive and a total lack of caring about my feelings were the beginning of the end. I knew at that moment I was dealing with a whole new level of monster.

    • @Kakamg26
      @Kakamg26 2 роки тому +9

      😢 I hope you're okay now 🙏

    • @dahliafiend
      @dahliafiend Рік тому +1

      For me it was not visiting when I had cancer. Also accusing me of faking it. Also cheating. Complete hypocrisy and projection.

    • @aidasalazar5924
      @aidasalazar5924 Рік тому

      Yet if someone THEY know died its the niggest catastrophy in the hisyory of mankind.Also,I tried to explain empathy to my narc saying"you dont go with someone to a funeral to bring him back.You dont do c.p.r on the deceased.You go to show with actions to the person that THEY are not alone suffering suffering.
      He sat there blinking lije if that was a revelation.SICK stuff.

    • @happyday3368
      @happyday3368 9 місяців тому

      Yup - if you ever noticed = their facial expressions stay "stone faced" - they don't have the capacity to actually show caring/empathy - it's kind of frightening. That she minimized your feelings is VERY telling.

  • @DoopaVII
    @DoopaVII 4 роки тому +261

    Im a covert narcissist, it isn't on Purpose i act this way. I am aware but i catch it late. The lies, my life to other people is not what it really is. My whole life is a lie. Boredom is expensive. I buy so many different things and never follow through, today i want to learn ukulele, tomorrow lets buy a drone, ect ect. Nothing is my fault, i know it is, but back to lies we go. For an example, i crashed my truck while intoxicated. I called 911 and blamed it on a hit and run after i moved the vehicle.
    Emotions are wierd. I rarely cry but am always in thought over spilled milk, i get angry over little things because work is hard today, or things keep falling off the table, anything that is inconvenient to me makes me rage out...customer service don't stand a chance. As far as being nice, I'll do things for anyone, im bored and just do it because you asked. Later down the road I'll be expecting special treatment because i did something for you. If i fix your car, run errands for you ect, and you go and invite someone who did nothing for you to a party or something imma get jealous because it wasn't me. This is just snippets of last month for me. We are wreckless, bored, dishonest, and self centered. Some of us know and try to fix it, some of us know and make no effort. There are people who have no idea and just live this way and wonder why the world is out to get them.

    • @johnsmith23ist
      @johnsmith23ist 4 роки тому +34

      Doopa how can you know, I thought narcissistic can’t do self reflection. I hope to pray and get help 🙏

    • @caitm8209
      @caitm8209 4 роки тому +13

      interesting. do you also have adhd?

    • @cllh2011
      @cllh2011 3 роки тому +5

      Me too...almost as if it’s all we know

    • @carnivoroussarah
      @carnivoroussarah 3 роки тому +28

      @@johnsmith23ist Typically, but some wake up. I had BPD and started to self reflect.

    • @donnafoshee7837
      @donnafoshee7837 3 роки тому +30

      My family is full of ragers.I think it is a learned behavior and you can actually see where it came from, in my family,my mother was a rager, she learned it from her father who was a rager.He learned it from his parents,etc.
      I hate the way I feel when I go into a rage and hurt the people around me. I can feel the rage boiling up and now I try to ask myself,what is wrong???Sometimes I realize I haven't eaten and probably have low blood sugar, sometimes I realize something happened at work to push me over the edge,sometimes I am tired, the list goes on...I have determined NOT to give in to rage attacks,and that since it is a learned behavior it can be unlearned.
      It is helping, and now when I feel the rage boiling up, I go into the other room,try not to respond when someone in my family is baiting me, just try to calm down.Several of the people in my family ENJOY the drama of everybody screaming at the top of their lungs.I don't. I have been watching the narcissist videos on UA-cam and it helps alot.I don't want to act the way some in my family do,it's too hurtful,and since they are not willing to discuss the problem and find solutions, I will continue to seek help on my own.The main thing I have learned thou is ANYTHING YOU LEARN, YOU CAN UNLEARN.
      Normal people DO NOT fly into a rage at the smallest thing, and i do
      Not want to be like the ragers in my family.

  • @baileyrogers4515
    @baileyrogers4515 3 роки тому +73

    My mouth dropped to the floor hearing you describe this form or narcissism... perhaps it’s really time for me to reconsider my current relationship.

  • @musiclifegage7370
    @musiclifegage7370 4 роки тому +245

    A lot of extremely “narcissistic” individuals are able to maintain jobs. Look at politicians , celebrities, your undeserving manager.... the list goes on and on..........

    • @drS5
      @drS5 4 роки тому +27

      @J A covert narcissists are extremely good at keeping jobs and friends for a very long time. They put up an altruistic persona while targeting the ones' that are close. True story🙂

    • @Nokss87
      @Nokss87 3 роки тому +25

      Infact they seem to climb the ladder higher than any normal person.

    • @Lafilledlapluie
      @Lafilledlapluie 3 роки тому +6

      Yes it really depends on their level. Overt low iq types can't keep jobs but blame everyone. They usually don't have close friends. Covert narcissists always have a band of friends because of the pity party but never really emotionally close.
      Higher range narcissists are also Machiavellian so can have high positions. Also they know how to mask

    • @jamesfreres5611
      @jamesfreres5611 3 роки тому +6

      Exactly, idk what he was talking about. That can’t sit still and thrive to be number one, because they are their hardest critics and so they are very goal oriented because they are preoccupied with power, money, and beauty. They are absolute perfectionists.

    • @jamesfreres5611
      @jamesfreres5611 3 роки тому +3

      @@Lafilledlapluie narcissist period don’t have close friends. It has nothing to do with iq

  • @bplatonova
    @bplatonova 4 роки тому +70

    I have many of these traits🤦🏾‍♀️, but I see it and realized its based on childhood trauma. I'm here because I want to change.

    • @DANFLIX98
      @DANFLIX98 4 роки тому +1

      Jess what was your childhood trauma can I ask?

    • @bplatonova
      @bplatonova 4 роки тому +15

      @@DANFLIX98 Sexual, emotional, physical, mental.. What hurts the most is the nonchalant reaction of both parents when I was finaly able to tell. My father chose his women over me, my mother chose her friends over me.

    • @DANFLIX98
      @DANFLIX98 4 роки тому +3

      Jess ohhhh gosh, I’m sorry to hear that. Stay strong 💪🏼

    • @melissarivera7477
      @melissarivera7477 4 роки тому +5

      Jess you’re a good person Jess, you recognized.

    • @bplatonova
      @bplatonova 4 роки тому

      @استغفر الله اللهم صلي وسلم على محمد I'm ok, under quarantine like everyone else

  • @MrDeworDie
    @MrDeworDie Рік тому +34

    8:00 this is so true. I have a friend since childhood that it took me a long time to see their narcissism. I told him one day that my pregnant wife had just been pulled over by our dog, that was chasing a squirrel, and landed on her belly. I was blown away at not only his lack of concern, but his struggle to not smile. He didn't have anything worse to compare that incident to. So he really struggled to find the right fake emotion to respond with.
    It was that moment that I realized he wasn't who I thought he was. Since that veil was lifted he screams narcissist in everything he does, and I've leaned to avoid him as much as possible.
    PS my wife and baby are fine thankfully

  • @slevinrashamon2866
    @slevinrashamon2866 4 роки тому +97

    Beware the covert narcissist. If they think you are going to leave them, your life may be on the line.
    Her subtle questions about insurance and a smirk when I expressed concern for my health later, were actually warning signs. Two days in the hospital saved my life. Never disregard your gut feeling, run.

    • @chrizzlybearlol
      @chrizzlybearlol 4 роки тому +1

      What a load of bullshit. Sorry that this happens to you but how about we don’t generalise personal anecdotes. I find my self in a lot of the mentioned aspects. And I want to better myself and become a better person for myself and my environment. But instead of tools how to work on my self all I find is hate and stigma. It seems like all videos about narcissism are just a place to unload frustration. You might be hurt by a narcissist but you can not dehumanise them as a consequence. If I take all those comments by heart I see no reason to get help because everything is always gonna be my fault no matter what.

    • @davidgoggins9585
      @davidgoggins9585 3 роки тому +2

      @@chrizzlybearlol just chill and don’t take everything personally. Most of these comments are from tragic experiences. Dealing with Narcs is impossible. It’s good that you are trying to get better, but why should you take any one’s comment to heart. They are only basking on you if you interpret it that way.

    • @wowso4
      @wowso4 3 роки тому

      @@chrizzlybearlol please continue to heal and get better I’m sorry you found the comment hurtful, I hope your doing better. Best of luck to you.

    • @tammyspears703
      @tammyspears703 2 роки тому +3

      My ex wanted me to put my home in his name. I kept telling him no. He then said we should take out life insurance videos on each other; he would be my beneficiary. I asked him why and it just turned into a fight. I was accused of not loving him . . . he became angry when I refused to agree to the life insurance policy. What I never told him, I have a life insurance policy, my children are the beneficiaries. I never figured out why he wanted to be my beneficiary so strongly.

    • @connieh6136
      @connieh6136 2 роки тому +3

      Get away as far away as you can and don’t let them know where you moved to as they will keep hounding in most cases!🤫

  • @deannemiller891
    @deannemiller891 2 роки тому +66

    Two problems with this analysis: I have known two extreme covert narcissists who both held down very good jobs for their careers. One bounced from hobby to hobby though. I also know two people who have suffered abuse at the hands of extreme narcissists who are struggling to find steady work because of all the criticism and stress put upon them by these people.
    Also, I find it hard to believe that they don’t know they are hurting others when they often take steps to hide it. Sometimes they manipulate, sometimes they character assassinate, sometimes they have selective memories, but I don’t believe they are unaware of the damage they are causing others.

    • @juliebatchelor3459
      @juliebatchelor3459 2 роки тому +7

      I’m married to one and I’m pretty sure he knows exactly what he’s doing as he does the same nasty things every time he wants to show his hate for me

    • @kayakins1709
      @kayakins1709 2 роки тому +10

      Oh they know but don’t have the right convictions.. only sorry when something happens and they suffer the consequences.. they have a motive for every single thing they do and say . They use people, places and things ,

    • @presence5426
      @presence5426 Рік тому +2

      I've known some Narcs who had talent and were fairly productive. More overt types I suppose. But the core self loathing was still there.

    • @presence5426
      @presence5426 Рік тому +3

      They're not unaware. But they're shallow and lack empathy when it comes to others. Fundamentally, it's all about them. If they can feel better by hurting others, they will.

    • @dahliafiend
      @dahliafiend Рік тому

      The very sick vindictive covert I was was with for years has has a reliable full time job all her life. It’s part of her mask.

  • @CarlosSuperCute
    @CarlosSuperCute 5 років тому +107

    2:21 "Poor Me" attitude.

    • @judyscheiber3661
      @judyscheiber3661 3 роки тому

      Narcissists are one of 3 things. 1. The victim 2. The martyr 3. The hero. Or a combination of them. They pull out whatever gets them the most supply.

  • @GrumpSkull
    @GrumpSkull 11 місяців тому +7

    3 hours of being in the firing line with a Narcissist requires 3 weeks to be far from them. This simple formula has kept me sane.

  • @risingeagle6332
    @risingeagle6332 4 роки тому +255

    Well...I have been living with a Covert Narcissist for 32 years; must include the following:
    1. Profound fear of abandonment
    2. Astute in the art of “word salad” style of commniction
    3. Experts in the art of the smear campaign
    4. Abusive user of the “silent treatment
    5. Ultimate “master” gas lighter
    6. Lack any ability of true empathy
    7. No true ability to “self reflect” on his or her behavior; especially when wrong/bad.
    8. Ultimate opportunist
    9. Great at triangulation
    10. Extremely Deceptive Manipulators
    (I have seen over 30 counselors, psychiatrist and psychologist; 95% are not skilled or experienced to recognize a “Covert Narcissist” in any way. I ended up being traumatized by each, because none could recognize this type of person with this disorder.
    Book knowledge and the DSM does not vet out this disorder properly at all. Also, there is no true means to treat such a person from what I can tell.
    Narcissist do not practice the art of self-reflection at all to where they recognize their mental illness.
    The medical practitioners need to take this disorder more seriously and start listening the victims who have to deal with this kind of emotional vampire. They are very dangerous.
    (Consider these truisms about narcissist: psychcentral.com/blog/7-things-youll-never-see-a-narcissist-do/)

    • @a320trevor
      @a320trevor 4 роки тому +10

      Everything you said applies to my 34 year plus marriage. I worked unsocial hours and put it down to that. She did part time unsocial hours I put it down to that. I worked away from home ditto. When I tried to retire which I felt after 40 years of unsocial shifts was my reward she left and demanded a divorce. During the last 2 years she started to provoke arguments and I spotted her lying. Even now as we divorce her version of events is not one I recognise. I feel the complete fool of course it’s all my fault (sic).
      The bitch of it is I am trauma bounded it’s impossible to let go. So I have become the victim she loves to play.

    • @a320trevor
      @a320trevor 4 роки тому +2

      Yellow Bird see a320 comments thank you for you insight.

    • @TheCallToAdventure
      @TheCallToAdventure 4 роки тому +1

      Yellow Bird What if they have some of these characteristics but could self-reflect?

    • @jcisking752
      @jcisking752 4 роки тому +1

      Yellow Bird thanks for that info!!!

    • @noazartz5608
      @noazartz5608 4 роки тому +6

      Free Bird hi - love ur comments and agree completely - im sorry u have had to go thru so much. i too have been hurt greatly by narcs in my life and i agree completely that not enough is being done to help true victims of this maddening and wildly rampant social emotional disorder. please send me an email maybe we can write a book or create a powerful support group👍🙏

  • @cassandraw9799
    @cassandraw9799 2 роки тому +50

    I’m definitely or was a covert narcissist. It was pure misery for me in my twenties. Thank god I realized how much I lacked self awareness and this helped me a lot and I was able to stop some of the traits. I also notice my closest friends over the years were covert and overt narcissist. This is why when I dated the overt narcissist he couldn’t wreck complete havoc on my life like he did others because I could see thru him and understood it to a degree.

    • @maximososa9181
      @maximososa9181 2 роки тому +2

      how did you get over it? therapy?

    • @craigdowling4691
      @craigdowling4691 2 роки тому +7

      good on you! Would love to hear more of your story I have discovered alot of similar traits in self and am searching for healing now

    • @officialleanagadevichannel6183
      @officialleanagadevichannel6183 Рік тому +17

      Make sure You dont label yourself as a covert narc if You have been abused and might just be an empath and victim of abuse.

    • @octoberdawn1087
      @octoberdawn1087 Рік тому +7

      I relate to this.. I've always been told I was very selfish and everything, so I've always been trying to just work on myself and be a better person. But then there's these other people I know that always tell me that I'm the opposite, that I give too much of myself. I have no idea. I am so confused
      But I wonder if narcissist attract other narcissists because it just seems like I'm surrounded by these people that are so abusive, but at the same time whenever I try to have boundaries I know I'm being selfish... I end up having to apologize and make everything right all over again… I don't know how to explain this without sounding crazy but anyway.. I think i relate

    • @revanthkrishna218
      @revanthkrishna218 Рік тому +2

      Hi! I just realised I’m covert so I’m trying to suppress some of its trait so can you tell me how you made it through? It would be really helpful!!

  • @silverwurm
    @silverwurm 4 роки тому +281

    So basically: how do you spot a narcissist of either type?
    When everything ends up being about them, one way or another.

    • @jasonmaruszak812
      @jasonmaruszak812 4 роки тому +23

      They can lace it with abusive language or sweeten it up with false concern about your health. Either case it’s all about them and we are the problem

    • @alyssabowen2209
      @alyssabowen2209 4 роки тому +16

      Overt is just a little more obvious but after time the covert becomes clear as day too! It just takes longer to unravel

    • @RealityCheck6T9
      @RealityCheck6T9 4 роки тому +31

      I don't think everyone who makes it all about them is a narcissist. Your bully-boy jock type makes it all about themselves, but isn't necessarily a narcissist. The defining quality of a narcissist is their need to redefine your reality and make it a lie. It's not enough for them to get their way. They need to make sure you never get yours.

    • @jwrobin21
      @jwrobin21 4 роки тому +6

      @@RealityCheck6T9
      A very telling comment. I really like the last line.

    • @RealityCheck6T9
      @RealityCheck6T9 4 роки тому +2

      @@jwrobin21 I don't remember most of the comments I post to UA-cam, but yeah that one hit hard didn't it

  • @shortydowop5002
    @shortydowop5002 3 роки тому +19

    Listen, falling for a covert narcissist is easy. I'm a mental health therapist and yes I fell for one. The day I realized what he was, was the same day my son was conceived. I broke up with him soon after and then a week after the breakup I missed my period and eventually learned I was pregnant. Covert narcissists are charismatic and gentle at first, but you soon learn they are ill people. They are frustrated with everything, blame you and guilt trip you for everything, try to diagnose you with a mental disorder to make themselves look like victims, lie, demean you, will steal your self esteem if you are weak and unaware of their games, manipulate, lack empathy in the most demonic way, use their own children for their benefit and traumatize them beyond no return, I can go on and on. Moral of the story is get out if you find yourself in that relationship. My son's father is not allowed in his life because I know what he is and the chances of him taking care of his child without a legal obligation is slim to none. I still can't believe I miss the signs in the beginning but I got out rather quickly. Think with your mind and not your sexual organs or you may find yourself with one of these demons.

  • @wanderingfree149
    @wanderingfree149 5 років тому +75

    Spot on! My sister is the victim in every story. Zero self responsibility.

  • @risingeagle6332
    @risingeagle6332 2 роки тому +19

    Hard to identify is an understatement. I went to over 3 dozen or more therapist and counselors, not one identified my ex-wife’s Covert Narcissism at all.
    I found myself thrown under the freight train every time I went into therapy and counseling after I got frustrated with her behavior. Amazing the kind of front they can put up to ensure people like me appear like the abuser.

    • @DrekJS27
      @DrekJS27 8 місяців тому

      Might be worth considering why they cannot seem to see it.

    • @risingeagle6332
      @risingeagle6332 8 місяців тому +2

      @@DrekJS27
      Majority of psychologist, psychiatrist, counselors, therapist and people in general are not trained or skilled to recognize Narcissist, especially the covert Vulnerable Narcissist.
      At the end of my marriage of 32 years I had to go to UA-cam to figure out who I had married.

    • @Angela-ul9si
      @Angela-ul9si 2 місяці тому

      I was in counseling with same counselor for 11 years and not once was I told anything about this in my husband. We even went to couples counseling for a brief moment and nothing there as well. UA-cam has brought much light to my husband’s abuse to me and our children.

  • @jerrymyers7178
    @jerrymyers7178 5 років тому +258

    You underestimate them a great deal. There are higher functioning covert's and overt's, they hold down jobs, and in fact can obtain high positions, many seek positions of power and control, such as in politics, law enforcement, and medical. They can also maintain semi long term relationships. But if one aspect of their life is stably, such as work, the other, such as home, will be complete ciaos. The family is conditioned to keep the family secrets.....at least for awhile.

    • @yuio4193
      @yuio4193 4 роки тому +12

      A truly scary illness.

    • @GrandmaBones666
      @GrandmaBones666 4 роки тому +10

      Interesting that you mention that, because 'The State' is malignant narcissism as an organization.

    • @tdeniseechols7434
      @tdeniseechols7434 4 роки тому +8

      What you’re describing sounds more aligned with overt narcissists but again everything is a spectrum and it varies from mild to severe.

    • @jerrymyers7178
      @jerrymyers7178 4 роки тому

      @@GrandmaBones666 Yes it is!!!

    • @jerrymyers7178
      @jerrymyers7178 4 роки тому +18

      @@tdeniseechols7434 Yes, this is true mostly the overt, but there are some covert, cerebral type narc's too. There very quiet and unassuming, introverts. But just as evil and can rock you to sleep with there personas.

  • @alexasahli8485
    @alexasahli8485 4 роки тому +59

    Are covert narcissists always frustrated with themselves, unhappy, isolated/distant and very critical of themselves/others?

    • @samia6888
      @samia6888 3 роки тому +2

      Yes you got it!

    • @kath6839
      @kath6839 3 роки тому

      No, some think 🤔 they are just like the Best at everything and they're always right, even if you can prove that they are wrong. He calls himself Wisdom and a shaman and healer, and I just want to help you. He told me I was so sick, that he treated my settlement money like it was his.

    • @velvetpixiecake5310
      @velvetpixiecake5310 2 роки тому +3

      Yes the zombie apocalypse is happening, Learn thy enemy well and every version of it. This right here is at the root base of this whole pandemic. Malignant Narcissist's don't live or let live. It's extremely sick and twisted. The one good thing this pandemic did bring out was this subject in particular to light. Too much damage all accross the board for years. Glad we can all learn together. 🙏❤️

    • @great4ever845
      @great4ever845 5 місяців тому

      ​@@samia6888😂😂

  • @katlamb4606
    @katlamb4606 Рік тому +22

    Just found out I have 56% covert narcissistic traits. I wasn't always this way. That's the reason I even took a test, cause I wasn't always like this. My mom is an overt narcissist and her behaviors used to hurt my feelings as a child. I was a pretty sensitive and stubborn child which made it suitable for my covert narcissism to develop. But I was emotionally intelligent and very empathetic. My mom was never subtle about her criticisms of me and the rest of the fam. Not even a minute would go by where she wouldn't criticize you of this or that. This made me really sensitive to criticism and my life still revolves around making her proud. This led to obsessive compulsive behaviors to deal with all the anxiety. Even sexual ones like masturbation from an early age. It messed me up pretty badly. Like I'd feel dirty all the time and would isolate and cry myself to sleep at nights. Then she started working the night shift and my dad worked the day shift and would come home late after she had left for work. This gave me even more time to self-destruct and damage my psyche. I don't even know how I'm still alive. I've always fantasized about suicide but never really hurt myself physically, Glory be to God! When I noticed I was acting this way because of a string of reasons mainly my mom, I began acting oppositely to how she does. In my own way, I was rebelling against her dictatorial rule and I was showing her I won't be a terrible human like her.
    She tells EVERYBODY about her problems so I always make sure to refrain from sharing mu problems to anyone
    She's outgoing so I became extremely introverted( I am a natural introvert but I became more so)
    She's always sharp about how she looks so I became careless in my style and appearance
    She likes to control people's every moves so I don't even inquire what people wanna do
    She invades people's privacies so I am always cautious about not bothering people
    She is religious so I ran away from religion until I couldn't bear the burden of my life without God( He saved me more than once)
    There's a lot I could say. My mom hates it when people praise my looks. She views it as a threat. Her beauty is like her super power in her eyes. When she gets compliments she wants to make sure you do so by depriving another person of that compliment so she could be unique. She likes to show off my academic achievements and she made sure to insert some snide to degrade the other person's kid. This made me hate my academic achievements in general.
    So covert narcissism was my safe haven. It's how I coped. How I survived. I found solace in introspection and self-pity. I hated it when people pity me but I basked in it when I felt it from within.
    I don't know if there's other psychological disorders that coincide with my behaviors. I just know I'm effed up and I'm gonna spend my life trying to overcome those flaws with God's help and help those around me up and never down.
    I have hope because even though the years have worn out my optimism and the empathy of the little girl I was, I still love people( I sometimes hate em ngl), I still have deep empathy for those hurting, I still give compliments to people because I genuinely want them to feel good and the biggest light I see in this situation is that I'm mostly VERY happy for people who made it and are physically beautiful.
    For those who wanna get better from the bottom their hearts, we'll get there! That's the beauty of being humans. We were made in the image and the LIKENESS of God. This messed up world tainted us but if you scrape enough you'll finally reach who you truly are. You're much more than your narcissism.

    • @ladennayoung2939
      @ladennayoung2939 10 місяців тому +2

      I am going to be honest with you there is hope for you. Because you acknowledge that you may have the traits. Even after seeing evidence people with NPD will STILL deny it and choose to look down others.

    • @happyday3368
      @happyday3368 9 місяців тому +1

      The fact that you acknowledge it - is HUGE! You may not be that covert after all - generally, they don't see it - they aren't that insightful - you, looked inward.

    • @Idkgirl327
      @Idkgirl327 8 місяців тому

      You might also struggle with BPD, as do I you literally explained my life!

    • @mindjourneyai
      @mindjourneyai Місяць тому

      I think you are more traumatised than narcissist. Reading your comment did not make me feel like I needed to get away from you. When someone who has hurt you and abused you countless times says with a straight face they are "the only path to true healing" then you have met a true narcissist. You do get infected from them so maybe if you wait and avoid her you'll find that you score lower?

  • @phoeberaymond8781
    @phoeberaymond8781 3 роки тому +28

    My mother is covert. I went no contact. It was very stressful living with her for a lot of reasons. One of them was we would move around a lot, no explanation as to why. I barely remember my childhood not from physical abuse or anything but because we moved and i changed schools so much. The boredom thing you talk about strikes me because it makes sense. It was extreme for us. Wed go to a place that she liked, for a long time, like it was traditional to go there often, and then suddenly we didnt have the cabin anymore, or suddenly we weren't going to the pond anymore or suddenly we had a new cool place to go like an expensive campsite or something. Usually there was an explanation but when we stopped going to the pond there wasn't really an explanation. I think she was just bored easily. Im certain she was behind a lot of things that suddenly stopped happening because it happened so often.

  • @cristianamarto9453
    @cristianamarto9453 4 роки тому +24

    I dated a guy that was always suffering with life. Always complaining even if the issue was easily repairable. He would change his mind 100000 times about what he liked or wanted to do and never committed to anything or explores anything and whenever things were challenging he would just put the blame on others and how he was the one suffering. Always bored and suffering with life. Conversations revolved around him, if I was the one going through something he would make it about him. And if he acted wrong it would be my fault because I was the one who did X or Y. And even when he started the conversation with I am sorry, the conversation would shift to but you did this and you are not good enough, you don't give me what I need, you don't let me this or that. And he would shift around people, be more kind and start telling how beautiful and wonderful I was. And embody certain ideas around people that defend those. And he would have crisis every 2 days, either about himself and his whole existence and value, either about the relationship and how it was not good enough or how he was suffering or how it was my fault because I was giving him the necessary. Then he would storm off, be aggressive, and comeback either love bombing me or giving me the silent treatment. Always implying that I had to change things around my aspect or personality in order to be more desirable or beautiful or better. And he would shame contínuosly, be hella jealous, and throw tantrums whenever I wanted to do smtg without them or live my own life. Totally isolated me from my friends and family and the whole year I dated him the relationship was all around him, his needs, his wants, his pain, his crisis. He left me in an hospital, I was sick and in pain, because he had other things to do and he was suffering too. And always tried to manipulate me into being whatever he wanted me to me and make me feel crazy cause he would just deny my reality and I was so confused I didn't even know what was really happening afterall. And I was always sick.
    Don't do it, you can't change them. Don't ignore the red flags. Don't think they will be better for you. And the small acts off love do not erase the rest. 1 small act of kindness doesn't compensate all the suffering you go through.

    • @selenajet6525
      @selenajet6525 3 роки тому +3

      Wow...EVERYTHING YOU SAID..I EXPERIENCED EXACTLY THE SAME with my narcissistic ex

    • @cristianamarto9453
      @cristianamarto9453 3 роки тому +1

      @@selenajet6525 hope you are doing better and healing ❤️

    • @claudiacardinelli1867
      @claudiacardinelli1867 2 роки тому

      Actually sounds like you dated a Vulnerable Narcissist.
      Still sucks, tho.

  • @user-wm4je4ct8y
    @user-wm4je4ct8y 4 роки тому +35

    The damage being involved with a narcissist and loving one does cannot be overestimated. And because it's sly and escalates slowly over time, you put up with it. It wasn't until I finally stopped talking to my ex narcissist that I felt the pain a couple of months later. I was numb to it before that.

    • @janeybusiness6601
      @janeybusiness6601 3 роки тому +1

      I had a friend for years whose odd behavior everyone explains away as "that's just Tom!" He did something recently though that was so messed up that when he turned around and acted like he was the victim, i was so sickened by how callous it was I couldn't look at him. I just wanted him out of my life. UA-cam started serving me these videos about narcissism & when I heard the ones about coverts suddenly years of this guys' behavior started to come into focus. Ah Ha! These people are so predictable, these videos describe them oh so well--just look at the comments. My point is, we're nice people. We think others are too, at least they have good intentions... And that's how they hook us. We aren't evil bastards who go throwing words like "narcissist" or "psychopath" around at people when they're difficult or don't behave as we'd like. We give people the benefit of the doubt and give them lots of chances to work on their problems and try to help them because that's what sane people do. It'd be nuts to just go around dismissing everyone as a narcissist & they get you very confused so it can be hard to sort. It's when you start to prioritize your own needs they show themselves. All I can say is we're all adults so if you feel like this isn't a person good in your life for whatever reason, it's okay to say, "Thanks for all the good times we had, but it's time we go our separate ways." If you weren't sure about it then, you will be when you see how that person takes it.

  • @skelellele4256
    @skelellele4256 4 роки тому +51

    It’s been three months since leaving my covert ex, he had a new girlfriend immediately after and we dated for 4 years. It was a devil like no other. I still have panic attacks when I wake up but I learn to just breath and remember he can’t sabotage or hurt me anymore.

    • @belindasmith8735
      @belindasmith8735 2 роки тому +2

      Skelellele good for you! Stay away and remember his new girlfriend will go through the same crap..they don't change..one day at a time...it will get easier..they should all be tattooed on their foreheads...dangerous!

    • @jannlewandowski5540
      @jannlewandowski5540 2 роки тому

      Coach Lee on you tube is great for anxiety attacks. Good luck to you

  • @RR-iv6ol
    @RR-iv6ol 2 роки тому +5

    Anti social, lack of self awareness, lack of taking responsibility for anything, lack boundaries, liars and hypocrites.

  • @samire.tarcheh9651
    @samire.tarcheh9651 5 років тому +163

    I don’t agree with some points in this video. I’ve met narcs who never complain, on the contrary they try to keep this facade that shows that they are perfect in every way. Some of them even see complaining as weakness and they make it clear that they disrespect people who are weaker than (what they look) they are.

    • @DrDanielFox
      @DrDanielFox  5 років тому +47

      +Sämir. E. Tarcheh you are describing a an Overt or Grandiose narcissist. This video is about another subtype Covert.

    • @samire.tarcheh9651
      @samire.tarcheh9651 5 років тому +11

      @@DrDanielFox I'm a bit confused now because I thought the overt is the obvious type who's easier to recognize/spot. While the covert uses other tactics that are harder to recognize? Is acting like a victim is a more of a trait for the over or the covert type?

    • @maggiebertola8202
      @maggiebertola8202 5 років тому +1

      You just described my adoptive mom and adoptive dad.

    • @taylorbarnett1199
      @taylorbarnett1199 5 років тому +22

      Sämir. E. Tarcheh that’s a trait of the covert. Acting like a victim.

    • @blueherron8169
      @blueherron8169 5 років тому +15

      @@taylorbarnett1199 sometimes even taking on the characteristics of their "actual victims. They put on a "skin suit" of you like Edgar in that men in Black movie. They meticulously watch your reactions to their torture and play the victim role to all your friends n family way before you even know they play victim. So say you know your neighbors have something abusive going on. ...you'll hear the real victim talk crazy and think they are the perp. (Because a narcissist and word salad and gaslighting games makes the victim over react), then the narc will come out smelling like a rose and secretly go to your mom and neighbors putting you as the perp and playing innocent victim. And they win the Golden globe for acting skills. The craziest in the fight is usually the victim (forgive the term crazy, it's how PTSD feels)

  • @richardkautz2947
    @richardkautz2947 2 роки тому +13

    It's virtually impossible to get a narcissist to get treatment for their own problems. Like you said it's everyone else that's the problem not them.

  • @treasurize5950
    @treasurize5950 5 років тому +52

    I like you - and the flowers

  • @knarf_on_a_bike
    @knarf_on_a_bike 4 роки тому +62

    Wow. The "I suffer more" thing. Yes.
    A couple of months ago I had a cycling accident. My jaw was quite swollen and I was bleeding all over. Fortunately x rays were negative and all I needed was a couple of stitches.
    Within 2 minutes of discussing with my narcissist partner, she started to talk of an accident she had several years before, how hers was worse, she bled more, "why did they not give her x rays?", she's lucky she didn't end up with a concussion, and within 10 minutes I was being accused of calling an ambulance and going to emerg as an attention-seeking device.
    She ended up angry at me because I "dared" to have an accident and it triggered a rather long fit of narcissistic rage that lasted several days.

    • @debravowell8337
      @debravowell8337 4 роки тому +7

      Wow me and a sibling

    • @dean8705
      @dean8705 4 роки тому +5

      Damn my sister is like that

    • @echase416
      @echase416 4 роки тому +4

      A sick or injured person is NO good to a Narc. Why? Bc they are needy and THUS, not able to give good Supply. :(

    • @rohithreddy75
      @rohithreddy75 4 роки тому +4

      Critical Path Its because you're trying to take her limelight by being a victim.

    • @debravowell8337
      @debravowell8337 4 роки тому

      @@rohithreddy75 yes very correct.

  • @rebeccaharris250
    @rebeccaharris250 5 років тому +34

    I love your videos, they are really really informative and well explained. I do want to say, having dated a Covert Narc (Likely communal), I was blind-sided because he didn’t do any of the suffering / complaints / hurt stuff. He was the quiet helpful uber-liberal hero on the surface. He was a successful Dr of Internal Medicine. But as soon as you saw his friendship, family and romantic relationship patterns...it was very evident. He made up his own rules. He was whomever his audience wanted him to be. He was very egodystonic. He would have the weird slips of the mask, where you’d see the rage under the surface if anyone was more than him in any way.

  • @danielfulop
    @danielfulop 4 роки тому +45

    It's interesting to explore the line between being "normal" and narcissist though. Some identifiers in the video could be true to almost anyone, at least on a thought level

    • @pyalot
      @pyalot 4 роки тому +17

      We all exhibit narcissistic traits some of the time, and various mental health issues have overlapping symptoms. The line is if somebody strongly expresses narcissistic traits all the time consistently troughout their life (often from craddle to grave)

    • @rohithreddy75
      @rohithreddy75 4 роки тому +2

      Daniel There is a huge gap between both of them.They are opposite to each other.

    • @jaimhaas5170
      @jaimhaas5170 4 роки тому +2

      I think a lot of this is caused by the "me me me" generation. I am a "boomer" and let me tell you a lot of the parents from my generation are directly responsible for many of the narcs now parenting currently.

    • @tracyecutts2080
      @tracyecutts2080 3 роки тому +3

      Let me say this to you Daniel, yes we live in an intitled generation, but please believe me I was married to a narc for 30+yrs and within the last 2mo I identified what I was dealing with and know when you encounter a narc without any doubts you will know there are no lines to explore its black and white. You never ever want to experience that personality NPDiscorder. Its a evil entity that you better get away from if you can!

    • @danielfulop
      @danielfulop 3 роки тому +2

      @@tracyecutts2080 I had a narc gf when I was younger. I never seen her as evil tho, it's more like pitiful that they experience life on a different way in my opinion. Of course I agree with you, that I don't want that in my life for sure

  • @tomobedlam9045
    @tomobedlam9045 4 роки тому +40

    One year with my Covert Narcissist/Dismissive Avoidant:
    MONTH one : Great
    MONTH two : Greater
    MONTH three : Fabulous (heavy love bombing starts/mirroring...)
    MONTH four : Heaven (I love you...)
    MONTH five : Seventh heaven...
    MONTH six : Mask starts to come off (devaluing starts...)
    MONTH seven : full devalue/dismissive behavior, refusal to talk about issues by ignoring, silent treatment and an aloofness as if I did not even exist, very strange behavior if you've never dealt with this before...
    MONTH eight : distancing/lying begins (gaslighting also)...
    MONTH nine : lying clearly shows...
    MONTH ten : Frustration for me begins to set in...
    MONTH eleven : Everything is my fault...
    MONTH twelve : I left her for good, NO contact at all, PERIOD
    MONTH thirteen : Rebuilding myself.
    MONTH fourteen :
    Her; closure letter mailed to me. (attempt to Hoover me.)
    Me; Still NO contact, too late for her, I DID NOT RESPOND. I learned a lot of new phrases I never heard before regarding Covert Narcissism. Without a doubt, a one-sided relationship and it was horrible. I wish it upon nobody.

    • @MIIVI006
      @MIIVI006 4 роки тому +3

      You just exactly described my relationship with the woman I just left. Keep working on yourself man it can and will only get better.

    • @margomazzeo1680
      @margomazzeo1680 3 роки тому +2

      Omg..recognized your timeline as my own...Im withdrawing from my narc right now..going No Contact..

    • @gabbymontoya2085
      @gabbymontoya2085 3 роки тому

      I agree with all of this.. but I came back after 4 months doubting myself and then it began again after 2 weeks broke it off and now in legal matters

    • @KM-ub9yq
      @KM-ub9yq 2 роки тому

      Yes this was exactly my case too. I thought he has a dismissive avoidant personality yes is also covert narcissist. It was very painful.

  • @Louclark54
    @Louclark54 Місяць тому +1

    When we met, I thought my husband was the sweetest most gentle person, caring, thoughtful and loving. Now that I’ve realized the kind of person that he is, I know that what he did to me was what they call “love-bombing”. I’m still trying to cope with this realization and it makes me feel as if I’m entering a new world. Learning more about NPD, keeps giving me flashbacks of many different scenes from the past and even the most recent ones: all those times when he was making excuses for his violent behavior, comparing himself to me constantly, putting me down, making me cry on Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and most recently this month on my birthday, the blaming and shaming, the insincere apologies, public humiliation, abusive behavior, manipulation….I feel dazed and I don’t know what to do.

  • @jvc8947
    @jvc8947 4 роки тому +28

    4 years in therapy-no personality disorder. Just seasonal depression and Complex PTSD- married (17 years) to someone with narcissistic traits (per therapist) and yet here I am again-wondering is it me? I’d love a series on how to work on self loathing. I have it. I see it. I can’t really fight it. The core really is I’m less than, I’ll never be enough. I do all this calmly and quietly. I live life outside my home -literally, trying to blend in and be invisible. In relationships...I have no needs and make no waves. I’m tired.

    • @MarkSven888
      @MarkSven888 4 роки тому +5

      Me too! This is the comment I needed to see, among others. I am still wondering if I’m the monster... so much shame and inability to connect with people genuinely. I suspect I have become a bit of a covert narcissist when I had was once a very compassionate and empathic human. My heart has been closed and untrusting for years because of the abuse from certain relationships and the world in general. I need some tools to get out of this trap.

    • @AshlyRa
      @AshlyRa 4 роки тому +2

      Don't loathe yourself they are monsters we are fine people so calm down.

    • @jaimhaas5170
      @jaimhaas5170 4 роки тому

      You said it quite well...we feel burned out (empaths) trying to always figure out how to please others....Jeez I could just spend a few years doing all the stuff I really want to do....come and join in with me J EV!

    • @jaimhaas5170
      @jaimhaas5170 4 роки тому

      @@MarkSven888 spot on! Tools would be great. Maybe a few genuine friends who can relate also.

    • @wowso4
      @wowso4 3 роки тому +1

      Me too I suffer from low self esteem and I have co-dependency and sensitive I don’t know if I suffer from covert narcissist. I have empathy for others and would never go out of my way to blame my life choice on anyone but myself. I do feel sorry for myself at times but I know it’s my fault if anything good or bad happens. I do also fear rejection and abandonment but I’m working on my issues. I don’t know if I am one but people have told me I’m too nice and a bit of a people pleaser and have a hard time saying no to others. So I’m working on learning to set healthy boundaries with others. And overcoming my fears of rejection and a abandonment and my co-dependency issues.

  • @erismiracle9779
    @erismiracle9779 3 роки тому +12

    You really talk about everything I’m experiencing.. and you put it out there in a way which was easy to understand. Thank you

  • @mpowerzzzz77
    @mpowerzzzz77 3 місяці тому +2

    I didn't realize something was wrong until she was living with me. I bought a house and couldn't afford to treat her like a princess anymore.
    Nothing I did was good enough. I blamed myself for so long it destroyed my own opinion of myself if that makes any sense. When I began therapy, I couldn't tell him anything good about myself. Just that I was a good father, which was the only compliment I ever got from my wife. The only one.

  • @xforeverbubbly
    @xforeverbubbly 3 роки тому +6

    You know he’s a narc when after you break up him no contact, he goes stir crazy, acts so regretful. Goes from saying “I’m sorry for hurting you and for everything I’ve done” to saying “please talk to me. Why aren’t you talking to me to fix this. I don’t understand why you don’t wanna talk to me”. That is alone is sadly terrifying to me. He wonders why I can never trust him again. He did so many shady hurtful things behind my back and in my face, basically lived a double life and he wonders why I’m not talking to him and why I’m scared of him.

  • @gailwestphal1604
    @gailwestphal1604 5 років тому +37

    Talk about covert? I just had no idea what was happening inside. To get my needs met, this is what was happening? Wow. What an eye opener. 😔

    • @gailwestphal1604
      @gailwestphal1604 5 років тому +4

      Dr. Fox,
      15 + years of treatment. This video was both an affirmation and confirmation. The shame has become manageable so I am able to think critically about how I used/use these coping mechanisms to get my needs met. Shutting my mouth and drawing a red circle around me, so to speak, has helped me to stop hurting others and myself. In my red circle, I am safe. Outside my red circle, I am stepping on toes and harming others through threatening their prosperity, their right to be free of my controlling behavior etc.
      My former husband was very bright and talented. He had discriminating taste, he had a lot of what I wanted to be but was not. I was so jealous and controlling and treated him so poorly in a variety of ways that now, upon reflection after viewing your video, I can see. In fact he loved art and I loved flowers so the backdrop of your set triggered this memory today while watching. Thank you for teaching us and offering greater insight into our behavior. Truly a game changer for me. Happy May Day! 🍃🌱🌿🌷🌿🌱🍃 I am so grateful for you and your work. 🙏🏻. Ordering your work book on Friday! I am so very excited.

    • @tbo2120
      @tbo2120 5 років тому +11

      Gael Westphal-Clifton I just find it awesome that you can hear this and understand this might be how you feel. Among all the narc bashing, I always hope people that have these traits in a deeper way (cause i know we all have them) discover these videos and really ‘feel them’ ... I just think it’s awesome. We all get a chance to self improve if we go seeking and searching. I hope life’s good!

    • @gailwestphal1604
      @gailwestphal1604 5 років тому +3

      T Bo:
      Thank you so very much for your encouraging words. They are very helpful to motivate me to keep going, growing and changing. So much so that it brought me to tears to know I’m not alone in this process and there are those who are able to, as bad as we are as people, recognize that I do want to change and I do want to be a part of things. I began to understand many years ago in my thirties that my treatment professional was shunning me and lavishing attention and caring towards other patients but not me. She invited a group of patients to a party but not me. I’ve felt this same shame of being left out and rejection for years to one degree or another by other professionals. I just did not have the insight or know exactly how to change. So, I guess you could say I’ve been aware of my problem, or at least some of them for a very long time. Thanks again for your kindness.😓

    • @tbo2120
      @tbo2120 5 років тому +4

      Gael Westphal-Clifton maybe this shame you feel has been there long before your therapists too? How you feel about yourself or what others think about you has been guiding your relationships and co-relating in general and when things get more intimate or personal... bam... some of these traits raise there head? The hate/shame you have for yourself spills out & over and does damage to those around you?
      First off. Relax. We ALL project our inner fears and so called failings on to those we often love the most and are closest too. It happens. And regularly. You might just need to look at it more and fine tune it. Sounds like the red circle idea REALLY works. I’ll def need to try that for a few things in my life.
      But I’d say keep going. You’ve been doing the introspection. You know you wanna change. So just work on it everyday and do it. Don’t ruminate too much in hating yourself. That shame based cycle will keep you 10 steps behind. Make peace with yourself. You’re human. Like us all. But you are also worthy like us all! You’ve possibly complicated your feelings and emotions towards yourself to levels that really .... are so out there and over the top you might feel like you’re TOTALLY unworthy...
      THIS^ is not the case. Tomorrow you wake up like the rest of us. Why don’t you embrace that day with a new mindset? Not one of indifference and shame ... but one of similarity? Be part of the 7 billion that just want to be better and do better? Because that’s all any of us can do, right? Be better than we where the day before?

    • @gailwestphal1604
      @gailwestphal1604 5 років тому +4

      T Bo:
      Naturally, the shame is my core content. The feeling of being ashamed of myself has lessened over the years. I’m grateful for that. I do believe that my struggles, strengths, weaknesses are simply a part of the human condition we all face. The BPD likes to tell me from time to time the suffering is somehow worse for me than for others. That’s just self-pity at play and I can’t allow myself to fall into that pit of despair so I try not to feed my disorder with that because it’s a self fulfilling prophecy.
      Adopting a more balanced view of myself has allowed me longer periods of knowing and feeling I’m certainly not unique and that I am just one of the 7B getting up each day and trying to create a better life for myself and do better and be better. Acceptance and gratitude for where I am and where I’m not anymore unlocks the door to possibilities.
      Again, I’m grateful for your words of encouragement. It means so very much to me to connect in an authentic way. 🙂

  • @bottleaire2082
    @bottleaire2082 3 роки тому +4

    My mom took control of situations by creating some long, odd leap into suffering victimhood. My grandfather was a psychiatrist and he couldn't stop the disorder, but I learned he and my father shielded me from her issues.
    After they died I became aware of what I called her "constant created crisis maintenance."
    Then I saw your video. Bombshell, but a lifesaver. I approached the subject her in a non-judgemental way, and she acted senile... I gave her a non-judgmental out, and she put on her act to avoid it. Then came my punishment: Every time I left her alone she broke something, hurt herself... Fifty years old and I learned my mom had maintained a lie to her son, who had never questioned her.
    Now I need therapy. Any slight control mechanism play someone tries on me sends me into a rage.

  • @SofiaTarnawska
    @SofiaTarnawska 4 роки тому +6

    Best video on covert narcissism so far. Short and sweet. I got all the answers I was looking for. Thank you a lot, Dr. 🙏🏼

  • @danield.287
    @danield.287 2 роки тому +2

    You make the best videos about the subject on internet. I’ve lived it, that’s exactly how it is and it’s very difficult to explain to others, but you nailed it. Very impressive.

  • @katzillaaa85
    @katzillaaa85 3 роки тому +5

    I live with one of these.
    It took me a while to figure it out and now I feel more in power.
    She'd ask how am I just to "beat me" with how much worse she is, we can never have a healthy discussion unless you agree with her point of you, if you don't, she'll cry untill you do. You CAN'T ever point out her mistakes. She never takes responsibility for her decisions. If something goes bad she'll blame anything and everybody. You cannot decide for yourself, she's older and she knows everything better. She's never down to the point. She always beat around the bushes. There's just so much to it but I don't have time to write it all down.

  • @narckillaanon8567
    @narckillaanon8567 4 роки тому +60

    This was awesome as it showed how all narcissist including covert act in certain situations. I really don’t want my baby momma to be an evil covert narcissist and so I’ve made 100000 excuses for her behavior over the years. She is so well liked and loved by everyone on the periphery and so I sometimes think I may be wrong. Then I hear her autobiography in this post . It’s sucks

  • @jenc.7097
    @jenc.7097 5 років тому +75

    Hmmm, not sure I agree with this. But thank God we can agree to disagree. To me, covert seem to be more of the type that are very charismatic, and everybody loves them, and they don't like to draw much attention to them unless of course it is the kind of attention that gets them praise. They only like to be noticed for what they do for others, and generally they don't want other's to do for them because they like to be seen as The Giver, I believe that's how they set us up to draw us in. That's just my $0.10 worth.

    • @MrGuy-cp1gt
      @MrGuy-cp1gt 4 роки тому +1

      Yep!

    • @Shadow-nlr
      @Shadow-nlr 4 роки тому +7

      Your 10 cents describes my husband to a tee. Everyone loves him. Can you imagine how I felt when he fooled the psychologist we were seeing for marital therapy?!? 🤦‍♀️

    • @labotraduc8448
      @labotraduc8448 4 роки тому +4

      This is my sister... to be considered a good person is simply not enough for her, she has to be seen as an extraordinary person, a saint and martyr. People think she is so empathic, warm, kind and full of values. She knows how to advertise for herself without looking like she does. She never misses an anniversary, she does amazing gifts, she loves to be there for others, but as you say, all for the show. And it works.

    • @labotraduc8448
      @labotraduc8448 4 роки тому +3

      @Tony Macaroni I hear you on the loneliness! It's very damaging, because you can end up thinking that anyone could believe the liar at some point, and that theater drama will always win. The narc isolates you in the first place, and then you can end up isolating yourself to avoid suffering. It's like a perfect social murder.
      It is important to have an activity where the narc has no contact, and never to mix that circle with your narc's circle...

    • @barbarawigley7659
      @barbarawigley7659 4 роки тому

      I know nothing but learning about these people, it was an unknown description to my ignorant self till around 3 years ago. When a good friends daughter passed out from Uni with her degree in Psychology, and told me and described my daughter to a T although they had never met, but you would of thought she had known her all her life. I have not spoken with my daughter for 11 years that was the last time she used and abused me, before that short intermission, she could not of been more evil than she was and never spoke to me for 4 or 5 years. Contacted me when she needed advice from me. She is the exact description you posted up above, but never has a friend for very long all her life, as soon as they see her for what she is they go as quickly as a bolting horse. Until then though everyone loves her the best person you could ever meet. She is so evil it breaks my heart that I gave birth to such a person as this. She has even destroyed our marriage, but I hold my husband just as responsible for that anyway. She has nothing to do with myself or her brother, as he has the same opinion as myself what she is, but of course we are the ones that are most evil and wicked and her Father agrees with her. I could write a book about her, from her early childhood as young as 3 years old but as the years passed and she never had friends or for only a few weeks, I always made excuses for her, even Grandparents found her hard going but still I was there for her, couldn't see the pattern was blinded by her excuses and over inflated opinions. How stupid was I took me so many years to see what she was that others saw very quickly.

  • @ladennayoung2939
    @ladennayoung2939 10 місяців тому +2

    Yes. My mother is like this. She was diagnosed with something recently. She told me quite some time ago the doctor told her to be cautious. So that this situation don't get worse. Well, she didn't listen to him and the situation did get worse. She ran around telling others that her doctor didn't tell her what he needed to tell her and it is his fault that she is going through what she is going through. She ended up asking someone to do something for her that I was going to do. And EVERY chance she gets she talks about her and her situation. She try to act like a know it all and is selfish, rude, obnoxious, and ALWAYS condemning others. She wear a mask in public and act like she is sweet as pie.

  • @dj8350
    @dj8350 4 роки тому +6

    My ex-husband was diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder. In couples therapy, after he told the psychologist he needed to fix me, the psychologist asked him if there was anything he liked about his wife,. My ex’s response was, “I like that she absorbs my anger.”

    • @Gina-fr7if
      @Gina-fr7if 2 роки тому

      I'M SO SORRY. WHAT A REPREHENSIBLE INDIVIDUAL. YOU SHOULD HEX HIM.

    • @dj8350
      @dj8350 2 роки тому

      @@Gina-fr7if
      Thank you, but I don’t believe in hexing people.
      I’m just glad I got to divorce him. I’m glad I don’t have to to be him 😀

  • @andreivasiliu8954
    @andreivasiliu8954 Рік тому +3

    As a covert narcisist, i wanna say thank you for the content on this issue!

  • @amygentry4351
    @amygentry4351 5 років тому +4

    You explain covert narcissism better than anyone I have found and in 1/2 the time. So thank you.

  • @mila1111
    @mila1111 4 роки тому +20

    This is definitely my dad...He've "suffered" so much in his life, not to minimize that in any way, but he tells those stories over and over again. He came out with "inventions", but people stole ideas from him, he would "build a house" but mom gets in the way, he was always smarter beyond his years... Also when he calls I learned not to talk but only listen, because it might take hours for him to tell his story. Definitely a lot of this information hits home. He was never physically abusive at least to my mom. We did get beating with the belt when we were kids but other than that it's emotional abuse mostly. Fear and guilt based. Is it typical for these people to spy on others?

    • @brianmcdaniel3503
      @brianmcdaniel3503 3 роки тому +3

      You literally described my father to a tee. He constantly rants and raves about the past and old stories. I thought it was just a father being overly concerned but as I got older, I realized he’s a complete narc including my mother.

  • @edgreen8140
    @edgreen8140 4 роки тому +3

    Best explanation ive heard in years. They cannot put themselves in your shoes due to less great matter in the left anterior insula. A physiologic deficit in the brain and modeling from caretakers who ridiculed them for having needs. ( Sometimes only food shelter and clothing were provided and these people think I wasn't neglected). Repression of the real childhood and idealization of the parents.

  • @serena7089
    @serena7089 5 років тому +11

    :) i love how compassionate this explanations feel. I wanted to say thank you to dr. Fox, I'm trying to graduate in Psychology, my last exam is something that in English may sound like "Neuro-Psychopathology" and I was having a hard time understanding the DSM V and my textbook is very "basic", especially in the area of Personality Disorders it is highly vague, and I couldn't tell from one another. Your videos are helping me a lot in my personal life as well, you are a great inspiration! Have a nice day, greetings from Italy :)

    • @DrDanielFox
      @DrDanielFox  5 років тому +2

      thanks and best of luck on your studies.

  • @s22centuaryfox
    @s22centuaryfox 3 місяці тому +1

    Such a well structured and life changing video thanks!

  • @irisgreene4175
    @irisgreene4175 3 роки тому +1

    I subscribed after seeing a fantastic video and haven’t seen you since (I forgot your name despite sub, and yt didn’t promote you)
    Your videos are great in and of themselves, but your ability to provide concrete examples is unique, they’re very broken down and easy to see and can be extrapolated by anyone. Thank you!

  • @effthamatrix
    @effthamatrix 11 місяців тому +4

    I remember as a kid listening to my mother and grandmother on phone everyday trying to outdo each other with each other's 'illnesses' and knew even as a kid they were both MENTALLY ill ....the covert woe is me weasel

  • @josephwatson3706
    @josephwatson3706 3 роки тому +8

    Hello Dr fox,
    I want to thank you for the tremendous amount of help that your videos have given me as I have numerous people in my family with personality disorders including myself.
    I'm a 60-year-old Caucasian male living in Michigan. On December 16th 2020 I relocated to move in with my 91 year old mother who suffers from end stage CHF.
    I prepared myself as much as I possibly could with regards to caring for an elderly parent, independence, not letting them feel like they don't have control and quite a lot of information on just what that person may be feeling and going through.
    The one thing I was not prepared for was my mother being a vulnerable or covert narcissist.
    She is as smart as a rack. No cognitive issues there. In fact it takes a great deal of calculating on her part to deceive and manipulate and "manage people".
    Disheartening to say the least as I just recently realized my eldest son was also showing every single trait. I did a lot of soul searching and went way back to my own childhood, environment, primary caregivers AKA parents, my ex-wife's mother being very narcissistic.
    My oldest daughter dealing with BPD.
    Some overlap with some manipulation.
    Just prior to the realization of my son I spent every day for about 8 months with a man whom I thought was my most trusted friend with morals and integrities and the whole nine yards. Only to find out this was all a facade. It was horrible but I need to be thankful because this is how I learned that there was something other than the over to narcissist that most people think of. Still, I didn't see it in my son or I didn't want to.
    I didn't even realize it was in my or that my ex-wife was dealing with it herself and the kids were just an extension of herself.
    Right now I'm faced with my own problem which I believe is codependence. Self-worth, etc.
    They're taking many steps in the last year and a half or two years to eliminate anything that I believed to be toxic from my life.
    The whole lack of empathy thing really hits hard especially with regards to my son.
    Also that odd phenomenon where two of my three children seem to well, mostly one of my three favor their mother and have beat the hell out of me for lack of better wording. I did my best to raise the three of them when she left.
    Now I'm faced with my 91 year old mother and my own self worth. I'm definitely gotten considerably worse.
    Anyway sir, please accept my heartfelt thanks for doing these videos because they've helped me a great deal and it's my personal opinion that you are one of the best if not the best without you go about explaining these different issues. Thank you again. Joseph Watson

    • @tracyfox466
      @tracyfox466 Рік тому

      It sounds like you had the same awakening concerning the toxicity in your life that I did Joseph.👍🏻I know how heartbreaking it can be, especially when they are beloved children or family members and I am so so sorry that your heart and spirit has been crushed. Just know that you are so not alone. I was married for 27 yrs to a Covert Narcissist that I thought hung the moon only to find out he was as the Bible describes “A ravenous wolf in sheep’s clothing”.
      He was in another relationship within minutes like I never existed and I spent the next 10 years trying to figure out what the hell happened. I went back to school and became a Clinical Social Worker and that’s how I figured it out. It was a huge epiphany for me. The only problem was that I too recognized the toxic patterns in several family members as well as friends, coworkers, bosses, and several family members of my ex husband’s family as well. I’ve talked to several friends and we’ve talked about this disorder in some of their family members and friends. It’s amazing that once you see it you can’t unsee it. I don’t know what I would have done without my faith in God and in some ways I felt it was fated so I could bring an end to a generational curse. I now spend a lot of time trying to minimize the damage that’s been done but I have to say that being a truth teller hasn’t won me any favors as the truth hurts. The reality is what it is and I have stopped my codependent and enabling behaviors which I could see was only reinforcing those toxic behaviors. I have been forced to detach to a certain extent to get my point across that I will no longer accept that kind of behavior as painful as that may be. I just want my children and grandchildren to be aware of it so they are able to go on and have healthier relationships than I had and that’s really all anyone can do after it has gone on for so long. I’m praying you find peace in this revelation and I wish you all the very best with your family in the future.🙏🏻☮️😊

  • @rosicypriano7783
    @rosicypriano7783 2 роки тому +1

    Best description of covert narc I've heard. Thank you!

  • @Starlightndust
    @Starlightndust Рік тому +3

    Having any relationship with a CNarc is like being slow boiled in water. You get burned 🔥 when it's too late to realise to get out.

  • @yesimerin
    @yesimerin 4 роки тому +11

    This is a very accurate and telling list you have compiled here. The boredom and the superficial interests, the value shifting...my God, it continually amazes me how it's like there's a playbook that they follow. Great video, thank you!

  • @tensegritywill
    @tensegritywill 4 роки тому +2

    Covered a wide scope of very helpful examples. Needing to be constantly entertained for me is inverted into needing to be constantly entertaining.

  • @beaub152
    @beaub152 2 роки тому +2

    I really hope my mom isnt one of these but there are some times where she makes me doubt myself and the rest of my family in order to win an argument

    • @DrDanielFox
      @DrDanielFox  2 роки тому +1

      It’s not always easy to tell. I wish you well

    • @beaub152
      @beaub152 2 роки тому

      @@DrDanielFox thank you

  • @TheNikki284
    @TheNikki284 4 роки тому +4

    You are describing my sister 1,000%. I'm serious; you touched on EVERYTHING she says and does and your examples are things that she has actually done to me. I really, really, REALLY wish I lived in Texas so I could get help from you.

    • @Tallochannel
      @Tallochannel 4 роки тому +1

      TheNikki284 , contact him !

    • @TheNikki284
      @TheNikki284 3 роки тому

      I think I will, thank you💛

  • @clairekermode4090
    @clairekermode4090 5 років тому +18

    Thank you for all you do! Please consider a video on BPD in and exacerbated by chronic illness, invisible illness and the effects on BPD of being dismissed and judged. Thank you!

  • @shereeholland172
    @shereeholland172 2 роки тому +2

    Nailed it! Hi from Australia from a fellow Psychologist.

  • @hix9306
    @hix9306 2 роки тому +2

    I’m willing to accept I have a lot of these traits and I want to get better . Getting back into therapy next week . I want to change and be a better person

  • @k.c.sunshine1934
    @k.c.sunshine1934 4 роки тому +4

    I met a suspected covert narcissist in a church bible study.
    At one point, she made a point of telling me that she needed me to be more of a facilitator than the style of leadership that I was able to provide.
    My experience of covert narc is one of expectancy of others - they are intolerant of people's vulnerability and they are hypocritical; they expect others to provide for them but they do not provide for others.

  • @redemptionhappens7725
    @redemptionhappens7725 5 років тому +14

    Nobody but nobody has suffered like meeee!

    • @ben5966
      @ben5966 3 роки тому

      Redemption Happens :(

  • @1ajtg
    @1ajtg 2 роки тому +1

    Brilliant video. Explains the covert narcissist exactly true to life, thank you. Info better late than never.

  • @maimona1272
    @maimona1272 3 роки тому

    My world is shattering even more by watching your videos. Would I ever be different?

  • @marwadaoud4619
    @marwadaoud4619 4 роки тому +21

    I am 16 years old and I've been abused by a narcissist since I was in 5th grade. Since I was 10 years old she obsessed over having me be her backbone. I was forced to go through extreme levels of stress during several staged suicide attempts that I would dedicate so much emotional support for, just to be blamed for the reason their life was so terrible. Since she was a new student she couldn't understand why my friends, whom she just met, failed to give her as much attention as they gave me. She claimed to have a history of bullying so she felt entitled to be treated a certain way. Her family even hated me although I was the best friend she could ever have, probably because she never told anyone a single good thing about me. Some days I would decide to stand my ground and not invite her somewhere (she was obnoxious and outwardly rude to people) I would get harassed for hours on end and contacted off different numbers, she was obsessive. Nothing about her got better as she got older, she just become more intimidated by not controlling me. When we wouldn't be friends, I'd always apologize due to severe OCD I suffer from. I couldn't stand the intrusive thoughts that there is a possibility I could be better to her because I couldn't be the reason she died. But sure enough my anxiety was wrong. She used her life as a threat and 6 years later I still suffer from her abuse socially. I am graduating high school a year early to escape and finally live a life that isn't hers. Thank you for an amazing video!

    • @rohithreddy75
      @rohithreddy75 4 роки тому +1

      Marwa Daoud Your ocd can be cured.You're basically trying to control things because you're not able to control other aspects of your life.Face your fears and do what needs to be done.

    • @obsessivefreak2
      @obsessivefreak2 4 роки тому +1

      Hope the best for you!

  • @nicolemichelleofficial
    @nicolemichelleofficial 3 роки тому +3

    Describes a former friend of mine to a T!! Total victim, all about him, passive aggressive, wanted to see others fail, and had a MAJOR facade when it came to business...acted like a big business man but was barely making ends meet, only cared about how he appeared. Was also a loner, and had falling outs with so many he did business with. I came to the conclusion he was a CN when he stopped talking to me after he held up a project for 3 months and wouldn’t respond to my emails. Soooo passive aggressive.

  • @northwind2050
    @northwind2050 2 роки тому +1

    These videos are amazing, and much appreciated.

  • @leticiamilo4387
    @leticiamilo4387 Рік тому +1

    Thanks for sharing this video !
    Learning with your teachings!!

  • @LittleMissDeeDee
    @LittleMissDeeDee 2 роки тому +4

    I’m starting to think empaths are the real narcissists here. Interesting how so many people swear up and down that they’re flawless and have never displayed selfish, narcissistic tendencies towards loved ones.
    The word narcissist gets thrown around so frequently, you’d never think it was a rare medical condition.

    • @Gina-fr7if
      @Gina-fr7if 2 роки тому +1

      People who proudly proclaim they're "empaths," WATCH. OUT. Being hyper-sensitive and self-obsessed and expecting everyone to like you is not empathy.

    • @LittleMissDeeDee
      @LittleMissDeeDee 2 роки тому

      @@Gina-fr7if I agree

    • @synchronis346
      @synchronis346 10 днів тому

      So much irony, that the people here posting long self absorbed paragraphs about how they are an empath, “torn apart” by a narcissist, it’s all very narcissistic.

  • @angelladejager4439
    @angelladejager4439 5 років тому +13

    Hi Dr Fox. I have BPD. I am very puzzled about why Narcissists are given such a bad rap. Surely narcissism is a personality disorder & therefore these people for the most part have no clue why they act as they do & why their lives are always a mess? I have struggled so much having BPD for almost 50 years & not knowing it thereby causing damage & hurt to others unwittingly. Surely the narcissist should receive some kind of compassion.? Its hard for me to understand why people with other types of personality disorders are pitied but narcissists are just totally despised. I am sure they dont choose to be the way they are.

    • @DrDanielFox
      @DrDanielFox  5 років тому +5

      I don't disagree with your statements. Folks I have worked with have experienced immense personal damage from those with NPD, but I've also worked with those lower on the NPD spectrum who are contrite and try very hard to control their symptoms and do things differently.

    • @debsabatino311
      @debsabatino311 5 років тому +5

      It's because of the cold hearted, soulless things they do to people that live them.

    • @anneneem
      @anneneem 5 років тому +8

      Because they've done us wrong. Horribly wrong. Soul crushingly, financial depletingly, wrong. And they get sheer pleasure out of your misery. They make you trust them, open up to them about your utmost fears and vulnerabilities, so they can use it against you in such a vile way so they can get a high out of your pain. Other personality disorders don't.

    • @guillaumefrancois3942
      @guillaumefrancois3942 5 років тому +4

      Have pity for the narcissist! You are so wrong. The narcissist is fully aware of what they're doing to others. Ask yourself why are they nice to strangers, but yet mean to people close to them? They know when to put on the mask and show to people a good side of them. They are therefore cognizant of their behavior. They do harm to others is because they choose to. No pity for the narcissist.

    • @usedabusedandmisunderstood8205
      @usedabusedandmisunderstood8205 5 років тому +3

      After I confronted mine with the truth, she exploded and said I don't do what I do to please anybody but myself.

  • @lizamariefischer
    @lizamariefischer 2 роки тому

    Brilliant video. Explains a lot. Thanks so much.

  • @nemonada3501
    @nemonada3501 2 роки тому +2

    You've just described the family member I've not long cut contact with. I knew this was the problem but you described it perfectly.

  • @deb9784
    @deb9784 4 роки тому +9

    Great information! All info helps since I was in the dark so long! Thought I could learn to stand up for myself ( no such thing as boundaries), but all the while he was plotting my demise! So hard to consider that someone would pretend to love you while they are plotting to use and disguard you!

  • @coreyanderson1457
    @coreyanderson1457 3 роки тому +6

    I think that it's important to be objective when trying to determine whether someone is a narcissist (has npd). Because, it's one thing, for example, to be bad about not being punctual, or being kind of flaky (lack of regard for time trait), and a narcissist's reasons and ways of doing this. And people often confuse their dislike for another person for narcissism. But I do know that objectively, if a person truly does lack sufficient and genuine sympathy for the needs or basic welfare of others, demonstrates consistently and persistently an unusually malicious sense of self entitlement, low conscience, a pattern of violating a boundary that is not accidental, and possibly other traits as outlined in the DSM, then there is a possibility of narcissism. I say this because I am worried that this disorder is being misrepresented. For example, domestic violence. A man is not an abuser because he and his wife argue. Or even because he is angry with her. However, if he goes out of his way to start arguments when there was no basis for one at all, puts the other partner down directly or indirectly, has a pattern of gaslighting that results in the partner questioning herself, has a negative impact on her self esteem, and, OR physically assaults his partner in a way that is for that purpose, to assault her, (not self defense), then that is domestic violence. Just an example. I think that people need to know that there are differences between dysfunction and a person who actually may have a personality disorder.

  • @IntheMOMENT22173
    @IntheMOMENT22173 2 роки тому

    Thank you, for this information. I appreciate you speaking from a non-judgmental perspective.

  • @christinawilson4155
    @christinawilson4155 2 роки тому

    Great explanation! Thank you for sharing.

  • @Mr2Amazed
    @Mr2Amazed 5 років тому +6

    Thank you for your videos. Always so informative.
    Would you be willing to do more on the differences within covert narcissism and explain the traits for these differences, as in; vulnarable, shy, etc.?
    Example; I know this person who seems to have several traits of covert narcissism, but has no real friends or actual social life for 20+ years. That is something that I cannot seem to place at all. I would think they need the attention/supply?

    • @smbensli
      @smbensli 5 років тому +5

      They do everything in secrecy. That's their weapon of mass destruction while they torment you and project everything on their victims. They wear s solid mask . They are masters of silent
      treatments and disappear and reappear when convenient for them. It's part of their control. Dont fe fooled . You'll only see what they want you to see.

  • @Shasha8674
    @Shasha8674 4 роки тому +4

    They have suffered and are in survival mode. They are experts on many topics. To me they want a relationship which is like parent in supporting them. God bless them!

  • @fredbearplushgaming
    @fredbearplushgaming 2 роки тому

    Thank you Dr. Fox. I'm looking for all the help I can find and i chose to investigate your channel because my dad's name is also Dan Fox. Today's off to a good start thanks to you.

  • @hotelflamingo
    @hotelflamingo 4 роки тому +1

    First class presentation - thank you very much.

  • @zzzgiantawake6195
    @zzzgiantawake6195 5 років тому +4

    Thanks.

  • @LoveDianeBE
    @LoveDianeBE 4 роки тому +4

    Wow! You’ve described my ex husband 100%! You’ve explained so well.