People who often take selfies are often considered narcissistic by those around them. Is it true that it is narcissistic or is it just self-confidence?
Not everyone has the courage to appear in public. Likewise, with selfie or selfie habits, not everyone is confident about uploading their photos on social media. Well, often people who dare to appear are considered narcissistic – really?
Many find it easy to accuse someone of being narcissistic because he is thought to love himself. For example, friends who like to pay attention to their appearance in the mirror, those with smartphone galleries filled with selfies, and so on.
In fact, the word ‘narcissistic‘ refers to a mental disorder, namely narcissistic personality. Supposedly, people can be called narcissistic if he feels himself far more important than other people. That person needs special treatment, wants to always be adored and admired by others, and lacks empathy.
Narcissistic Personality Traits
Some of the following characteristics are often found in those with this personality disorder, namely:
- Feeling superior to others, unique, or special. Often feel he has the best thing.
- Need constant and excessive admiration from others. They can exaggerate their accomplishments to impress others.
- Little or no empathy for others. Inability or unwillingness to understand the feelings and needs of others.
- Take advantage of other people for your own benefit. Narcissistic Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
The Difference between Narcissism and Confidence
Confidence is a belief in oneself (especially in terms of success in facing life’s challenges), and behaving in accordance with that belief.
Those who are confident feel comfortable with themselves, and know their abilities and strengths realistically. So, in contrast to the narcissistic nature.
So, what is the difference between narcissism and confidence?
1. The Basis of His Actions
Those who are narcissistic will behave to cover their fear of failure or discomfort because of their weaknesses. They often feel inadequate and insecure.
To cover it up, they will tout their successes and always want to be seen as the best. On the other hand, self-confidence arises as a result of the successes that have been achieved, the values that have been upheld, and the sense of concern shown to others.
2. Views of Self and Others
Narcissistic people see themselves through the eyes of others. Because of that they always want to be considered great. They feel more than those around them, but they don’t necessarily love themselves.
Conversely, confident people tend to be comfortable with themselves. Thus, other people’s opinions do not affect his self-image. They too will think of themselves as the people around them – nothing more and nothing less. How to Deal with Narcissists
3. Responses to Errors or Weaknesses
Someone who is narcissistic cannot accept that he made a mistake, and does not want to take responsibility. They will try to blame other people or situations when confronted with their shortcomings.
Meanwhile, people with good self-confidence can show regret when they make mistakes. Then, he will try to fix it.
4. Social Relations
In social relationships, the narcissist will feel his circle of friends is centered on him. Thus, he can consider other people ‘less’ or have a negative opinion about them.
Narcissistic people like to argue, dominate, be arrogant, and even put other people down to be considered great. Often full of jealousy and hostility.
Conversely, the confident will feel close to everyone in the circle of friends. He also thinks about his friend in a positive way. In addition, confident people will uphold equality, humility, respect for others, and love compassion and cooperation.
5. Personal Relations
Narcissists often have problematic personal relationships, because they do not need warm, intimate relationships. On the other hand, what they need is to be admired by others.
If you get it, the narcissist will feel happy and proud. However, when he is not admired, he will be embarrassed and may even react angry or aggressive.
Unlike the confident person, he emphasizes close and intimate personal relationships. He is satisfied with himself, so he does not need constant admiration. Anger or aggressive attitudes toward others are also relatively rare.
Based on some of the comparisons above, it can be seen that narcissism and self-confidence are very different. In fact, often the nature and behavior of the two are contradictory!
So, don’t easily think of people as narcissists. Maybe, the actions taken only indicate high self-confidence.
Narcissistic personality disorder requires an assessment by a trained professional. So, if you or an acquaintance has traits that match this personality problem, please consult further.