Do you want to know about the passive-aggressive covert narcissist? After tons of research, I am happy to share what I have found. So, let’s move to know about it in detail.
What is a passive-aggressive covert narcissist?
In psychology, behavior can be described as overt or covert. Overt or clear behaviors are those that others can easily see. However, covert or secret behaviors are more subtle and less obvious to others. These narcissists can be passive, aggressive, resentful, and anarchist.
According to recent research, women (ages 18-34) usually have this mental disorder. Narcissists often maintain fantasies that are very different from reality. Their behavior is ready to get the attention they desire.
Imagining how a narcissist restraining their attitudes and behavior is hard to imagine. A covert narcissist may be giving up their point of view, but the ultimate goals are the same.
For example, individuals passively aggressive and show narcissistic traits use traditional diagnostic techniques and tactics. However, they also lead out of the ordinary characteristics. With any mental health problem, a trained mental health pro should make the diagnosis. Other personality disorders can manifest some of these same traits and behaviors.
Causes:
A covert personality disorder is commonly referred to as Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). It occurs over a wide spectrum, including various traits. Covert narcissism, also called weak narcissism, is one of them. And passive-aggressive covert narcissism is a state of this disorder.
An undercover narcissist has NPD. Although, does not show a sense of superiority or self-importance typical of NPD. Instead, they may look modest or shy.
It is unknown what the exact causes of covert narcissism are. However, several factors may contribute. Experts suggest that narcissistic personality disorder is related to factors that include:
- Genetics
- Relationships with caregivers
- Childhood abuse and trauma
- Temperament and Personality
Research has shown: people with NPD are likely to have parents who focus on status. Or they are more likely to have parents who focus on achievements. Others can survive into adolescence.
However, it is unclear why passive-aggressive narcissistic attitudes are sometimes shown in disguise. Instead of showing their narcissism with outward appearances, they keep them hidden.
How to Recognize (Signs):
Here are some traits and behaviors you can see in a passive, aggressive, covert narcissist:
• Extremely sensitive to correction:
Constructive criticism or mild correcting is a personal threat to the covert narcissist. They respond to such comments with silence or anger. Remember that perceived criticism is as crucial to these people as it is to reform.
• Disrupting Others:
This is a passive offensive component. For example, jokes and sarcassim are how covert narcissist make fun of people. They accuse others at work and in relationships. At the same time, they work behind the scenes to thwart others for their benefit. They may choose not to work on team or group projects but may use the blame game to focus on others.
• Extremely introverted:
They are not derivatives, and they are very insecure. Staying away from others limits the need to compare yourself. They do not want to live by external standards.
• Depression and anxiety
People with this disorder are primarily depressed. Feelings of isolation and fear of being exposed are not as good as they appear to be. The risk of depression and anxiety increases and leads further into narc ways.
• Hatred and Envy:
These people do not let go of trivial things. They constantly hold on to resentments and negative thoughts. They also hate to see other successful people who do not deserve their success. That also hate the take away of what is rightly the narcissist’s identity, job, wealth.
• Extremely sensitive to criticism
Feelings of insecurity are typical of NPD. In a covert narcissism, it appears to be extremely sensitive to criticism.
Of course, the sensitivity to criticism is not unique to NPD, as few people enjoy criticism. However, how a person responds to real and perceived criticism is what to watch for. This is how to tell whether this sensitivity is extreme.
One can be a victim of secret narcissism as if it is beyond criticism. However, they may feel humiliated, empty, or angry internally. Their fire and sarcastic remarks attempt to hide those feelings.
• Silent Treatment:
Narcissists also give a silent treatment. It is a momentary response to a condition in which a person feels frustrated. They may also feel angry, or overwhelmed to cope with an issue. In these instances, when the moment’s intensity goes, the silence disappears.
Silent behavior can also be part of a broader control pattern or emotional abuse. When used regularly as a power play, it can make you feel rejected or excluded. This can have damaging negative effects on your self-esteem.
How to deal?
To deal with an aggressive covert narcissist, you can follow the below-mentioned steps.
• Avoid taking it personal:
When dealing with a narcissist their manipulative behavior can feel very personal. It doesn’t matter if it is secret or public. Lack of respect or patterns of manipulation can feel very emotional at the end of receiving. A sense of entitlement and deceptive conduct can harm anyone who gets in their way.
In short, no matter how painful the behavior may feel at the moment, remember this. It is essential to remember that they have nothing to do with you.
• Advocate for yourself:
When talking to an introvert narcissist, it can be easy to lose your voice. It can take a while for you to realize that you are not advocating for yourself. This may happen conversational patterns are so manipulative.
Strengthening your connection with yourself is the key to being able to talk to a narcissist. Take time to get back to yourself, who you are, and what you are all about. Review your values, your goals, and your abilities.
• Make a healthy distance:
Being in a relationship with a passive-aggressive narcissist can feel overwhelming and frustrating. It can be not easy to create distance between you and the person, such as with a family member or co-worker.
Try these approaches to limit yourself:
- Restrict personal conversations.
- Take breaks at different times.
- Ask to move to another location in your office.
Above all, simply losing contact may be necessary if you are suffering from someone’s narcissism.
• End the Relationship:
Accept the fact that the narcissist can remain unchanged or stubborn and angry. Even with the best treatment or logical intervention, they may not budge. Clear boundaries and consistent effects can result in zero progress with a narcissist. Above all, their lack of empathy, manipulation, cruelty, and selfishness can be out of control. At times, the best choice is to leave the relationship in these situations.
Conclusion:
Hence, I discussed the passive-aggressive covert narcissist disorder. I have highlighted its causes, symptoms, and how you can deal with them. I hope this guide will help you recognize and deal with a covert narcissist person.
Have you ever lived with a passive aggressive covert narcissist? Let us know in the comments.