Deception and Delusion — The Narcissist’s Double Defense

Two Hallmark Qualities that Define NPD: Don’t Be Duped!

Two hallmark qualities that all narcissists possess, regardless of which kind of narcissist they may be, are their propensity for deception and their complete surrender to delusional thinking. Without these two defining traits, they could not survive, nor could they keep the false version of themselves alive and thriving. These beliefs give them a sense of superiority that leads narcissists to believe that they are unique and cannot be understood by average people. In many cases, this distortion of reality can become delusional, crossing over the line from neurosis to psychosis.

Not only are they living in a fantasy, but they are also experts at getting people to believe all their self-mythology. Their charisma, youthful charm, courtesy, artifice, and seductiveness make them irresistible. When first meeting a narcissist, in spite of all the brilliance and sparkle, most people feel there is something a little off about the person. They may not be able to put their finger on it, but there is usually an intuitive feeling that something is not right. It’s like they are a puzzle with a few incongruous pieces that are not even from the same puzzle. They are the person who is dressed in the wrong sized clothes or shoes but carrying on and…