Female narcissism often varies between size fantasies and inferiority feelings. Narcissistic women are starving for admiration and recognition. Only then will they feel good. Outwardly they appear perfect, but they have strong self-doubt. Read all important information about female narcissism here.
Female narcissism: hidden behind perfection
The term narcissism is often referred to as megalomania, lust for power and arrogance. As examples of well-known personalities are usually male names, such as the former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. But narcissism is not just about men. Women also suffer from narcissism. Narcissism in women, however, is different.
Experts distinguish the covert and open form of narcissism. Men more often show an overt form of narcissism. They are convinced of their greatness and show it openly. For women, narcissism is more about their appearance and attractiveness. Because female narcissism is often obscured, it is not always obvious at first glance. The psychotherapist Bärbel Wardetzki has worked intensively on the form of female narcissism. She describes narcissistic women marked by strong contrasts: perfect appearance to the outside, but depression and emptiness inside. Imaginations about one’s own grandeur serve as protection against insecurity and the feeling of not being good or adorable.
Female narcissism: symptoms
Similar to male narcissism, women are often strong and superior. They are mostly women with a perfect appearance. They value their appearance very much, are very powerful and make sure not to make mistakes. There is much suffering behind this façade. While the exterior is carefully maintained, one’s own needs and feelings are neglected. Your self-esteem is contrary to the external appearance very low.
Female narcissism thrives on the recognition and admiration of other people. Those affected often attribute positive experiences and successes to their looks or superficial values. You can not imagine getting appreciation for her person alone. Narcissistic women also have very high expectations of themselves. Many are dominated by the fear of not living up to this claim.
Female narcissism: personality disorder
If severely affected, narcissism can severely affect women’s quality of life and have serious consequences. The line between personality trait and disorder is narrow. Once affected by narcissism and its consequences, therapeutic treatment should be considered.
For women with a narcissistic personality disorder, critical remarks are not only hurtful but a real threat. Because self-esteem depends on the facade. As soon as the mask crumbles, they feel lost. Getting older or being separated from your partner can plunge you into deep crises. Depression and anxiety disorders, but also eating disorders and addiction problems often occur in combination with female narcissism.
Female narcissism: strains in the family
Narcissistic mothers, but also fathers, are a heavy burden on children because they lack the ability to take their own needs back. The children therefore usually have to take care of themselves early. Especially for the daughters it can be difficult as the mother identifies with them. Any problems the mother has with herself are transferred to her daughter. The inner division between magnificence and inferiority is also reflected in the behavior towards the children. Often one child is idealized and another devalued.
Daughters of narcissistic mothers, but to a lesser extent the sons, are in a difficult life situation. Narcissistic mothers always put themselves at the center. The daughter can be perceived as a female competition. Whether daughter or son: The successes of the child either do not recognize the mothers, or only those who also improve their own image, such as the school leaving certificate. The child is to serve the narcissistic mother to maintain the facade of the perfect wife and mother. These children receive love only if they correspond to the ideas of the mother.
Regardless of what the children go through or experience, it’s always about the mother. This type of emotional abuse is mostly hidden from outsiders. Maybe the mother shows up to others, as loving and concerned. At home, however, the narcissistic mother tells the child that it is a burden on her. Persons with a narcissistic personality disorder can also be very manipulative. Thus, narcissistic mothers bring their children into situations where they can only lose. However the child behaves, in the end it will feel the mother’s anger or revenge. When the child confronts the mother with her behavior, the mother either blames the child or she feels sorry for herself.
A narcissistic mother is unable to recognize her own mistakes. The acknowledgment of mistakes would question their grandeur and thus threaten their self-image. The mentioned problems within the family with a narcissistic parent also apply to narcissistic fathers.