How to tell the difference between a Narcissist and a Self-Centered Person?

5,747 Views Updated: 31 May 2018
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How to tell the difference between a Narcissist and a Self-Centered Person?

There are two kinds of people who obsess over themselves. One is self- centered individuals and others are narcissists. There is a fine line of difference between the two. 

While all narcissists are self-centered, all self- centered people are not narcissists. Confused? They both work around a similar behavioral pattern; however, narcissism is an extreme version of self-absorption. The former craves for attention; the latter feels superior to others. 

What mainly distinguishes narcissism from self- absorption:-

#1. Disorder v/s Personality Type

A major difference between the two personalities lies in how they are classified. For a layperson, narcissism and self-absorption lie in the same category. However, it is important to note that while self-absorption is a personality type, narcissism is a personality disorder.


#2. Self- Absorption

The most confusing aspect of the two personalities is that both are indulged in self-absorption. However, there is a difference in the degree of self- occupation. A narcissistic person may take the obsession with the self to the highest of levels as compared to a self-centered person.


#3. Attention Seeking

Attention seeking is a jointly held behavioral attribute by the two personalities. However, the difference lies in the fact that a selfish person only feels rewarded when he gets others to notice him, whereas a narcissist makes himself visible by putting others down.


#4. Conversation About Self

A little difference between the two personalities can be observed while they are in a conversation. Self-centric person craves for attention and simply ends up feeling rejected when the same does not happen. However, a narcissist does not miss a chance to bring a conversation back to his accolades and accomplishments.


#5. Defense And Hostility

It is a well-found trait among selfish people to defend themselves in the case of an attack on their image. A narcissist, on the other hand, besides adopting the defense mechanisms, may even get hostile to protect himself.


#6. The Visible Behavior

Another stark difference between narcissists and self-centric is how they appear in public. A narcissistic person is extremely high on the manipulation side and can fake a suitable persona for the masses. The self-centric person, on the other hand, cries for attention and never misses a chance to get people to notice him.


#7. The Level Of Confidence

Despite having a high level of confidence, a self-obsessed person may still be aware of his inefficiencies deep inside. A narcissist, on the other hand, has no such insecurities and genuinely believes himself to be good at everything.


#8. Admission Of Guilt

It is quite likely that self-centered person may accept and admit the fact that he is selfish. A narcissist, on the other hand, constantly lives in a state of denial and may never be open to the idea of having a personality disorder.


#9. Morality

Despite the selfish behavior, a self-centric person may have certain limits and principles in life. A narcissistic person is devoid of any such morality. As against the self-centric people, narcissistic people will do anything from cheating to manipulating, to get their way.


We would love to hear more from you on how narcissists are different from self- centric. Kindly use the comment box to share your thoughts and opinions with us.

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