01/03/2026
NARCISSIST: CRAVED
In my work as a psychologist, I often see the deep wounds left by people who display strong narcissistic traits. These patterns can be incredibly harmful — especially when you don’t realise what you’re dealing with.
Let’s break it down:
C – Conflictual
They thrive on chaos, division, and drama. If things are calm, they may create conflict to regain control or attention.
R – Rigid
Black-and-white thinking. No flexibility. No curiosity. No room for your perspective.
A – Antagonistic
They compete instead of connect. Conversations become battles. Winning matters more than understanding.
V – Vulnerable
Underneath the grandiosity is fragility. Criticism — even gentle feedback — can trigger rage, blame, or retaliation.
E – Entitled & Egocentric
Rules don’t apply to them. Their needs, their feelings, their image come first — always.
D – Dysregulated
Emotional reactions can be extreme, unpredictable, and disproportionate. When challenged, they may escalate quickly.
When you understand these patterns, you stop personalising the behaviour.
You stop asking:
“What did I do wrong?”
“Why can’t I just fix this?”
“If I explain myself better, will it change?”
And you start asking:
“Is this safe for me?”
“Is this healthy?”
“What are my boundaries?”
As we used to say in my world of Intelligence and Investigations:
“Knowledge is power.”
When you know what you are dealing with, you can:
✔️ Protect your boundaries
✔️ Limit emotional exposure
✔️ Stop engaging in circular arguments
✔️ Recognise gaslighting and projection
✔️ Document when necessary
✔️ Prioritise your wellbeing
Education removes confusion. Awareness reduces vulnerability. Boundaries restore power.
You cannot change a true narcissist — but you can change how much access they have to you.
If this resonates, you are not alone. Healing begins with understanding.