In Reply to: I don't think Dicpics is a narcissist posted by CoastalBruin on December 13, 2025 at 11:29:34
a narcissist does get a form of attention (often called "narcissistic supply") if someone is calling them names. While they prefer positive attention and admiration, any kind of reaction用ositive or negative耀erves to validate their sense of importance and power.
Here is how name-calling provides a narcissist with attention:
Validation of Power and Control: When you react with anger or frustration to name-calling, it confirms in their mind that they have the ability to affect your emotions and control the situation. This makes them feel powerful and in charge.
Proof of Importance: For a narcissist, being ignored is the worst outcome. Negative attention, such as name-calling or an emotional outburst, shows them that you are focused on them and that they matter enough to elicit a strong emotional response.
Fuel for Drama: Narcissists often thrive on chaos and drama because it keeps them at the center of attention. Your reaction provides the "fuel" they need to sustain this dynamic.
Blame Shifting: By provoking a negative reaction, the narcissist can later point to your behavior (e.g., "See how you're yelling? You're the crazy one") to play the victim, making you seem irrational to others and deflecting attention from their own initial abuse.
Ego Reinforcement: Name-calling by a victim is often seen as a confirmation of the narcissist's perceived superiority because, in their view, only someone "beneath" them would resort to such language
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