Living with a Narcissist

It’s Like Having a Perpetual Toddler

Comparing a toddler to a narcissist is like comparing a cute little kitten to a ferocious lion—adorable in their own way but capable of wreaking havoc. Let’s dive into this hilarious parallel.

First off, both toddlers and narcissists thrive on attention. A toddler will scream, cry, and throw toys to get your focus. A narcissist? They’ll throw tantrums of epic proportions, but instead of toys, it’s emotional grenades. Both will do anything to be the center of your universe, making you wonder if they’ve got a secret competition going on.

Next, let’s talk about empathy—or the lack thereof. Toddlers are just learning about emotions, so their empathy levels are pretty low. If you’re crying, they might offer you their soggy cracker. Narcissists, on the other hand, have the empathy of a rock. “Oh, you’re upset? How does this affect me?” they wonder, completely oblivious to anyone else’s feelings.

Then there’s the issue of sharing. Toddlers will grab toys and shout, “Mine!” Narcissists are no different, except their toys are praise, attention, and admiration. They hoard compliments like a dragon hoards gold. Sharing the spotlight? Not a chance.

Let’s not forget their sense of entitlement. A toddler expects their every whim to be catered to, whether it’s the perfect snack or the latest toy. Narcissists? They demand admiration, adoration, and a constant stream of validation. As Dr. Ramani Durvasula puts it, “A narcissist’s need for validation is like a toddler’s need for naps—never-ending and highly dramatic.”

Lastly, both are masters of manipulation. A toddler will bat their big eyes and pout to get that extra cookie. A narcissist will charm, deceive, and play mind games to get what they want. It’s a performance worthy of an Oscar.

Sources:

• Durvasula, R. (2019). Don’t You Know Who I Am? How to Stay Sane in an Era of Narcissism, Entitlement, and Incivility. Post Hill Press.

• Clark, D. (2018). Understanding Narcissistic Abuse: A Guide for Survivors. Self-Published.

• American Psychological Association. (2023). Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Retrieved from APA

• Greenberg, E. (2020). Narcissistic Types: Understanding and Dealing with Them. Self-Published.