Stop Calling Everyone a Narcissist: What NPD Really Means?
The Problem with the Word “Narcissist” In daily life, we often hear people say, “He’s such a narcissist” or “She’s too self-obsessed.” The term has become a quick insult for anyone who seems arrogant, confident, or self-centered. But in psychology, Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is not just about being selfish—it is a clinically recognized mental health condition. Misusing the term can create stigma and confusion, preventing people with the disorder from getting the help they need. What NPD Really Is Unlike normal confidence or ambition, NPD involves deep, long-lasting patterns of behavior: A grand sense of self-importance A strong need for constant admiration Difficulty understanding or showing empathy Intense reactions to criticism Unstable or conflict-filled relationships Beneath these behaviors often lies fear of rejection, low self-esteem, and emotional vulnerability. A Real-Life Example (Anonymized) A young man was often called “too...