The Narcissistic Worldview

At the core of the narcissistic psyche lies a “false self” — a grandiose construction that must be constantly fed by external validation. People around them are seen primarily as extensions of their ego. They are not perceived as autonomous individuals, but as tools to reinforce the narcissist’s sense of superiority.

Objectification of Others

Unlike healthy relationships, where the other’s subjectivity is acknowledged, narcissists tend to objectify people. They see others as “narcissistic supply providers”: sources of praise, attention, obedience, or social value.

When this “supply” is no longer sufficient, the narcissist tends to devalue or discard the person with chilling coldness, as if throwing away a useless object.

Impaired Empathy

While many narcissists may display cognitive empathy — the ability to identify emotions in others — they lack affective empathy, the capacity to genuinely care about another’s feelings. This makes manipulation easier: they understand the emotional impact of their actions, but use it for personal gain.

Categories of People in the Narcissist’s Mind

Narcissists often classify people into three categories:

1. Admirers or Subordinates – Those who praise or follow them;

2. Rivals or Threats – Those who question their superiority;

3. Irrelevant – Those who offer no ego gratification.

This classification shapes their behavior, which may shift quickly from seductive charm to ruthless contempt.

Projection and Blame-Shifting

When confronted with criticism or failure, narcissists often respond with primitive defense mechanisms, such as projection (attributing their own feelings to others) and blame-shifting. Others are made responsible for anything that threatens the narcissist’s fragile self-image.

Superficial and Cyclical Relationships

Relationships with narcissists usually follow a repetitive cycle:

1. Idealization – The other person is placed on a pedestal;

2. Devaluation – Minor flaws become major threats;

3. Discard – The person is abruptly rejected or ignored.

Coexistence and Boundaries

Dealing with a narcissist requires strong self-awareness and firm boundaries. Recognizing manipulative patterns is the first step toward protecting yourself from emotional harm and preserving your psychological integrity.