What is a Covert Narcissist?

[@ezybella]

Narcissists don't like it when you're being yourself and developing your own personality because they only "love" you if you allow them to manipulate you. They basically see you as a puppet with strings. Yes, they think they own you!

[@laeebcitycenter]

Idk but I'm kinda being jealous from ppl who have their own personalities to the point I just become mean to them or noticed my thoughts directly going to how do I win my control over them when I feel I lost control of everything and I'm really inscure but try to look the best even if it means being alone is that narcissism?

[@hankhill3417]

They want those with weak boundaries

[@kiegetthipszter]

you just described cats in general 😅

[@kmsongbird]

yep

[@thecheekyambipom5730]

Exactly!!!!

[@kevinhornbuckle]

This is a very accurate description of narcissism in parents. They harm their kids deeply.

[@Willowgrey31]

Now you are getting me to think deeply about my parents...Thank you.

[@starisesun7692]

Very deeply

[@carolinecollett956]

Especially the mother as we are bonded from babies whilst our fathers are the bread winners

[@SSzabo-lp1ug]

Yep.... Its a nasty think

[@sherriflemming3218]

Toxic Parents by Susan Forward Attached by Amir Levine and Rachel Heller Getting The Love You Want by Harville Hendrix IMAGO Safe People by Henry Cloud Emotional Intimacy by Robert Masters Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman The Hoffman Process by John and Julie Gottman The Untethered Soul by Micheal Singer

[@freedomofspeech6095]

My mother was a overt narc, I’m 56 and spent some twenty years in and out of therapy. But most therapist don’t understand narcissism they’d just look at me with a stoic expression as though I was just angry and unforgiving. Few times while describing some of my mothers cruelty to my therapist, my teeth would chatter, I was in my forties then and still scared of my mother. That women really frightened me. I suffered with Post traumatic stress most of my life. I did the no contact too (trying to protect my heart and mind) but I was the only child so eventually I’d get drawn back into the drama. She’s dead now, but I tell you ......it was like living with a terrorist! She was always out to get me! She was never my friend. I could never trust my own mother.

[@liafinnegan6148]

Reading your comment, I felt so very understood. I really, really feel for you. I'm very sorry for everything that was done to you. Likewise, I've been in therapy on and off for about 4 years and I still feel like I am making little to no headway in repairing the damage done to my mind and soul. It makes me very discouraged seeing how very long and arduous it has been to heal from this. I will keep you in my mind and prayers that you will find healing and peace, friend. All the best.

[@miriam100ful]

they are empty vessels I don't think they have a soul tbh.

[@aaronharkins4331]

It’s weird being in a war in your own home with your own parents. My Mom is definitely covert and my dad might be. I only realized this recently in my late twenties. Luckily I’ve been able to start winning some battles now that I know it’s war. I certainly don’t win every time but I’m getting better everyday. I really need to go no contact though. All that said I’ve heard that Chris Voss (FBI agent who literally negotiated with terrorists) has some skills and strategies in his book that are profoundly effective with narcs.

[@swathysree6307]

I know exactly what you mean. I am living with one and my dairy writing have exactly these descriptions of narc. And this is validation also

[@sp4rtavus244]

Same. Some people have a sense of release when their Narcissist parent passes away, they regain there life or make the life that they want.

[@honoryourself2098]

having narcissistic parents is such a trip... The first hurdle is getting over the cognitive dissonance and putting the blame for their abusive treatment back with its rightful owner, (and goodluck with that) because they always lead you to believe that the way they mistreated you was your fault. The blatant hypocrisy of how they always want you to 'be responsible', and yet they evade responsibility at every chance they get. Parentification sucks..

[@havadatequila]

It's tough because you know your parents had to have been raised in a hellscape to become this way, but they also are responsible for their actions. For them to come to middle age and still not have addressed it leads you to think they really are bad people.

[@naileaolivas1402]

Facts

[@ryensolar4000]

@Unknowing exactly! It's not an excuse, but back then people didn't have much empathy

[@jake_with_the_BIG_snake]

well put, although i would use the word weak instead of bad

[@hayleyferguson5284]

Sometimes narcissists are formed by being spoilt, given everything.

[@busystreet38]

“Bad” is a moral judgement. They’re psychologically screwed up people. Toxic people.

[@toddboothbee1361]

I almost became/or I was a narcissist. When someone set boundaries, had other things to do, didn't think I was a god, I was (usually privately) enraged. I wanted revenge (fortunately never pursued it). I felt that I'd been shunned by the world, malignantly cast out into an indifferent universe, murdered. Eventually I grew to find my dramatic reactions funny and absurd. I'd grown competent in my own interests and understood (duh!) that others, like me, had plans and pursuits and other obligations. I'm a little frightened to think I may have ended up locked into such an odd, narrow prison, had I not gained some perspective. Today, other people's autonomy from me allows me more freedom and makes me feel less alone than I would have had I gone the narcissism route. Making others into mere props of the self is incredibly lonely, like a child playing with toy soldiers by himself all day for years.

[@kevinhornbuckle]

Todd Boothbee Very well said!

[@threethrushes]

Wisdom.

[@nietzschesmuse]

You are very brave all the power to you.

[@johnnycochicken]

The perspective is appreciated

[@machinegurlll]

Im glad you wrote this. So often you only hear one side of the story, painting them as evil - don't get me wrong, narcissists certainly can be evil - but I think it's difficult to listen to that perspective and think "oh, that sounds like me!". What i mean is it must be hard for narcs to recognize it within themselves.. it takes a lot of strength to do what you did. It also helps me understand what is going on in their heads a lot better. More power to you :)

[@rainbeau9752]

Thank you I was parentified only child. My father was so sneaky being so mean to me. No one truly sees a narcs cruelty, they just say “oh you’re overreacting “ To this day I feel misunderstood, alone, and not heard.

[@dominique7269]

I hear you and believe you. I also understand.

[@sherriflemming3218]

Toxic Parents by Susan Forward Attached by Amir Levine and Rachel Heller Getting The Love You Want by Harville Hendrix IMAGO Safe People by Henry Cloud Emotional Intimacy by Robert Masters Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman The Hoffman Process by John and Julie Gottman The Untethered Soul by Micheal Singer

[@TheReal_Pim_Tool]

My mom was/is a narcissist. She used to ditch me at stores and places all the time sometimes for hours at a time and started when I was 6. I didn't realize until I became an adult that she did this because she was hoping I would get abducted or something would happen to me. Most people I have known that are narcissist are the type where they portray themselves as perfect and so generous, but in actuality they are very selfish, manipulative and cruel. A narcissist doesn't love anyone because they can only love themselves.

[@K-A5]

Omg, Ive never seen anyone experience the same thing! My mom also used to constantly "lose" me in stores. It was so frustrating, my 5 year old self used to think my mom was just dumb and I would yell at her that shes supposed to not leave me alone. I always felt she resented me and had disgust and contempt towards me but she never admits to it because then that would make her a Bad Mom, like her mom. Im sorry you endured that crap too.

[@petekdemircioglu]

Its actually they cant love themselves that they cant love anyone.

[@aaronharkins4331]

I’ve heard narcs can experience love but it’s a muted numbed version of what someone with empathy would experience. At least that’s what a self proclaimed NPD diagnosed person said. I think the love they express is more rooted in fear and so isn’t really love at all.

[@viktoriakey4852]

Hey, what are you? they don't love themselves first.

[@monicaraybon1802]

They don’t love themselves

[@albatroce2324]

Had a number of narcissistic teachers. Not adoring them meant they would go on a personal and public vendetta against you. And they often got the rest of the class on their side.

[@Cymricus]

My father too was overt and my mother covert. No one understands why I walked away from my mother. Your video on leaving your parents helped me begin that journey in 2017. Stay being you Daniel. It’s a hard world to live in if you believe in individual freedom and expression and value every individual as equal.

[@homeiswheretheharpis.u.]

Love the fact that you’ve survived two narcissistic parents and can talk about this to us! I had one narcissistic parent and still suffer a lot at the age of 42! Still trying to heal......thankyou for sharing 😍

[@bigandlittlecane]

I am so sorry this happened to you

[@dvlixin]

Your experience with your mother stealing your friends helped me realize that my mom did the same thing with all my relationship. And because of that i just ended up giving up at forming relationships with other people, so they wouldn't be corrupted in any way.

[@KT-gl6fe]

Oh my goodness I keep brushing off my mom being a narc but she did that and still does that with my friends... And she is so nice to them and will never do those things for me. So everyone around me never believes me that she can be so insane....

[@karishort1891]

I breathed a sigh of relief when my mother passed. Then I felt guilty for feeling relief! Ugh! It's a lifelong battle and one that you have to constantly work through even if they're dead and gone!! Thank you for sharing this with all of the survivors of this crazy mental illness!!

[@thethreadedtarot777]

Jeez. My mom trying to win over my friends by being cool is something I had never detected as narcissistic behaviour but... touché. On top of that, she was a high school teacher who could really force this persona by being helpful and patient with those who struggled (the more broken the kid's family was, the more she'd support them). She was also incredibly fun in class. Needless to say everyone wished they had such a cool mum as mine...

[@phoeni3902]

I have a deep-seated respect for anyone who's managed to survive a narcissistic household I've experienced a Covert-Narc back when I was dating a girl before her mask slipped off and I realised what she really was, luckily I realised just barely 3 months into the relationship, I managed to get away unscathed (It was absolutely horrible, but there wasn't really anything that took a long time to heal from, given that we'd only known each other during those 3 months) , when I read stories of people recalling their own experiences with Narcs it makes my heart weep for them having dated a Narc was such an awful experience, though luckily I was able to escape, but having to be raised by a Narc? as your parent?, oh dear God, I wouldn't wish something like that on my worst enemy To anyone else who's had to suffer at the horrendously uncaring nature of a narcissist: Stay strong, you're perfect as you are. The very essence of you is inherently worthy of love. You don't need to contort yourself into something you're not in order to attain validation and acceptance, you just simply being yourself makes you beyond good enough to be worthy of all the love you could ever desire from a loved one. You are enough.

[@michasosnowski5918]

I am not sure If i dated covert narc, but I have my suspicions. This isalso related to me being raised by one - so its partially my fault for not seeing this clearly at the beggining. I was just given some stuff back when I gave alot of love and attention first. I think she was deeply hurt as a child, but its not my job now to parent her and fix her, so I just stopped doing the loving, becouse I started to feel resentful. Narcissist or how you call them are not there to get you. In my case it was just repeating pattern of my mother, WHO was really the covert narcissist. And back then I was victim who was completely dependent on her and didnt had a choice. I still wish this girl the best, but she needs to do the steps to heal.

[@JohnSmith-cg3cv]

The last paragraph almost made me tear up. I’m 21 and recently I had a girlfriend - first romantic relationship as an adult - that was so kind and caring to me that she reminded me of what I forgot: that I am inherently worthy of real love and care. After some reflection, I think I realized that I am a narcissist. I do see people in terms of what I can get from them and I find myself not caring so much about their emotions and how I may be hurting them. Maybe the first step to becoming less narcissistic is acknowledging that I have many narcissistic qualities. I only wonder how I became a narcissist. Genetics? Feeling like no one really cares about me and listens to me? Trauma from teenage years? Being spoiled as a child, at least in terms of material possessions? The way my parents raised me and how they behaved? I don’t know.

[@jpmason151]

@@JohnSmith-cg3cv it’s hard to recognize and accept one’s own flaws so I think it’s courageous of you to say this about yourself. As far as causes and solutions, doing honest work with an empathetic therapist is probably your best option. It’s extremely helpful to gain an unbiased view from a knowledgeable and experienced therapist to continue improving oneself and overcoming flaws and consequences of life experiences.

[@freedomofspeech6095]

Oh my goodness.......for the first time in my life, I feel totally understood. Both my parents were narcs. This video explains so much about what it was like for me dealing with very selfish, emotionally stunted parents! Thanks so much.

[@jamesgreenldn]

Covert means, 'not openly acknowledged or displayed' as opposed to overt, which is something, 'done or shown openly; plainly apparent.'

[@misstalulah9063]

Yes, this! Both covert and overt narcissists can be craftily manipulative. The difference between a covert and overt narcissist is the grandiosity - an overt narc is grandiose - but a covert narc is introverted and their grandiosity is hidden. It’s not visible. Which can make it very difficult to identify them - especially if they are also hidden about their abusiveness. But both covert and overt narcs can use hidden forms of abuse. It’s important to know the difference as otherwise a lot of covert narcs go under the radar because of that lack of grandiosity.

[@alicemcrafe]

hi Daniel! my mother is also covert narcissist. I have found out it recently and I do not talk to her any more. I saw how toxic she were and how devious her actions and words were. She was trying to ruin my life and my soul (for no reason).

[@The7dioses]

Some of them are covert, yet Very aware of what they are doing.

[@royh4305]

TBH I think most of them do not know what they are doing. It's no excuse, but it's true. They are just being their true self without thinking.

[@aicerg]

This made me think of my mother's justification for having a better relationship with some of her children and not others. She says she will naturally be closer to those of her children who are open to her. But not once has she stopped to think why some of us do not open up to her in the first place, for which there are plenty of covert and overt reasons. She just sees our closed off attitude as a rejection of her kindness and good heart, so she gravitates towards the ones who play the act the way she wants it to be played. This is so messed up, oh god.

[@juliadplume3097]

My sister, who is 4 years older than me is a covert and she would do the same growing up. I would bring friends over and she would seduce them away, then because they were being accepted by an older “cool kid” and did not have an older sister of their own would turn against me. In later years being around my sister felt like being around someone trying to use me, redirect all my energy towards them and neglect my own needs. I don’t even talk to her anymore. She tried to use my father’s passing to get me on the phone but I did not take the bait. I know it sounds bad that I would not talk to her over a common significant loss but it was one that we all knew could happen anytime over the past decade so it was not unexpected. If my grief was spread out over several years than so may hers have been and therefore the recent loss was bittersweet in that he is no longer suffering and in the afterlife with those who went before. Anyway, I consider my sister someone who does not have my best interest in mind and I don’t have time for her meddling or other BS, my hard fast rule about her is zero contact.

[@karishort1891]

Mine was the same way and I have been no contact since 2016. There is no other way to deal with them. I do find myself remembering the good times now and then and I will miss her but I remind myself how horrible she was in between those times and it keeps me away!!

[@CHSN-1]

I’ve been studying narcissism for yrs and I’m a therapist as well. You just blew my mind and I just had so many realizations. My Dad was overt and my mom was a sneaky covert lunatic. They attacked me of all siblings because I was my own person. Thank you so much my friend! Do you do coaching or anything like that?

[@alexxx4434]

Most people that received trauma by narcissists may not realise that going through that they may have unconsciously acquired narcissist traits themselves. Therefore, the part of the healing process is also doing away with narcissist parts in you. Talking from my personal journey. _"The best revenge is not to be like your enemy."_ - *Marcus Aurelius*

[@leahflower9924]

It's not that bad if you can catch yourself it's not like you'll develop the full blown pathology because that starts at a really young age most people have to worry more about becoming borderline or codependent as a reaction I'm undiagnosed borderline after trauma

[@user-ev5le7qh6g]

My parents are narcissists who are frequently angry because I refuse to act as their puppet to play according to their script. One day I finally wake up and realise what I survived from. Now I still dreamed of them as sticky black monsters in my nightmares, I think that's who they really are.

[@alexadellastella5247]

I agree, same to me... thanks for sharing

[@MrZakatista]

As soon as I started standing up for myself, I was cut off immediately. It was CRAZY. Lying, tantrums, silence. So glad I did it.

[@kirklee66]

it took me 50 yrs to uncover my uncle that had abused me since i was 4 yo, covert can be very tricky and deceiving, his favorite role was that of a victim, but u r right Daniel i finally started to pay attention to the way i felt after being around him and thats when i realized that he was very toxic and i first informed him that he was hurting me with the things he was saying/doing and then they got worse, so i pulled away and then the mask came off and boy was it nasty what i saw, an enraged nasty child, anyway i no longer talk with that side of the family cuz they are all highly damaged narcs, i tried so long and so hard to get them to love me and i finally came to the very very painful realization that they never would because they r uncapable of loving, very sad... but i do have truckloads of love in me its just hard to let it out most the time

[@sheilaghm49]

Wow, this is so insightful! I love your honesty. Thank you for sharing and teaching!!!

[@rihannagirl556]

I relate to the part about friends. My mum would get close to my friends and help them out financially and so if i ever needed to vent about my mum to my friends, it would become very awkward. It was like she used this "help" as insurance. Im not going to let future friendships be sabotaged this way

[@kimvannote5024]

Great video - Thank You. I had a mother like yours and it was a Nightmare and so Damaging. Covert Narcissists are Insidiously Abusive. They are stealthy, sneaky and manipulative. They undermine your perceptions - you as a person. Best to go No Contact with these Deadly and Dangerous People. I have a lot of Empathy for Children of Narcissistic Parents. It's Tragic what they go through.

[@shahad1982]

Every time I watch your videos I discover that we do have the same exact parents. This is the first time I hear my own story/struggle with my family in a very authentic way. Thank you so much

[@samsarapearl]

You have a brilliant mind and incredible insight. I could listen to you all day 🙂☺️

[@songbirdsinging1878]

i happen to know my parents' background and the backgrounds of aunts uncles, great aunts uncles, great grandparents etc etc. they lived in poverty, they were emotionally abused. my mother told me she would wet her pants when she heard her step dad come home from work. her step dad was put into an orphanage because his parents had too many children to take care of. my father's mother killed my father's self esteem. my parents checked out completely and abandoned me physically and emotionally. i became stuck as an infant, a seven yr old and a very very angry and resentful teen ager. i played out my life by reacting to life situations in the way of 3 age groups. an infant is needy because they know their life depends on their parents. a seven year old is manipulative and the teen ager blames everything bad in life on her parents. i went to therapy and allowed myself to feel the deep pain and fear. i felt the powerlessness of the 7 year old. i screamed and blamed my parents. all in front of a compassionate witness. after years of crying, punching pillows and feeling powerless, i took responsibility for myself. i was able to see my parents' pain, fear and feelings of powerlessness. i changed and i realize i don't need them and that i don't need to carry their pain for them anymore. i can be with them now and see them as fellow humans who hurt and who lost the ability to love because love was not mirrored to them as little babies. that clears the road to compassion for myself and my parents. it's hard work. i think working to see our parents' suffering is important in the healing process but the way to get there is to let yourself hate and blame as long as needed.

[@kmsongbird]

@songbird singing What a great deal of progress you have made. God bless you!

[@Rose_Ou]

Children can see hypocrisy without even trying. My mother has always been a soulless monster to me (now also to my son), cold like an ice queen with tongue like a sword. And yet she's been playing a role of mother Teresa imppecably before her friends, neighbours and all family members. She is considered saint (without exaggeration) by all who know her. My father, also a narcissist, used to beat me up really hard to satisfy HER needs. She would always set him up against me to take pleasure in him "punishing" me. They are both monsters. I don't think I hate anyone more than I hate her. I'm happy my brother sees things as I do, although he was her golden child.

[@Oiuytkjhgfmnbvc]

Narcissists will also flip the table with boundaries and cut you off when you no longer serve their purpose while acting as though you victimized them. They'll do this when they feel threatened by you seeing them for what they are. It's like a last power play and they'll take as much as they can in the process

[@agravou]

Amazing.... the saddest thing is that while we grow up we keep meeting the same person in different faces over and over again....

[@Archonbuster]

Thank you for sharing sir. I wanna say that how you expose them is exactly that. Create strong boundaries. My ex wife was a covert. Trust your instincts and keep your boundaries. Co- Dependents are magnets 🧲 for these individuals

[@JungleJargon]

We all want attention sometimes and people are your friends for selfish reasons and they are not your friend for selfish reasons too. It's human nature and we have to step back from reacting the same ways passing on the same kinds of behaviors to other people. *Legitimate* caring relationships are hard to find.

[@rebekah613]

It's so sad how much we can hurt our children because of our own dysfunctional upbringing. Too bad we don't have more self-awareness before we have children. Sometimes we don't know what we don't know. I would that could go back in time and be a better mother with what I know now. :(

[@kmsongbird]

@Reb6137 My feelings exactly. Took my son cancelling me for 2 years to wake me up to see how I have been and to work to change.

[@kellysmith1941]

my ex mother-in-law is a Covert Narcissist and when she realized that she could not control me and was losing control over her son she immediately wanted me out of the picture. She started trying to break up me and her son. She is pure EVIL and I am so happy to have seen her true self and got out of that family. Only think left is to protect my son from her!

[@Marcelube]

I'm sorry you had to go through that, man. Thank you for all your videos. I learned more than with any therapist ever.

[@elipotter369]

Daniel, you have such an insightful, articulate and sensitive way of seeing and explaining what is extremely twisted and veiled behaviour. Thank you.

[@sawdustadikt979]

OMG! My mother did the exact same thing! I’ve been learning all I can absorb about cluster b stuff, similar to you my father was a violent sociopathic/malignant narcissist from what I can tell. My mother did a lot of boarder line stuff but I’m leaning more towards a vulnerable narcissist. Especially the games of triangulation with anyone in proximity and deliberation in her actions to punish but act like it’s never her fault, it’s what you did, what else could she do kinda talk. If your still reading, I separated myself from my entire family almost 20 years ago. It’s a matter of survival. Treat it as such. Take what life you have left on this planet and own it, there is no better “revenge “ you can take on these people than dropping them like a bad habit, focusing on healing yourself and living your best life, they will implode seeing you so happy without them, for months on end.

[@yinchimoon]

Thank you Daniel...I can see how I have both been a victim of covert narcissim both as a child and an adult and a perpetrator of it in relationships with others as an adult and definitely as a child. It's kind of inevitable if we were raised in a situation of merged boundaries that we then struggle with the boundaries of and with others. After all that is what was modelled to us. I see it's been my own terror of losing relationships that has stopped me from making boundaries and therefore separating or truly growing up. For a long time I have tried to avoid romantic relationships for this very reason but it happens everywhere - work relationships, other community connections and sooner or later life it seems forces us to face up to it. It's probably harder to face up to, the greater the self hatred wound has been. Your videos are really helping me. I have a sense that once I do, the worst of the conflict probably will actually drop away because then it becomes easier to see what is for you and what is clearly not. I have spent so much time trying to manipulate people who both feel manipulated by my guilt tripping and who are not interested in self understanding and change. And I can just stop and really see what I am seeking from them can only come from within me.

[@nietzschesmuse]

Wow you are a truth teller, I never understood why my brother only liked me if i had money to send to him. Even in my worse moments he was not my friend. It is all about him his needs his health and happiness, this video it is an eye opener. Thank you.

[@marcelocardoso4737]

I've had the exact same experience with an aunt of mine. Only after a couple of years of disconnecting from her and working on my own healing and learning about NPD could I figure out her real motivations. After cutting me off for standing up for myself, she replaced me with other cousins who until then were treated as basically inexistent. She reproduced the same dynamics, the exact same pattern. Well, it was hard to break free from her, and learning about what exactly happened also costed me emotionally. But I am so glad I am free from her 🙏 Your videos are incredibly accurate 😉👍

[@Paspaspas12]

I’ve really appreciated your earlier videos, but I’m really glad that you did this one. Fantastic take on this personality disorder

[@neitik1179]

12:55 "This is the clue to what I have always felt" - I can so relate to this. When it comes out, it's so clear that it was underneath all the time, but I just didn't have enough "proof" to justify it to myself without thinking there's something wrong with me if I think that way. My father was both, overt and covert. When I think back I can see many clear manifestations of overt narcissism, but in a way he had a soft tone in his personality and he always talked how he only wanted good for everyone and how he was the victim, badly treated. I believed him and began to believe that the things he did meant love, although in some way they didn't feel like love, I just didn't have words or explanations on why they didn't feel like love. I had no way of explaining to myself why I had these mixed feelings.

[@1sanremy]

It is a major step toward psychological health, to accept the idea that both of your parents are equaly responsable of the abusive familial behaviors.

[@jacobeickhardt84]

Thank you for your Courage to make this Content!

[@not2tees]

This is very healing and helpful to me to hear. You are opening up and airing out ancient wounds in psyches that are so needy, right here on KZbin. Thank you so much, again.

[@IMHGfk]

Daniel, what a wonderful post. I have never felt it helpful to have people talk in the abstract about narcissism, but really having these examples along with the dynamics and energies you were experiencing explained, makes it tangible for me. Two questions: 1) You say your mother was wearing this mask of unconditional love. Have you ever felt unconditionally loved by her though? What I am trying to get at here is, wether she was able to fake it on an energy level (which I highly doubt, but still want to know how you experienced it). Like I can imagine THINKING "oh I am unconditionally loved" but not really feeling it. Like a split perception. I just cant imagine to really feel this warm glow of unconditional love when around her? 2) How can you tell if you are a covert narcissist yourself? Since it might just be subconscious. And along with that, how to draw the line with "normal" selfishness in the context of woundedness. Is every lackful needful person necessarily selfish? Because I believe to some degree we are. Depression, Anxiety,... and all that stuff makes you naturally self-absorbed. Co-dependent - people from my point of view - are just the same, even though they are making themselves believe they are no, and that they are super-selfless. (I'd be curious to know if you disagree.) So where is the line? Wouldn't it be maybe much wiser to really look at selfishness at a spectrum? This whole "You are a narcissist and I am not, I might be selfish sometimes, but that is completely in a different realm than who you are." might actually not help the healing process? I am not talking about excusing narcissism (in its various degrees), but taking it a bit out of this black-and-white devil/victim realm people love to put it in. Sorry, BIG questions. But maybe they inspire you to further thought - and if, Id be super interested in hearing your opinion.

[@lt7587]

Hannah I love what you've written, and especially your 2nd point. I really couldn't agree more with what you've said here: the continuum is massively underrated in my opinion and I find it really helpful to keep that in mind with this discussion too. After all, growth is possible in all humans, if and when a person is open to it and even in spite of their at times vast internal wounds. I think it feels to me that without even wanting it to, the discussion otherwise has the potential to become quite pathologising and without any hope of a "shift" in painful dynamics. I love how you've worded your own reflections here - thank you.🙂

[@liamnewsom8583]

Yup, awesome comment. Notice alot of this inherent narcicistic selfishness in my wounded self! I think it's a spectrum. Best thing we can do is call it as we see it.

[@kmsongbird]

@Hanna, I really appreciate how you worded your comment/questions. I'd like to believe that all of this is a spectrum of self-centeredness all humans possess, and that the healing process of relationship can best happen when we approach it from that perspective with love ourselves. In my own case until my son shut down contact and communication with me I was blind to my narcissism, didn't know gaslighting was a "thing" (I was doing it, all the time, but unaware!) and had to to a lot of rethinking, remembering in a new light, etc., and ultimately, repenting, in order to be ready for an eventual (hopefully, but not knowing if it would ever happen) reconciliation and rebuilding of our relationship. We are reconciled now but a long way from "rebuilt".

[@couldntbeproved1392]

​@@kmsongbirdwhat you wrote gives me hope! Good job! People who genuinely acknowledge their mistakes deserve the good their acknowledgement will bring.

[@couldntbeproved1392]

These are 2 great questions.

[@AnupmaJ]

This was such a great explanation of covert narcissism. Some of the things that give narcissists away are Narcissists act in ways to keep your attention focused on them. You are not allowed to have boundaries. Narcissists lack basic human kindness. They help others only to appear good. They love their egos or how they appear in the world but hate that inner child within.

[@christinag.2137]

Oh my, your description of your mother confirms my observations about my mother. The exception was that my mom was a Christian, so my family dynamic had a foundation of religiosity to manipulate for her own benefit. Something always struck me as a little off about my Moms altruism and her targets for good deeds. I now suspect why I feel I was/am an alien in my own family is because I have the least narcissistic characteristics of them all! My not conforming to their ‘rules’ and cohesiveness as a group has made me an outsider. Independent thought is viewed as suspicious at best. Since my Mom passed away, my independent personality has become unforgivable since I now find myself being frozen out by my siblings. However, the siblings would never do it overtly. That would be unChristian of them! but they have gotten their message across very clearly just the same. I’m just so glad I’m finally seeing these relationships for what they are which is toxic and taking I’m taking steps to limit more damaging interactions at this time. Thank you for the video!

[@coreydelaplante828]

I grew up in this household - the official black sheep scapegoat. I managed to heal my wounds using breathwork which I learned in the early 90s. Absolutely saved my life.

[@captainbarbosa6567]

Meditation and breathing has been more helpful thsn anything else for me as well. What kind of breath work did you do?

[@couldntbeproved1392]

Yeah, what kind of breathwork please?

[@coreydelaplante828]

Rebirthing - it forces up repressed memories which is the mind’s most natural and fundamental defence for this type of complex PTSD. It’s just too difficult for the brain of a child to process serious issues such as betrayal and abandonment. It was developed in the 70 and 80s as a means of retrieval in order to come to terms with these issues as an adult.

[@ladybug947]

Thanks for this very relatable explanation, your right that children are greatly damaged by narcissist parent

[@FadelessSparklz]

You are a brave soul. Thank you for these lessons and examples.

[@highhopessince922]

Going through this right now with my mom. Since Ive started setting boundaries it's been a hellish environment to live in but it's also really helpful to understand her abuse now. I would love to hear your thoughts on the overlap between narcissistic traits and borderline traits as Ive noticed quite a bit of similarities.

[@gismosfinalform2031]

I'd say that covert narcissism is dominant in my grandmother's personality. To sum it up, planning for others appears to fuel some part of her existence and she becomes very upset when she's unable to cross those boundaries and make others her doormat. This is what she did to my far more simple-minded grandfather. She plans what he eats, what he wears, where he goes and when, what he can and cannot say... reduced to a child. But she is also very generous to strangers, and so only immediate family members can see the truth.

[@Mohammad-bg1xc]

Oh man you brought back some memories i was always the golden child and i was always looking forward to please my parents until i got some disease and my parents wanted me to take an injection for it but the doctor told you have to sign some papers because this drug has severe side effects so i said no i am not taking it after that i saw the ugly face of my narcissistic parents they started name calling me guilt tripping threatening me to kick me out if i don't obey them unconditionally

[@michasosnowski5918]

Great video. Thanks for sharing and exploring. My mother became so cold, unloving and in denial when I confronted her with some stuff from childhood. My siblings and family still partially believe that she is this paragon of virtue, who fed me and took care of the house, and its me who hurted her. But her mask came off for me few times so that I know. I was just her little servant all the time, doing what she wanted me to do. And complaining about all the people who she presented her good side to(two faced). I also remember that when my siblings confronted her few times, she became nasty to them also. They just maybe didnt had the strenght or willingness to cut her off, so they stayed and pushed me to forgive her instead.

[@jrg305]

Maybe one of the reasons I like you so much Daniel is because you and I are very alike in our differentiation from our parents and also both do therapy lol

[@itsallaboutnothing2672]

You are so professional You clear many things up for me Thank you

[@cameron2506]

This is/was my mother. I am 35 and just starting to recover as I realized about 2/3 months ago. Once you realise it's horrific.

[@godfather2556]

You really put me on point with the covert narcissist. I have been overlooking the signs because it’s a parent. And I’ve been granting them unconditional trust. I don’t trust anyone not one person in this world. How can I.

[@phendranaa]

Some of the most "narcissistic" people I've known have called so many other people narcissists. If people don't cater to the narcissists every whim, they must be the real narcissist lol.

[@bluemoony102]

Thank YOU 🙏🏼 for existing Daniel ♥️

[@bluemoony102]

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[@bluemoony102]

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[@bluemoony102]

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[@belgrademum]

My father and my older sister. It was hell growing up with both of them. It still is, but now I have my ways avoiding them, witch is the best solution with this kind of people, they are sooo toxic. I still cant belive what my sister can say to me, and she repeat over and over again it is because of love and care, and then say something so toxic about me that would stick to my mind for a long long time or forever.. like when I got pregnant very late in my life, and wanting it so much, and she knew I need to be relaxed, not to stress about things, she said to me in front of my parents during some lunch that my husband will inevitably leave me cause I am this and that, and I will end up alone, just wait and see.. I was shocked and started shaking.. in a few days I miscarried.. and when ever something like that happens, already tomorrow she forgets cause its not important for her at all.. so, they truly are hell on earth.

[@Misses-Hippy]

Yup. I had a pair like that, overt father was mostly easier to deal with, but my mother..., much more damaging because it was mixed with a love message. She remains painfully absent, shallow and negligent. My father was simply not there. Saw him once per year. He's deceased now. They were both broken children, like their parents and those before them. I chose to remain child-free and am the happy period at the end of our genetic sentence.

[@matilda4406]

Wow! This is brilliant Daniel, I totally understand. Very accurate. You are an amazing survivor. It takes so much power and courage to place boundaries, and it is the right thing to do. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for sharing.

[@smoozerish]

You nailed it. Excellent observations

[@firouz256]

I was with a diagnosed narcissist for two years. I have managed to run away after more than two years. But I was confronted with my own narcissism. I am deeply confused because I feel like I am a narcissist too! Maybe we were two narcissists in the relationship. I am constantly correcting and questioning myself. I am torn between what my needs are and how I don't want to appear to others. It would be horrible to be. narcissist. I would never want to do to others what was done to me.

[@AdelleRamcharan]

Thank you for sharing, Daniel.

[@zakatista5246]

I have heard the "he / she / you are just like family," line so many times, inevitably followed by banishment. Many, if not most people do not seem to be able to relate with others except through a paradigm of exploiter / exploited.

[@Sketch_Sesh]

Hi Daniel, out of curiosity, what term do you prefer to use rather than narcissist?

[@togherwood]

Brilliant analysis of an overt/covert narcistist. Very good examples of their behaviour. Well done. Continue with those videos you are doing.

[@hellefreude5086]

So good! That's exactly when clarity comes - when you pull back and are whole without them - then they reveal their true self. Just saw this with a seemingly caring colleague, whose kindness evaporated quite definitely as soon as I refused this persons coercive / intrusive 'care'. Quite scary to see! Especially as this person has their unquestioning believers, who they are now spinning against me. Typical right, of classical narcissm!

[@matrixInvader]

do narcissists seek other narcissists for relationships? Are they drawn to other narcissists for relationships? Romantic or otherwise? Or do they recognize the 'game' that other narcissists are playing and avoid them, in preference for someone who wouldn't be able to see it, someone else they'd have a better shot at manipulating ? Or else just for fear of being 'found out' for what they're doing? Or would they be drawn to them, appreciating/respecting a fellow narcissist for their like-talent?

[@AZDC99]

6:00 I'm scapegoat so I didn't have my mom meeting the needs of my friends like your mom even though she did her own way, but she did that with my younger brother's friends. I'd nothing against these guys, but she was treating them more loved kids than me looking back (with 20/20 hindsight) compared to when I came home every six months or 3 months from a safe 3500 miles away. ( not why I moved to Arizona I mean from the DC area ORIGINALLY.. but deacade later IT HAS COME LATELY SUCH a necessity to just heal, that I am so glad not to be anywhere around X family... Have not officially sever the ties but except that my relationships with my siblings who I had to carry the relationships with them, I CERTAINLY NOW KNOW WERE NEVER WHAT I thought they were.... Therefore I am just going to be the scapegoat walking away strong instead of that whole burden of guilt they are hoping to convertly trick me into having. Signed, Mr Scapegoat Of FORTY-SEVEN YEARS OF AGE

[@Daneiladams555]

This was my father too It's too bad But I forgive him now He's gone I feel resolved

[@empowerment.artist]

Drama Triangle: Narcissist, Victim and Rescuer is the Ego. Usually, we oscillate back and forth between the roles. Just as he explains, his mother played the Rescuer for his friend, and became the Narcissist when he made one mistake. And she was the Victim of his father.

[@ehyeh365]

What a great description. HG Tudor opines that speaking about covert vs overt behaviours is more helpful than to say and individual can be an overt vs a covert narcissist as such. He would say your dad is a lesser/low range narcissist and your mother a mid range narcissist (managing a facade, playing the victim, believing herself to be a good person etc…). On the particular topic of narcissism I think his channel is the most helpful, even though there are def things I do not agree with him on… Great video, sure it helps people recognize what they are dealing with. Well done healing from having two parents with NPD. Merely narcissistic I would take to mean the person has some actual felt empathy for some people sometimes but sometimes has no access to it. Also NPD I would understand as a mechanism, a machinery, designed to provide the narcissist with what they need. Attention, control and other stuff… (Thinking the HG Tudor way in that). But sounds like both were actual narcs. Tough! Well done!

[@magdalena.slavova]

Thank you, for this bright analysis and for giving real-life examples which makes it much more useful and understandable. This overt-covert-father-mother alignment is so familiar to me, I know what you are talking about.... I like how you notice that the mother is stuck in an upper age development compared to the overt father and this gives her a little more advantage and a little more conscious to be able to analyze and manipulate the father, playing the "death" opossum. * Also they had strong co-dependence- it is possible one of them not to be narc but to have narc tendencies and to develop through the years strong dependencies because of the organic narc.

[@bbarbie105]

This is so enlightening. I am seeing this is a learned response to trauma. I am so glad I did not have children. I know I have exhibited some of these manipulative traits to get attention and to control others. I would have done alot of damage if I had had children.

[@christinebadostain6887]

YES! You are telling my story. It is a strange and even intoxicating feeling to experience such resonance.

[@garimaheath]

Your parents so much like mine. I think my mom was traumatized around puberty. My dad around age 3-4, maybe 5. My siblings learned from them.

[@BelindaTOV]

My parents and mother n law....exactly!

[@AiiCii]

This is super interesting. When my dad found out I had moved out in secret, he told a relative that I wasn't his daughter. He really took his mask off there

[@Maaraujo7]

Thanks for speaking with ur body language and sign language too! Means a lot 🥹

[@derricksexton6804]

Wow! Your story has so many similar events to my life 😮 I instinctually push my mother out because of her control over my life with my son. I wouldn't allow her to scold him but I didn't have enough respect for myself to speak up for myself. Needless to say, she paired up with my sons' father and new wife. Calling me bipolar, they went to meetings with therapy. My mother lived and helped take my precious son living in the home with the new wife, my son, her 4 other children and my ex abuser. I left the state my ex gets kicked outta his home for drugs and abusing his wife and children. My mother became a late alcoholic and recently passed, I felt weird having relief that my mother was gone and couldn't hurt me with her lies. I could go on with the traumatic events but healing from it all is the best relief and peace with the father creatorof All ❤

[@AldinRamic]

I hope your son is fine. And also it's all right that you felt relieved that your mother died. Just remember look at yourself. And see if you're anything like her. I wish you well.

[@derricksexton6804]

@AldinRamic no doubt I see the capability of being narcissistic and I fight it with all the love the father blesses me with. My son lives and is being bought by the stepmother, she allows him to babysit on the weekends while she goes out drinking. Buys him big toys like motorcycles and let's him have over anyone he wants while she's gone, he's 21 with a beautiful heart. He's in the army and looks to be health-conscious.

[@derricksexton6804]

@@AldinRamic thank you 😊

[@AldinRamic]

@@derricksexton6804 you're welcome 😊

[@sabineeins2651]

He took the words right out of my mouths.

[@meganlangreck2488]

I have been so frustrated with the Covert Narcissist description, because nearly everything I read or listened to that attempted to explain this thing *described every shy, introverted, socially awkward, sensitive, damaged person we have ever met, pretty much*. And I think this has been misguided and will contribute to more stigma against the shy, awkward, introverted and traumatized. I have found a few KZbinrs who have explained it in a way that makes sense. I think your video does a good job. It is Narcissism, it is just a matter of the proportion of Overt and Covert tactics.

[@rashmidhand6834]

Thanks for sharing your personal story. Can you also make a video on how did you deal with the discovery of your parents being a narcissist and what and how did you react or take action?

[@suepalmer4726]

Very helpful, thank you. Your way of explaining the subjects really helps give a new perspective and understanding we appreciate your style.

[@ivaskoda5242]

Thank you, Daniel! I love watching your videos and this one is so great, you know I have similar situation, my parents act in very similar ways than yours, mum cover, father overt. These days I am Just watching your videos, moved in completely different city far from them and this is Just so eye opening. I know I have a lot to process, because to survive I needed to shut down my boundaries, anger, etc. I really thank you for this. I cant wait to get in touch with all of emotion. Thank you!

[@susanralph274]

this is exactly my parents too....my mother (after divorce) when i would visit her with my best friend on weekends so we could go to concerts, she would talk and talk to us like a stand up comedian or speaker and when i asked her to shut up or get to the point, or get mad, my friend would say...."don't yell at your MOTHER' she loved this ongoing thing

[@clareneale99]

You’re describing my mother to a T

[@ShiningSovereignandFree]

Damnnnn! This sounds like my childhood. Mind blown.

[@gloriastroedecke2717]

I have both types of them in my life,family,friends,former bosses and co workers. Excellent explanation of the differences. Covert is nuanced and absolutely not aware but every single bit as toxic.Those that you can cut out of your life, do it. Those you can not remove from your life limit contact and interaction as much as is possible.

[@findjonmoses]

The one message I get from all of these videos is that there isn’t anyone who is innocent or without trauma!