If you’ve ever dealt with a narcissist, you know how infuriating and draining it can be.
These self-absorbed, manipulative people are incapable of genuine empathy, remorse, or self-reflection. They live in a world where everything revolves around them and their fragile egos. They’ll lie, cheat, and exploit people to get what they want, without a shred of guilt. If you’re wondering why they can’t seem to act like decent human beings, it’s because their narcissism won’t allow it. Here are 15 things a narcissist will never do because they simply can’t.
1. Admit when they’re wrong
A narcissist’s ego is so fragile that admitting fault would shatter their entire self-image. They’re always right, even when they’re blatantly wrong. They’ll twist the truth, deflect blame, and gaslight you into doubting your own perception of reality. Accepting responsibility for their mistakes is not in their DNA.
2. Apologise sincerely
Sure, a narcissist might utter the words “I’m sorry” when backed into a corner, but it’s always followed by a “but” and a justification for their behaviour. They’re not sorry for hurting you; they’re sorry they got caught. A genuine, heartfelt apology requires empathy and remorse, which narcissists lack.
3. Listen without making it about themselves
Trying to have a conversation with a narcissist is like talking to a brick wall. They’ll constantly interrupt, dominate the conversation, and steer it back to themselves. They’re not interested in your thoughts or feelings unless they can use them to their advantage. Active listening and giving other people the spotlight is foreign to them.
4. Respect boundaries
Narcissists believe they’re entitled to whatever they want, whenever they want it. Your boundaries mean nothing to them. They’ll invade your privacy, cross lines, and trample over your autonomy without a second thought. “No” is not a word they comprehend.
5. Compromise or meet you halfway
In a narcissist’s world, it’s their way or the highway. They’re unwilling to find middle ground or consider your needs. Compromise is seen as weakness, and they’ll steamroll over you to get what they want. It’s all about their desires and expectations.
6. Take criticism constructively
Narcissists can dish out criticism like it’s their job, but they can’t take it. Any feedback or suggestion for improvement is seen as a personal attack. They’ll become defensive, lash out, or play the victim. They’re incapable of introspection and growth.
7. Put other people’s needs before their own
Narcissists are the ultimate selfish creatures. They’ll happily take advantage of your kindness and generosity, but they won’t reciprocate. Your needs are always secondary to their own. They’ll drain you dry and then discard you when you’re no longer useful.
8. Show genuine empathy
Narcissists can mimic empathy when it serves their purposes, but it’s always hollow and short-lived. They’re unable to truly put themselves in your shoes and feel your pain. Your emotions are just tools for them to manipulate and control you.
9. Take responsibility for their actions
Source: Unsplash In a narcissist’s mind, they’re always the victim and never the perpetrator. They’ll blame everyone and everything else for their mistakes and shortcomings. Personal accountability is a foreign concept to them. It’s always someone else’s fault.
10. Respect your time and energy
Source: Unsplash Narcissists are emotional vampires. They’ll monopolise your time, drain your energy, and leave you feeling exhausted. Your needs and priorities mean nothing to them. They expect you to drop everything and cater to their whims, without any consideration for your own life.
11. Maintain long-term, healthy relationships
Narcissists may charm you initially, but they’re incapable of sustaining genuine, mutually fulfilling relationships. They’ll idealise you, devalue you, and then discard you when they’re done. Their inability to empathise, compromise, and take responsibility makes long-term connections impossible.
12. Forgive and forget
Narcissists are masters at holding grudges. They’ll nurse perceived slights for years and seek revenge when you least expect it. Forgiveness requires empathy and letting go of ego, which they’re incapable of. They’d rather make you suffer than move on.
13. Be truly happy for other people’s achievements
A narcissist’s self-worth is tied to being the best and most admired. When someone else succeeds, it threatens their fragile ego. They’ll belittle your achievements, undermine your confidence, and try to steal your spotlight. Your joy is their misery.
14. Self-reflect and strive for personal growth
Narcissists are stunted in their emotional development. They’re stuck in a perpetual state of immaturity and entitlement. Self-reflection and personal growth require humility and a willingness to change, which they lack. They’re content being stagnant and toxic.
15. Love unconditionally
Source: Unsplash Narcissists throw around the word “love” but they don’t understand its true meaning. Their love is always conditional, based on what you can do for them. The moment you stop meeting their needs or challenge their ego, their affection evaporates. Real, selfless love is beyond their emotional capacity.
