Tiffany ColburnA few years back, when my relationship with my now boyfriend was just beginning, he introduced me to his unique perspective on human behavior, on how others see narcissists. He proposed that individuals can be categorized into two distinct types: those driven by words and those who prioritize actions. This intriguing viewpoint sparked my curiosity about how this theory applies to the way people perceive Narcissists, which is often vastly different from how Narcissists view themselves.
He expanded on this idea by saying that the core difference lies in where individuals assign their “value”—either in the promises they make or in the actions they take. He described word-oriented people as those who frequently use phrases like “I’m going to,” “I’ll get to it,” and “I plan on doing it,” yet consistently fail to follow through. On the other hand, action-oriented individuals are the ones who can confidently say, “I’ve done it,” “It’s completed,” and “It’s already taken care of.” In essence, word-oriented people invest their value in what they say, while action-oriented people invest their value in what they do.
Exploring the Nature of Narcissism
At the core of narcissism lies a deep-seated sense of inflated self-importance, a striking deficit in empathy, and a tendency for manipulation. Individuals with narcissistic tendencies often perceive themselves as inherently superior and may disregard the needs and feelings of those around them. This lack of empathy shows in different ways, especially in their inability to recognize or acknowledge the emotions and needs of others, making any form of mutual understanding or compromise challenging.
The manipulative behavior of a narcissist can be particularly problematic, especially in situations that require sensitivity and cooperation, such as during a divorce. They might use various tactics to maintain control or gain the upper hand, disregarding the emotional toll their actions may impose on others. This can complicate the divorce process, making it more contentious and emotionally draining than necessary.
Understanding these traits is essential not only for personal clarity but also for strategizing how to handle interactions with a narcissist effectively. It reinforces the importance of seeking appropriate support—whether through counseling, legal advice, or a divorce coach—to navigate the complexities of dealing with a narcissistic individual. Recognizing the signs of narcissism can empower those affected to approach the situation with the necessary foresight and resilience, making sure they are better prepared to protect their interests and well-being. It can help how others see narcissists and how their actions and words don’t always align.
Puzzling It Out: Connecting the Dots with Narcissism
Reflecting on my boyfriend’s theory, I initially found it interesting but struggled to see how it applied to narcissists. This connection baffled me for some time as we dove deeper into our relationship and strengthened our connection. He would often illustrate his point with various examples, using the age-old adage that actions speak louder than words and highlighting individuals who were more about verbal promises than actual actions. He would describe behaviors he saw in his parents as examples, yet the full understanding didn’t click for me immediately.
It wasn’t until I had the opportunity to meet his parents that the pieces began to fall into place. Observing their dynamics firsthand, I started to understand the stark difference between those who “talk the talk” and those who “walk the walk”—and how these traits could be alarmingly characteristic of narcissistic behaviors. The exaggerated self-importance and manipulation my boyfriend described mirrored the traits we discussed earlier, how others see narcissists: a deep-seated sense of entitlement, a profound lack of empathy, and a propensity for exploiting situations for personal gain.
This revelation tied back to the broader concept of recognizing and dealing with narcissistic tendencies, whether in personal relationships or challenging situations like divorce. It emphasized the importance of understanding between mere words and actual deeds, especially when navigating relationships with individuals who may exhibit narcissistic traits. Understanding this difference has not only enhanced my comprehension of his theory but also offered invaluable insights into managing and interacting with narcissistic personalities effectively.
I See Now How Others See Narcissists
After several years together, my boyfriend, my children, and I moved in together, along with his parents.
There was a period, typically after dinner, when we’d engage in the kind of discussions many couples do. One evening, my boyfriend shared a perspective on understanding people through their words and actions. He suggested that we should listen carefully to what people say, what they discuss, and what they stress in their conversations. He pointed out the importance of watching how they treat others, such as service staff, and how they respond to inconveniences or disappointments, like receiving poor service or dealing with customer support issues. “Notice if they remain courteous when things don’t go their way,” he said, “or if they lose their temper over a mix-up in their order.”
While this is something I had read over and over in my studies of narcissism, it didn’t take long after moving in together to witness firsthand the behavior he described, especially in his parents. Their conversations often featured stories of a past filled with achievements, notable acquaintances, and possessions. Yet, these same stories were combined with complaints about our home, the local dining scene, and a general dissatisfaction with nearly everything around them. Their critical and often unhappy demeanor was a stark contrast to the life of accomplishment and luxury they recounted in their tales.This period of adjustment and observation highlighted a critical lesson about understanding and empathy, showing me the value of looking beyond the surface of people’s words and actions to grasp the deeper currents of their behavior and attitudes.
Actions Speak Louder Than Words: Unveiling the Narcissistic Disguise
The realization hit me with clarity—the point of what he had been trying to share all this time about the nature of narcissism. Narcissists are masters of presentation, obsessively curating how they appear to others rather than honoring their commitments. They are prone to making grand promises with little intention of fulfillment, using their eloquence for manipulation and domination rather than for constructive problem-solving or nurturing relationships. This reflection on my boyfriend’s insights into narcissistic behaviors clarified a deeper understanding of the difference between words and actions.
This concept goes back to a childhood lesson: actions indeed speak louder than words. Narcissists skillfully use language to inflate their achievements, charm their way into people’s trust, and shift blame onto others for their failures. This dishonesty serves not only to enhance their image but also to undermine and control those around them. Over time, the façade they construct with their words crumbles, revealing their true character through inconsistent and self-serving actions. They may promise the moon, yet their lack of follow-through, avoidance of accountability, and manipulative tactics—ranging from gaslighting to outright deception—betray their true intentions.
Narcissists’ actions—or often the lack thereof—betray a deeper selfishness. They prioritize their desires above all else, showing little regard for the impact of their behavior on others. In their world, relationships are not mutual partnerships but avenues for furthering their interests. Their interactions are calculated, with every act and word intended to serve their agenda, manipulating and controlling others to maintain their crafted image and meet their needs.
Through years of observation and personal experiences, I’ve pieced together the puzzle of narcissistic behavior. It wasn’t until my boyfriend shared the distinction between ‘word people’ and those who live by their actions that the pattern became clear. Now, equipped with this understanding, I find it easier to articulate the complex nature of narcissism to others. It’s a powerful reminder that in separating character and truth, we must look beyond the superficial allure of words to the revealing truth of actions.
Conclusion: Seeing Through the Narcissistic Veil
Gaining insight into how others perceive narcissists can explain the detailed web of manipulation and selfishness they weave. This understanding echoes the timeless adage that actions indeed reveal more than words ever could. Narcissists excel in crafting an illusion of greatness with their words, yet it’s their actions that ultimately disclose a starkly contrasting reality. They are known for their grandiose promises and ambitious plans that seldom materialize, leading to a legacy of broken commitments and unmet expectations.
As you steer through the turbulent waters of divorce, recognizing these narcissistic traits becomes an important navigational tool. It equips you with the knowledge and insight necessary to seek out the right support and guidance during such a pivotal time. For those seeking camaraderie and understanding from individuals who can truly empathize with your situation, I encourage you to join our Divorce Support Group. It’s a place where we can collectively face the challenges of divorce, supporting each other toward a future that shines with promise and hope. Discover more about our Divorce Support Group and how it can be a pillar of support for you.
Remember, you are not navigating this path alone. Together, we can embark on this journey towards healing and renewal, empowered by our community’s shared strength and solidarity.
