The manifestation of an inflated self-perception is associated with narcissism. However, this diagnosis has several unusual subtypes that are difficult to guess at first glance. The communal narcissism is considered to be one such manifestation.

Unfortunately, not everyone can identify it, although such a form of maladaptive behavior can manifest itself in your loved ones. To understand how to identify such people need to refer them to specialists. But even on your own, you can notice such behavior if you know a little more about this diagnosis. Let’s try to understand it together with us.

Definition of communal narcissism

Dealing with how to spot a communal narcissist in your friend group it is worthwhile to first understand the definition of this diagnosis. For the first time, it was talked about in 2018 after the publication of a study of such a disease. It is believed that communal narcissism is manifested to receive praise for his actions from others.

Such people want to receive constant praise and wish to be perceived as altruistic. Yes, they do good deeds, but primarily to receive praise. This makes them feel morally superior to others.

How communal narcissism manifests itself

At first glance, it is difficult to tell whether signs someone is a communal narcissist at work relatives, friends, or colleagues. But if you communicate with them more closely, you can notice that people with such manifestations will treat with kindness only those who meet their expectations.

At the same time, they themselves may have unrealistic expectations of other people. They consider their capabilities as grandiose and unique. And if people do not recognize them as such, then all kindness and altruism in the direction of such citizens simply disappear. Therefore, before believing in the good intentions of other people it is better to get to know them better. Perhaps you encounter people with the diagnosis of communal narcissism.

Causes of Communal Narcissism

For many people, the behavior of a covert communal narcissist is not a big deal. However, people with this diagnosis can negatively affect the lives of others. Some of the reasons for its manifestation include:

• childhood traumas;
• abusive behavior with a person;
• ignoring their needs, etc.

As a rule, such people do not realize the presence of such a disease. They are sure that they act correctly, and all their narcissistic behavior is unconscious.

Signs that your loved one has communal narcissism

To understand what makes someone a communal narcissist explained you need to study the signs of this diagnosis. People with communal narcissism suffer from trust issues. The reason is that they do not see that people perceive actions and deeds (as they think with a purely good purpose) differently. This is what makes them distrust even those closest to them.

In addition, communal narcissism can manifest itself in:

• trying to center society’s attention on one’s actions;
• rebuking others for not acting as they do (e.g., by making large donations to charity);
• constantly discussing the importance of fairness;
• focusing on injustice from others;
• exaggerating one’s skills and knowledge;
• offering help and then emphasizing what one owes.

As you can see, the signs of communal narcissism are quite numerous. Therefore, it is not difficult to identify a person with such a diagnosis. But it is much more difficult to understand how to behave around him.

How to behave with a person with such a diagnosis

When dealing with examples of communal narcissist traits it is important to understand that with such people you should:

• set clear boundaries in communication;
• do not let them influence your behavior;
• act with them decisively, but do not pass on their opinion.

If you act on these points, then with such a person you will be able to be in a fairly good and friendly relationship. In some moments he will be able to come to your aid where others have refused. But remember that at such moments he should be praised and stopped when he criticizes others.