Because narcissists require constant stimulation for their egos, they surround themselves with people willing to cater to their obsessive need for affirmation. However, these are one-sided relationships where narcissists are the ones who are constantly receiving everything from you.
Number 2: Compliments and Gestures. Narcissists become attached to those who can feed their egos. A narcissist’s sense of superiority is like a hot air balloon that needs the air produced by fire to stay inflated at the top. This hot air balloon is fueled by a steady stream of applause and recognition. The occasional compliment is insufficient, as narcissists require continuous stimulation for their egos. They surround themselves with people who will affirm their self-worth, and they love to be with those who can make them feel good about themselves.
Narcissists do not react the same way as ordinary people when receiving compliments. The usual response to a compliment is gratitude; however, narcissists often do not know how to express sincere thanks and may not think they need to say it at all. They expect praise, and kind gestures from others are a given. Narcissists also do not give compliments back because, for them, making others feel good about themselves is not their responsibility. You’d be lucky to receive a compliment from a narcissist, and even if you do, you have reason to be suspicious, as narcissists often use backhanded compliments—those that include an insult tied to them.
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