How Narcissistic Rage Truly Shows Itself (What You Need to Know)

What does passive manifestation mean? Narcissists use this approach to keep others’ attention focused on them. Being sensitive, egocentric, and entitled individuals, they have high opinions of themselves and expect admiration from those around them. When their expectations are not met, even minor criticisms can feel like major attacks.

Despite feeling wounded, narcissists avoid showing vulnerability, as they perceive themselves as superior. They may retreat into periods of sulking or disengagement. This can take the form of the silent treatment or showing indifference, where they distance themselves from others over time.

For instance, a narcissistic man may feel jealous if his partner praises other men. In response, he might ignore her for an extended period. The partner, disliking such treatment, may eventually focus all her attention on him to avoid triggering a similar reaction.

3. Passive-Aggressive Manifestation

In this form, narcissists act on aggressive impulses indirectly. Although they may feel anger and hostility, they choose to express these feelings covertly rather than through overt aggression. Passive-aggressive behaviors include verbal hostility, such as invalidating others’ experiences or making subtle insults to undermine confidence.

For example:

Treating an adult as though they are a child to make them feel inadequate.
Using humor to criticize others, then brushing it off with, “I was just kidding.”
Deliberate stubbornness, like an employee resisting new policies by refusing to do their work.

A passive-aggressive narcissist may even feign indifference, such as serving food to someone knowing they are allergic, to display their anger indirectly.