Narcissists tend to speak overly positively, even when describing something negative. They want to come across as good people and avoid admitting fault or wrongdoing, even if they feel guilty inside. This behavior reflects their desire to put their best foot forward and hide their true selves.
For example, they might say, “I’m not sure if it’ll work out with us, but I’m willing to give it a shot.” They try to make it seem like it’s more likely than it really is. Narcissists often use empty compliments to make others feel good about themselves, saying things like, “I’m just so happy,” or “You look beautiful today,” even if they don’t genuinely feel that way.
They may downplay their issues, saying, “It’s not that bad,” or, “It could be worse,” using the word “could” instead of “would.” They always strive to make themselves look good, even at the expense of others.
3. Exaggeration
Narcissists use a lot of exaggeration and hyperbole in conversations. They are known for their big talk and extravagant claims. They may claim to be the world’s richest person or say they own a mansion on every continent, even if their reality is quite different.
They often exaggerate their jobs and achievements, claiming to have won awards or achieved major milestones, even if those claims are false. For instance, they might say, “I’m the best,” or “I’m the greatest.” They also tend to use hyperbole to make situations seem more significant than they are.
For example, if someone says, “I’m so hungry,” a narcissist might respond, “Well, I’m starving.” They may also claim to have run 10 miles when they only took a short walk. Narcissists love to portray themselves as the most important person in the world, making their lives seem harder than they are in comparison to others.
4. Words That Don’t Mean Anything
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