They fake laugh, which disappears within seconds, and you will see a serious face almost instantly. It’s an exaggerated laughter meant to please or fool people. It’s not possible for someone to laugh loudly and then have a flat, poker-like face immediately. There is usually a gradual transition for most people: laughing, then smiling, then a more neutral expression. For a narcissist, it’s a mask they put on and forget to keep on. When that happens, you see this quick, black-and-white contrast. They will be laughing, then suddenly serious. This contrast shows a lack of genuine happiness. They only know how to follow the script. How do I know this? I have experienced it and have an interesting story to share, but that’s for another occasion.
Facial Expression Number 5: The Pitiful Smile
The pitiful smile a narcissist puts on their face says, “I’m happy for you, but I’m the real victim here.” You may see this mostly in vulnerable narcissists who thrive on their victimhood. They want everyone to think they’re the biggest victim in the room and deserve all the attention. They show their disappointment through passive aggression. Underneath that victim facade lies a secondary psychopath who can do anything to take revenge. This pitiful smile signals to all possible sources of supply, enablers, and flying monkeys to have pity on them. They believe they deserved the award, accolade, or accomplishment, not the person who received it. This is a lot, but it is communicated through that pitiful smile. I have experienced this all my life from my own narcissistic mother. That used to be her signature smile, which I called the guilt-trip smile. When she smiled like this, I knew I had done something wrong, and she needed to be saved. I would jump in to rescue her, forget everything I had achieved, and make it about her ego. That was my role.
Facial Expression Number 6: The Head Shaking
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