Conversational narcissism causes most people to turn off and stop paying attention when someone subjects them to this form of communication regularly.
Someone with conversational narcissism may not understand they have a real mental health disorder. Attending treatment at Montare Tucson helps the individual understand the reasons why they always turn conversations to themselves and feel invalidated when others become the topic. Our residential treatment center provides care in a private setting that allows people to completely reframe how they see themselves, others, and their place in the world.
What is Conversational Narcissism?
Conversational narcissism causes people to view the world through a narrow lens of how self-important they believe themselves to be. As a result, they express their mental health disorder in many ways, especially through the way they communicate with others. No matter what the subject of a conversation is, narcissists will always turn it back to themselves.
For example, they may start a conversation bragging about their accomplishments, possessions, good looks, and other things that support the idea that they are superior to others. Even if the other person changes the subject, the individual will bring it back to them. Furthermore, if someone speaks about their own experiences or accomplishments, someone with conversation narcissism will butt in to inform the person what they have or do is less impressive than what the narcissist has or does.
Symptoms and Causes
Symptoms of conversational narcissism prove easy to identify if a person speaks enough times with the individual who has it. However, people also want to know what causes a person to develop this challenging mental health disorder.
Signs and Symptoms of Conversational Narcissism
Common signs and symptoms of conversational narcissism include:
- Interrupting others to change the subject to themselves
- Belittling the accomplishments of others
- Always one-upping other people
- Appearing distracted or uninterested when other people talk
- Speaking loudly and gesturing in dramatic ways
- Leaving others in their conversation feeling ignored or unheard
What Causes Conversational Narcissism?
Someone who qualifies as having conversational narcissism may have developed this disorder for different reasons. For instance, children whose parents pamper them excessively may develop conversational narcissism. When they are not taught boundaries or empathy for others, they may struggle to engage in balanced conversations. Additionally, if the child grows up in an environment with several other families with this dynamic, it can foster a sense of self-entitlement.
On the other hand, a child who is abused or neglected may grow up with poor self-esteem and a fear of never living up to other people’s expectations. They go the opposite route by projecting an image of grandiosity and constantly bragging.
What are Examples of Conversational Narcissism?
Imagine a person telling their co-workers they just bought a new car and feel great excitement. The person with conversational narcissism will put down their choice and brag about the kind of car they drive themselves. If someone has a nice home, the narcissist will state their house is bigger and in a better neighborhood. Even simple conversations become dominated by the narcissist bragging about any subject brought up, including salary, job position, schools attended, wardrobe, vacations, and relationships.
How to Deal with a Conversational Narcissist
Being around a conversational narcissist can test even the most patient of people. If the individual is someone who will remain in the exhausted person’s life for the time being, like a family member, co-worker, or member of a social group, they may have to adjust their behavior. This includes how they act and react to the individual’s attempted monologues.
Everyone should remember they have a right to confront a person with conversational narcissism. They should use “I” statements like, “I feel unheard and unappreciated when you cut me off and turn the spotlight on yourself.”
Feel free to inject when it feels right. For example, if the person interrupts you, say in a neutral tone, “Let me finish my story”. If they run the whole conversation, say in a friendly voice, “Let me take my turn,” and speak about the topic you want to discuss. Remember that if the narcissist insists on being rude, you have the right to end the conversation and walk away.
How Conversational Narcissism Impacts Relationships
Being around a conversational narcissist only on occasion can be doable. But when they are an individual’s romantic partner, this complicates things because the disorder can destroy relationships. When one person is a narcissist, it creates an imbalance of power in their relationship. The partner feels unheard, invalidated, and unloved.
The conversational actions of the narcissist can cause their partner to begin to think they don’t hold as much value as they thought they did. They may become manipulated by their partner without even realizing it, which can lead to depression and anxiety. Even a relationship that previously felt 50/50 will crumble under the pressure of being with a conversational narcissist. A lack of intimacy develops and may cause the loved one to turn away from their partner to try to find it elsewhere.
How to Treat Conversational Narcissism
Treating conversational narcissism can be tricky because of how difficult it can be to convince many sufferers that they have a problem. Fortunately, two types of therapy prove useful in helping the person minimize their symptoms. Dialectical Behavior Therapy helps teach people to accept themselves for who they really are, as well as mindfulness techniques, and how to tolerate stress. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy educates the individual about the powerful way their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors are all connected. By learning to reframe how they feel and think, they can positively influence their ability to alter their actions.
Contact Montare Tucson to Start Treatment for Conversational Narcissism
Do you have conversational narcissism or know someone who does? If so, it can feel embarrassing to admit it and reach out for help. However, it’s important to find a program that provides laser-focused care that helps treat narcissism in powerful and lasting ways. Our skilled therapists dial into how the person thinks and feels and show them ways to rewire the way they view themselves and those around them. With our assistance, they can minimize their symptoms of narcissism and enjoy a less stressful life.
Contact Montare Tucson today to find out how our treatment for narcissism works. Life can be so much different and positive after attending our focused program.
Published: 3/10/2025
