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The Paradox of Narcissism: When a Lack of Self-Love Hides Behind Ego

Unmasking the illusion of confidence and exploring the emotional void beneath Narcissim.

✨Beyond Stardust✨
6 min readAug 21, 2024

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This article blends psychology with compassion, providing insight into the internal struggles of narcissists while also suggesting ways forward.

Introduction

Narcissism is often misunderstood as an extreme form of self-love. However, beneath the surface lies a profound lack of true self-worth.

Narcissists may project confidence, superiority, and a desire for admiration, but these are often masks for deep insecurities and a fragile sense of self.

This article explores the paradox of narcissism: how the outward display of ego often hides an absence of genuine self-love.

What is Narcissism?

Narcissism is a complex personality trait characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a need for excessive attention and admiration, and a lack of empathy for others.

While narcissistic traits exist on a spectrum, at its extreme, it manifests as Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD).

Many assume narcissists love themselves too much, but this is a misconception. What…

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