There has been an ongoing debate about whether narcissists know their behaviors are completely unacceptable. Different people have different opinions, but I firmly believe they are well aware that their behavior is harmful—they just don’t care because it doesn’t directly affect them. This is not merely my opinion or feeling but a fact I’ve verified through extensive interactions with multiple narcissists. Today, I’ll discuss these interactions and demonstrate why narcissists are fully aware that their behavior is unacceptable. Stay until the very end.
Proof #1: Their Public Persona vs. Private Persona
A narcissist’s public image doesn’t align with their private behavior. In public, they often act like saints—kind, charismatic, giving, and understanding. They listen, pay attention, and even help strangers. However, in private, they become entirely different people. They deny allegations, avoid responsibility, intentionally cause harm, and neglect you.
It’s like dealing with two different individuals—or even multiple personalities—within the same body. Take my mother, for example, who was a covert narcissist. In public, she was cheerful, kind, and helpful. At home, however, her demeanor completely changed; she became a victim personality, seeing her family as a burdensome obligation. My father, an overt narcissist, would transform into a rage-filled monster at home, but in public, he acted like a kind and charismatic man. Strangers admired him, saying things like, “You’re so lucky to have a father like that.”
This duality shows that they’re aware of societal expectations. They know what behaviors are considered acceptable or unacceptable. Why else would they act kindly in public while showing their true abusive selves in private? The ability to selectively behave in socially appropriate ways demonstrates awareness.
Proof #2: Temporary Behavioral Changes
Continue reading on the next page
Sharing is caring!
