What is the difference between NPD and having narcissistic traits?

Answer 1

I would say that all of us have narcissistic traits. To me, having NPD means that you are non-human. You lack empathy, and you are unable to understand the feelings of others. If you have narcissistic traits you still have the ability to love others and regard their feelings as important. For instance, a person may be selfish (which is an N trait) for a temporary amount of time, but then he eventually comes around and realizes that he was wrong. My N never felt that he was wrong. He did so many cruel things to me, and even afterwards he felt that it was my fault. A person with a lot of N traits might be considered to have BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder) , look it up. I think BPD is bad, but can prob. be treated. NPD cannot be treated. Look at a person with NPD like an alien. We all know people with narcissistic traits, most of us have them to some degree and it is considered normal. NPD is a whole different ball of wax. These are people that will lie without conscience, they view others as simply tools to their own benefit. They feel that other human beings don't know the difference about anything (their lies, manipulation etc.) They simply do not understand empathy for another. Unless you have dealt with a person with a clinical NPD it's actually tough for most normal people to understand. It was at least for me. A person with NPD derives glee from causing anguish to others. When you catch them in a blatant lie and confront them, it's your fault for their lying to you because you were so stupid to have believed them in the first place. A good friend of mine once put it very well. "You will drive yourself crazy trying to rationalize the behavior of a mentally ill person. That's why they are considered mentally ill." NPD people are capable of keeping jobs and seeming normal to the outside. They are in fact extremely skilled liars. They can be wonderful, charming, sweet, seem kind and generous if they have a use for you. There are however quite a few telltale signs of NPD so if you start to see them do yourself a favor... Run away, and run fast.