What is a Somatic Narcissist? : Signs, Meaning & How to Deal With Them?
What is a Somatic Narcissist? There are a few types of narcissism that can affect different people, according to various aspects like their nature, the atmosphere where they were raised, their upbringing, their parents, and much more. And thus narcissists are divided into a few categories depending on their traits, characteristics, and peculiarities.
Defining Narcissism
NPD(Narcissistic Personality Disorder) or Narcissism is portraying some common toxic traits in an intensified state than others. In psychological terms, narcissists who suffer from NPD(Narcissistic Personality Disorder) portray these emotions and traits in a greater magnitude than others. These emotions include a boosted sense of self-importance, inflated self-worth, and a constant need for admiration, adoration, and validation.
One such particular narcissism would be discussed further and that is somatic narcissism. So what is a Somatic Narcissist? How do you recognize them? What are the signs? and most importantly how do you deal with them? Let us get answers to all these questions further.
What is a Somatic Narcissist?
Have you come across someone who is really competitive regarding their looks? They would always be concerned about how they appear to others. Though they are confident about their looks, they would always need validation and praise in the form of compliments about their looks, physique, or how chic their style is. This can be a sign of a somatic narcissist, meaning you might have a somatic narcissist in life.
Somatic narcissists draw more attention by flaunting their looks and beauty in the form of their physique or good looks. Somatic narcissists are usually the ones, who would believe that they are some of the most beautiful-looking people, and their beauty is unmatched. They have this notion that people have to pay attention or tribute to their chic bodies.
Considering the fact that somatic narcissists constantly crave attention to their flawless bodies and cater to their physical needs, they would be more likely to attract more and more attention using their bodies. They would also criticize others for their appearances. They have trouble accepting comments and criticism regarding anything, especially about their looks.
When referred to the dictionary meaning of the word somatic, it shows up as relating to the body, hence somatic narcissists usually believe that they have a stronger presence in a room full of people due to their exceptional looks. They think they are very much attractive and can turn heads with just their mere presence. Also, they expect others to give them attention due to their looks.
They think highly of themselves, thus they consider themselves to be entitled and superior to others seeking validation and attention from other people just on the basis of their bodies and appearances.
Somatic narcissists, obtain their narcissistic supply by flaunting their beauty and physique; physical appearances.
How is a Somatic Narcissist different?
According to mental health experts, narcissists are predominantly divided into three groups. Though two or more types of narcissism can be present in a person, making the typology wider. But three typical types include,
Cerebral Narcissists – Cerebral narcissists have atypical bits of intelligence and irresistible charm. They often try to win over their victims, by their intelligence and tricking your brains with their mind power. They are inordinately intelligent and would use those intellectual abilities to pursue and manipulate you.
Sexual Narcissists – Sexual narcissists have a way of gaining control over their partners through seduction and physical touch. Activities that include sexual or intimate moments give them a thrill and it makes them feel powerful. They admire sex and believe that physical intimacy can be easily utilized to manipulate their partners.
Somatic narcissists – Somatic narcissists, obtain their narcissistic supply by flaunting their beauty and physique; physical appearances. Somatic narcissists are usually the ones, who would believe that they are some of the most beautiful-looking people, and their beauty is unmatched. They have this notion that people have to pay attention or tribute to their chic bodies.
Signs of a Somatic Narcissist
It is absolutely a little difficult to categorize narcissists just based on their characteristics, traits, and attributes as narcissism is beyond that and on a wider range. But a few characteristics can be generalized, for somatic narcissists that might help you to pick them out of a bunch.
Somatic narcissists may be obsessed with maintaining their physique, and fitness and would brag about their diet. They are absorbed by ways to make themselves more appealing which include plastic surgeries, good grooming skin treatments, gyming, dieting, and anything that is involved to maintain a good physique and everything related to outer beauty.
Now let us know a few more signs of somatic narcissists,
They obsess over diet and exercising
Somatic narcissists are obsessed with maintaining their physique and outer appearances, as they are drawn by the idea of how others perceive them. They will do whatever it takes to maintain their looks. They may also have an intense workout routine, a strict diet pattern that they follow, and be loyal to themselves without having cheat days. They are that obsessed with their looks.
In some cases, somatic narcissists may also face eating disorders, as they are fixated on a prescribed diet and only eat apt amounts and selective food.
They may be unfaithful to their partners
As somatic narcissists do have this desirable physique and physical appearance, it is hard to keep them attracted to one partner. They are easily distracted by the beauty, fitness, and physical appearances of people and thus they might leave their partners when they find someone more beautiful and fit.
They always have this desire to be admired by as many people as possible, so in order to keep their options wider and open, there are chances that they might cheat on their partners.
But an important aspect to remember here is, do not let the somatic narcissist judge you, as there are no beauty standards to judge people just based on their appearances. So if a somatic narcissist leaves you or calls you unattractive, do not take it personally, as this is not on you it is on them.
They gaslight you
A somatic is no different than your typical narcissist, and thus they might use gaslighting tactics, to convince you otherwise than what have had actually happened. They would gaslight you to control you, they may also avoid facts just to make their story more intriguing and believable. They are more likely to gaslight you when they cheated on you, as narcissists are desire-driven beings and somatic narcissists are drawn to good looks and appealing personalities.
The most expected and go-to defense mechanism for narcissists is gaslighting their victims into believing what they want them to believe. They would just twist the reality of the situation. They would be abusive and irrational but would never accept it rather than keep denying such facts.
They have trouble fitting in with others
Narcissists are shallow, and above that, somatic narcissists just form connections based on someone with a good appearance. Thus they are unable to form deeper connections with people. They would usually pretend to get involved in the social circle, but in reality, they are never really able to fit in their social circles, with friends, with family, or with anyone close as they are always hiding their shallow selves behind their fake personas.
Mainly somatic narcissists thrive on social media, as they can easily flaunt their crafty and charming selves without getting much involved on a deeper level with people. Thus they are unable to form reliable connections in real life, but they shine on social media.
They criticize how other people look
somatic narcissists cannot take criticism well, but they would not miss out on a single opportunity to criticize what others lack, especially everything related to their appearances. They would not miss a chance to point out everything wrong about your personality which may include your dressing sense, clothes, physique, diet, or anything that can make them feel superior to you and make you feel inferior.
So when you face such a situation, do not get disheartened, as the narcissist is just obtaining their narcissistic supply by degrading you, and it has nothing to do with you. You are just perfect the way you are. Whatever the narcissists tell you is just them projecting their own insecurities on you, rather than accepting the way they think of you.
They would just do this when they either feel jealous or they feel that they are not able to draw attention. So do not take anything personally when a somatic criticizes you, as they are nobody to judge you or pass comments. You are impeccable as you are.
They put their needs before yours
Narcissists are self-obsessed beings. They might also draw conversations to themselves, and either ignore you or just sidetrack you. They have a tendency to do so, just to gain attention and adoration from people.
Narcissism is related to having a constant urge to seek attention, attraction, and validation. With somatic narcissists, this longing prevails and might also deepen, as they desire everyone around them just to focus on themselves. They have rigorously maintained and enhanced their looks and physique just for people to admire them and thus they would not miss a chance by putting their needs before yours and just discuss about what they want, what they practice, and what their goals are.
They may use physical attractiveness and sexuality to exploit others
They are well aware of the fact that they are attractive and they would use it to the maximum, by flirting with people, playing with their feelings, and seeking attention. They have this conceptual idea that everyone is and must be attracted to them due to their physical attractiveness and sexuality.
Taking credit for other people’s accomplishments
Somatic narcissists are no different than regular narcissists and thus they exhibit similar traits to that of a narcissist. Narcissists are compliment hoarders and they like to take away other people’s achievements by either taking credit or displaying their inflated sense of self.
How to Deal With Somatic Narcissists?
Somatic narcissists are not much different than your average regular narcissists, as they lack empathy and hardly acknowledge anybody’s feelings. But there are a few ways that can help you to deal with them efficiently,
Surround yourself with friends and family
While dealing with a somatic narcissist, reach out to your loved ones when you want to stay unaffected by the narcissist’s manipulation. Friends and family are always there to support you no matter what, so when the narcissist is demeaning you, you can open up to your near and dear ones, just to let go of the bottled-up emotions, trauma, and doubts.
Consider your Boundaries
Another important step to stop being a part of the Somatic Narcissist’s Cycle of Abuse is to set up clear and firm boundaries. This means being clear about what you will and will not tolerate from the narcissist. Take your power back by setting boundaries.
Somatic Narcissists may often push your boundaries, regarding may be your looks, physical fitness, exercise routines, hygiene, and much more. Just be firm and raise your voice if they are violating your boundaries. To maintain your boundary, ignore them, or just disregard their opinion.
End the toxic relationship and do not return if you cannot find many changes
Somatic Narcissists can be burdensome and they might always be degrading your worth in an abusive relationship. So if you are feeling laid back in the relationship, you can plan your exit from such an abusive relationship.
Getting out of such an abusive relationship is one of the best ways to handle the abuser and the manipulation. Just look at all the red flags and seek your way out of the abusive relationship. Do not endure the pain and manipulation and hurt just let go of the relationship and be happy.
Consider seeing a Therapist
Seeking help from therapists, taking part in healing sessions, consulting, and discussing the issues with experts can help out a lot in such matters. Sometimes if the abuse increases certain limit and reaches violent measures, do not hesitate to include law-enforced measures or consulting experts for that matter, as somatic may also be a part of cyberbullying in some cases, by posting negative comments regarding someone’s looks, physique, and appearances.
In Conclusion
When referred to the dictionary meaning of the word somatic, it shows up as relating to the body, hence somatic narcissists usually believe that they have a stronger presence in a room full of people due to their exceptional looks. They think they are very much attractive and can turn heads with just their mere presence. Also, they expect others to give them attention due to their looks.
It is not impossible to deal with a somatic narcissist. One can efficiently face them and even deal with them, by knowing and respecting your boundaries, and self-worth and by also seeking therapy if required. All traumas can be healed, so do not lose hope and stay positive.
From Relationship, Depression, and Personality Disorder to Narcissistic problems, I have helped a lot of people find their solutions. Upon gathering a number of common problems that people face, I decided to put the information on this blog so that anyone can get their answers easily.
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