Why is envy so important in the life of a narcissist?

Answer 1

Narcissists act as if they want people to envy them, but in reality they envy others which makes them crazy, and they "act out." They easily get into conflicts with coworkers, friends and family just to make a point of being right about a certain subject. It is extremely important to them that others think they are in a "genius" league. Narcissists will choose people of high intelligence (but rarely can keep up) and pick on what they consider the more unintelligent to control and manipulate. They often will hang around "the average person" because they feel these people are controllable and think that he/she is a genius in nature and it strokes their egos. The idea of "it's OK to agree to disagree" is not in their vocabulary. Narcissistic people are actually quite weak and they have had some reason in their up-bringing to be this way. They have either been goaded into the fact they must be a winner at all things, or they have had one or both parents tell them they are stupid and not worth the air space they take up. These type of people have a goal of proving everyone wrong and they are right. They could be under the heading of "perfectionists" yet they aren't and can be quite sloppy about their work habits and every other aspect of their lives. Their vision is distorted as far as what normal society sees out there. Liars they are, but in ways they dramatize on what could be true to impress whomever they are talking to at the time. Marcy ANSWER - I think my N discovered something too...that I was onto him and fed up with him. I received one email from him asking us to be friends, and I have ignored that too and so far..no other response. Still..in my stupidly romantic way I am still longing for him to "get it" and come back to me on bended knee. Right. He knows he pushed me to the edge, and he knows what I see now. The devil has been fully revealed and I am not associating with him anymore. I believe he hasn't the soul to realize his errors. I am not worth the effort anymore because he knows I am onto him and I cannot be duped anymore, I have God on my side and I know he is a liar...ruthless, heartless and faithless. He's probably gloating over the fact that he did have me for so long, filling me with his lies and using me up with what I thought was love but was actually a vampiric sort of using me up. He didn't get me, did he. I saved myself. I just dread seeing him again, because just like Satan, he's all wrapped up in light, but inside he is so, so dark. I will have to pray, maybe show a crucifix, to keep myself from being led astray again. Love to all...mbme If they see you getting more attention than them, they will watch you. My daughter even noticed this loser i was involved with would watch me as I talked to other people. He would be engaged apparantly in a conversation yet keep looking to see who and how i was talking with. But then I would get the silent treatment. These types are envious if you are better looking, get a raise, take care of your kids, have friends, and basically a life.

Answer 2

Envy is important in the life of a narcissist because it drives their need for admiration and superiority. Narcissists constantly compare themselves to others and feel envious of those they perceive as having more success or accolades. This envy can fuel their desire to outshine others and maintain their sense of grandiosity.