Can Narcissists Change? No, A Leopard Won't Change Its Spots

Last updated by Katie M.

If you’ve ever had the pleasure or in this case displeasure to meet someone with narcissistic tendencies, you’ll probably already have a firm opinion on the question above. Indeed, folks with this particular mental health condition lack empathy, have inflated egos, and can be extremely harmful to our mental health. The truth is, their toxic personality traits are so deeply ingrained in them, that embarking on the process of changing and becoming better people is an extremely difficult mission for them. Most experts would agree that in the majority of cases, it is in fact mission impossible, so without further ado, here is why change is so unlikely in people with NPD (narcissistic personality disorders).

Can Narcissists Change? No, A Leopard Won't Change Its Spots
Contents:

Clinical psychologist and mental health professional; Dr. Ramani believes that 10% - 15% of people display narcissistic tendencies, which only reinforces the need for grasping a better understanding of their complex personalities and why they’ll never leave their manipulative and calculating side behind forever, despite claiming they are willing to.

5 Reasons why narcissists will never change

1) In many cases, they’re oblivious to their actions

Now, I’m not suggesting that people with NPD are explicitly evil and set out to do harm, but their inherent narcissistic traits mean that they struggle to see what the problem with the behavior is. After all, when manipulation, dishonesty, and ruthlessness come naturally to you, it’s understandably tough to see the bigger picture and imagine the consequences of your actions. Their grandiose egos and assurance regarding always being right mean that they are often blind to how much damage and pain they actually inflict on their victims.

2) They love power too much

Nothing excites a narcissist more than feeling omnipotent, feared, and to a certain extent respected by their victims. For people with this character disorder, control is like a drug and gives them what they need to feel completely untouchable. When we deepen our understanding of their traits, we soon realize that they’ll never choose to become what they consider is a ‘normal person’, or willingly relinquish control.

>>> Read up on how to deal with a narcissist

3) Change is something you have to want, and these guys don’t want it…

Whether it’s splitting up with your partner, moving to a new city or applying for a new job, change is a big step for all of us, yet some of us are more equipped to deal with it. The idea of wanting to do something different or become better needs to come from within, because it’s this determination that will drive us towards results. Change

Wanting something to happen is essential in putting things into place, and such devious traits are incompatible with the desire for self-improvement.

4) They hate facing up to their faults

No one ever really enjoys fessing up to their mistakes and acknowledging their errors, however, here we are dealing with personality profiles that simply find it impossible to hold their hands up. Feeling the need to go about things differently is often provoked by introspection and intense self-questioning, which in itself requires a sense of humility and open-mindedness; things that these personalities evidently lack…

5) They are often surrounded by enablers

Unfortunately, we don’t just change at the snap of our fingers, and instead, the process involves lots of intense effort and dedication. Choosing a different path is always difficult, especially when your entourage feeds into your toxicity and refuses to make you face up to your reality. Narcissists are always very careful in regard to whom they spend their time with and will never willingly associate themselves with people who see through their facade, and especially not those who are bold enough to open their eyes to their unacceptable behavior.

Editor’s opinion - Ignore their pledges and promises

The unfortunate truth is that narcissists aren’t capable of change and deep down don’t want to do things differently because they are too proud and stubborn to admit to their wrongdoings. Whether you are in a relationship with one or just friends with one, for the sake of your mental health, you need to stand strong and ignore their pleas and empty promises regarding change. After all, we are dealing with an illness that can never be completely cured, although that being said, with lots of determination, good intentions, and consistent therapeutic accompaniment, these toxic traits can be alleviated and lessened.

🤗 Understand yourself, accept yourself, be happy... Let’s do it here and now!

#BornToBeMe

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Wengood's playlist

wengood

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  4. Beautiful DayU2
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  5. Thinking out LoudEd Sheeran
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  6. White FlagDido
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  7. Lay Me DownSam Smith
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  8. Nine Million BicyclesKatie Melua
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  9. Put Your Records OnCorinne Bailey Rae
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  10. Summertime SadnessLana Del Rey
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  11. Imagine - Remastered 2010John Lennon
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  12. Shake It OutFlorence + The Machine
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  13. Space Oddity - Love You Til Tuesday versionDavid Bowie
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  14. What A Wonderful WorldLouis Armstrong
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  15. With Or Without YouU2
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  16. HelloAdele
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  17. Don't Stop Me NowQueen
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  18. Skinny LoveBirdy
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  19. WingsBirdy
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  20. Californian SoilLondon Grammar
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"Be yourself; everyone else is already taken." 

- Oscar Wilde


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