Psychologia

  • BLOG
  • 16 TYPES
  • 4 TYPES
  • ENNEAGRAM
  • PERSONALITY
  • TESTS
  • NARCISSISM
You are here: Home / Relationships / 5 Signs They Are a Somatic Narcissist

5 Signs They Are a Somatic Narcissist

5 Signs They Are a Somatic Narcissist

The narcissist label is thrown around a lot; generally, people use this term to describe someone who thinks a little too well of themselves while ignoring the needs and feelings of others.

However, not all narcissists conform to the same pattern. There are many different types of narcissists.

They are classified depending on what they focus or obsess about and how they behave towards others.

Somatic Narcissist vs. Cerebral Narcissist

There are generally two types of narcissists when it comes to the focus of their narcissistic obsession:

  • cerebral narcissists and
  • somatic narcissists.

Cerebral narcissists are mind-focused, while somatic narcissists are body-focused.

It means that cerebral narcissists will attempt to generate their narcissistic supply by applying their minds.

They will try to impress you with their intelligence, academic degrees, and career achievements.

If you don’t know what narcissistic supply is, it’s just a fancy word for adoration, praise, and other bonuses a narcissist may want.

Somatic narcissists get their narcissistic supply by applying their bodies.

They flaunt their bodies, flex their muscles, brag about the number of times other people hit on them — you get the idea.

There is no pure cerebral or pure somatic narcissists — both types can be present in one person.

However, usually, there is one predominant type, while the other type is lurking somewhere beneath the surface.

Somatic Personality and SSD vs. Somatic Narcissism

Before we dive into signs and symptoms, it is essential to mention that somatic narcissism is different from Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD), which has nothing to do with narcissism.

Sometimes SSD is also referred to as Somatic Personality Disorder, and someone who has SSD is also referred to as somatic personality.

All these aren’t relevant and shouldn’t be confused with somatic narcissism.

Here are five somatic traits to look out for:

1. Excessive Concern About Their Appearance

Somatic narcissists take pride in their appearance, and they typically look great. They are well-polished, attractive, and fit.

You will often find them in gyms, perhaps accompanied by other health freaks.

This perfect appearance satisfies their need for external validation.

2. Vanity

Somatic narcissists — male or female — overspend on high-end clothing and designer products. They drive expensive cars and live in well-to-do neighborhoods.

Just like everybody else, they may not be able to afford it. However, they will get into debts if that’s what it takes to have the image they desire to project.

3. Hypersexuality

Somatic narcissists use their sexuality as a tool to gain control in relationships and as proof of their desirability and status.

They may brag about their contests and show off their bodies.

Some of them may dress in revealing clothing, although this isn’t a rule.

Female somatic narcissists particularly enjoy the idea of being “the other woman”, even in the presence of loving and committed partners.

4. Triangulation

Somatic narcissists triangulate their victims with their ex-partners or other romantic interests to elicit an emotional response from them — jealousy and emotional distress.

In this case, their narcissistic supply is not only attention from multiple people but also the emotional suffering of their “main” victim.

5. Self-absorption

Somatic narcissists are wired to think in terms of their own needs and wants.

They have a high sense of entitlement, and they expect things to go their way. They expect to receive love, support, and friendship without any effort on their part.

In conversation, they tend to talk a lot about themselves, and if they listen at all, they listen to pounce on opportunities to turn the spotlight towards themselves.

Somatic Narcissists as Friends

Similarly to romantic relationships, in friendships — if that is even the word — narcissists idealize their victims in the beginning by flattering and complimenting them.

Once the victim is hooked, the narcissist will subject them to covert abuse in the form of put-downs and backhanded compliments:

  • You look good for your age.
  • I love how you don’t care how you come across.
  • You look so different without makeup!
  • You look so great I didn’t even recognize you!
  • You look great on Facebook / Instagram.

Somatic Narcissist and Aging

The game narcissists play can only run for so long, and this is especially true when it comes to the somatic type.

Eventually, somatic narcissists age and lose their beauty, strength, and sexual appeal.

Because they aren’t able to form healthy relationships with other people, they can end up alone — however, this isn’t a rule.

Often they continue living with their old victims, but their hold on the victim weakens considerably.

In terms of narcissistic supply, the relationship is much less satisfying for the narcissist.

As they age, somatic narcissists may begin to look increasingly ridiculous wearing age-inappropriate clothing.

Their homes may be draped in wall-to-wall pictures of themselves.

Their Facebook and Instagram feed overflowing with carefully edited selfies — both old and new.

They could develop a taste for plastic surgery and facial fillers.

They may bore their conversational partners with stories of their supposedly glorious past; heck, they may even write a memoir about it!

Are you in a relationship with a narcissist?

Image source: @freepik.diller via Freepik

What makes you the way you are?
Take THIS TEST to find out »

Related Posts:

  • Narcissistic Gaslighting Examples Straight From the Narcissist’s Playbook
  • Narcissists and the No Contact Rule
  • Well-wisher or Narcissist? People Who Feed Off Drama
  • Understanding Narcissistic Rage
  • Anger Test

Tagged With: disorders, health, narcissism, relationships

NARCISSISTS
SOCIOPATHS
RELATIONSHIPS
INFOGRAPHICS

What Type of Therapist Should I See [Quiz]

What Type of Therapist Should I See [Quiz]

Anger Test

Anger Test

Is My Boss a Bully [QUIZ]

Is My Boss a Bully [QUIZ]

Abrasive Personality Profile: Meaning, Definition, Traits and Underlying Causes

Abrasive Personality Profile: Meaning, Definition, Traits and Underlying Causes

Body Dysmorphia Quiz

Body Dysmorphia Quiz

Work Style Assessment Quiz

Work Style Assessment Quiz

Four Temperaments: Sanguine, Phlegmatic, Choleric, and Melancholic Personality Types

Four Temperaments: Sanguine, Phlegmatic, Choleric, and Melancholic Personality Types

5 Signs They Are a Somatic Narcissist

5 Signs They Are a Somatic Narcissist

Do I Have Health Anxiety [QUIZ]

Do I Have Health Anxiety [QUIZ]

Fear of Success Quiz: Are Your Fears Holding You Back

Fear of Success Quiz: Are Your Fears Holding You Back?

Dating a Narcissistic Sociopath or a Narcissist: 10 Signs

Dating a Narcissistic Sociopath or a Narcissist: 10 Signs

The 3 Types of Employees Test: Team Players, Solo Players, Efficiency Experts

The 3 Types of Employees Test: Team Players, Solo Players, Efficiency Experts

Why Am I Single Quiz: Single and Seeking Answers

Why Am I Single Quiz: Single and Seeking Answers

Emotional Abuse Test

Emotional Abuse Test

Crazy in Love: 4 Psychological Love Disorders

Crazy in Love: 4 Psychological Love Disorders

Are You an Overthinker [QUIZ]

Are You an Overthinker [QUIZ]

Living With Someone With OCD: How You Can Help

Living With Someone With OCD: How You Can Help

Job Burnout Quiz: Stress Arousal, Energy Conservation, Exhaustion

Job Burnout Quiz: Stress Arousal, Energy Conservation, Exhaustion

Poser Test: Are You a Show-Off?

Poser Test: Are You a Show-Off?

Emotional Distress Tolerance Test

Emotional Distress Tolerance Test

16 PERSONALITY TYPES

I II III IV
ESTP ESTJ ENFJ ENTJ
ISTP ISTJ INFJ INTJ
ESFP ESFJ ENFP ENTP
ISFP ISFJ INFP INTP

Privacy Policy · Disclaimer · Affiliate Disclaimer · Contact · This website uses cookies -- Cookie Policy