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Female narcissists can be harder to spot; first, because they’re less numerous, and second, because their behavior may be less assertive and public compared to male narcissists. Male narcissists outnumber female narcissists nearly three to one. However, narcissistic personality disorder is on the rise in women, as is narcissism and NPD in general.^[i]

Males are usually encouraged to be more confident, decisive, forceful, pushy, and self-assured. Due to cultural biases, male narcissists are bolder than their female counterparts and more likely to strive for wealth, power, and success in their work.

The distrustful male child, in reaction to emotional abandonment and humiliation by his parents, determines that self-sufficiency is the highest goal: “I will need nothing from anyone.” As adults, they get what they want through influence and money without needing to be in the humiliating position of asking for help or being indebted or dependent on anyone who might hurt or control them. Research also indicates that men are more likely than women to exploit others and feel self-entitled.^[ii]

Covert, Vulnerable Narcissism

While both genders are equally exhibitionistic, entitled, antagonistic, and self-absorbed, recent research shows that men are more likely to be grandiose narcissists and women introverted, vulnerable, covert …