Concept: Too much time alone disturbs narcissists, even covert ones who tend toward introversion. A sense of loneliness means that the narcissist is isolated with no one to use to fulfill their needs or reassure them of their specialness. When faced with loneliness, expect narcissists to go out of their way to form new relationships.

How this increases a narcissist’s insecurities: Narcissists are consumed by self-loathing. Loneliness gives time for self-shaming thoughts to arise. Without others in their lives to focus on and assign blame, narcissists face an increased chance that they can’t keep their insecurities at bay.

Examples:

1. Naomi completes a sleep cycle and comes out of it unguarded from her thoughts. She dwells on negative self-reflection, which defies sleep until she has to go to work.
2. A man goes to a bar to pick up a new victim the day his wife leaves him.
3. A would-be cult leader practices his pitch in front of a mirror.

Advice: You may feel bad for someone who claims to be lonely but be skeptical if the person seems to pressure you into acting to alleviate that loneliness.

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