When someone thinks highly of themselves, it can be interpreted in various ways depending on the context and degree to which they hold this self-opinion. It's important to differentiate between healthy self-esteem and narcissism, which is a more extreme form of self-admiration that can be detrimental to one's relationships and social interactions.

Healthy Self-Esteem: When a person has a healthy self-esteem, they value themselves positively and acknowledge their own worth. They are aware of their strengths and weaknesses and are comfortable with who they are. This level of self-appreciation can be motivating and can lead to personal growth and success. It's about having a realistic and positive view of oneself.

Narcissism: On the other hand, when someone is said to have narcissistic tendencies, it implies a sense of self-importance that is inflated and often unwarranted. Narcissists have an excessive need for admiration and may struggle with empathy for others. They may also have a strong sense of entitlement and expect special treatment without recognizing the needs and feelings of others.

**Characteristics of Narcissistic Personality**:


1. Grandiosity: Narcissists often have an inflated sense of their own importance and achievements. They may exaggerate their accomplishments and expect to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements.


2. Fantasies of Success: They frequently engage in fantasies about unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love.


3. Need for Admiration: There is a constant craving for admiration from others, which can manifest in seeking excessive praise and validation.


4. Lack of Empathy: Narcissists often have difficulty understanding and sharing the feelings of others, which can make their relationships one-sided and strained.


5. Arrogance: They can come across as haughty and may belittle or look down on people they perceive as inferior.


6. Sense of Entitlement: Narcissists often have unreasonable expectations of especially favorable treatment or automatic compliance with their expectations.

7.
Exploitative Behavior: They may take advantage of others to achieve their own ends, often without considering the consequences for the other person.

8.
Envy and Competitiveness: Narcissists may be envious of others or believe that others are envious of them. They are often preoccupied with competition and comparisons.

Impact on Relationships: The behaviors associated with narcissism can lead to significant problems in personal and professional relationships. They can struggle to maintain long-term, meaningful connections due to their self-centered nature and lack of genuine concern for others.

Treatment and Coping: Recognizing narcissistic traits in oneself or others is the first step toward addressing the issue. Therapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy, can help individuals with narcissistic tendencies to develop a more balanced self-image and improve their interpersonal skills. It's also important for those around a narcissist to set boundaries and seek support to protect their own well-being.

In conclusion, while thinking highly of oneself can be a sign of self-confidence and a positive attribute, it's crucial to maintain a balance. Excessive self-love that borders on narcissism can have negative repercussions on one's social and emotional life.

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For most of us, narcissism is something we associate with someone who is a bit too big for their boots, who thinks highly of themselves and who has a more than healthy dose of self confidence. But for anyone living with a narcissist, the term means something much more serious, and often destructive.Jan 3, 2012read more >>