Difference Between Narcissist and Egotist

Narcissist and egotist alike have been branded as undesirables in the society. Both are people with psychological disorders whose growth in social relations is hampered because of obsession with one’s self love. Normal people tend to avoid these types of people to avoid confrontations; however, we can never tell when we’ll come across with one.

Narcissist

A narcissist is a person whose personality ranges from being egotistic, conceited, vain and selfish. Narcissism is coined by Freud from a Greek mythology character Narcissus who was pathologically self-centered young man who fell in love with his own reflection in a pool. Narcissists, most often than not, tend to be in love or attracted to oneself and sometimes indifferent towards the plight of others.

Egotists

Egotists are people who enhance favorable views of themselves. They place themselves as center of their world regardless of others. Egotism exploits the sympathy and ignorance of others. It is a “me, myself and I” syndrome that egotists forget that others also matter. They can over react to criticisms by becoming angry, defensive or blameful.

Difference between Narcissist and Egotist

Narcissist and egotist are somewhat related. They both show love for their own selves but a narcissist and an egotist have their own distinctive traits. Narcissists are egotists, but not all egotists are narcissists. A narcissist will say, “I really love and adore myself” while an egotist will say, “I am better than you”. You see, narcissists tend to be more concerned with physical aspects that their over obsession affects on how they interact with some else. On the upside, healthy narcissism somehow exists. This forms a constant, realistic self interest and mature goals which results to the feeling of greatness in order to compensate for the feeling of insecurities and inadequacies. While egotists have trouble listening to opinions of others and values their talents and achievements over others, they can actually overcome and master this psychiatric disorder with the help of self help books and the assistance of family members.

Nobody wants to be around a narcissist or an egotist, but it helps if we know how to approach these people. After all, they are people only with problems. Narcissist and egotist alike are usually very smart. So it may be difficult but never impossible to take control and help them in their plight.