Saving the world this morning: ChatGPT and me—on Trump, Putin and Xi
Warship deploying drone swarm Question: do malignant narcissists unconsciously punish other people to define their own limits? Short answer: sometimes—but not in the way that framing suggests. What you’re describing overlaps with traits seen in Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), especially the more severe or “malignant” end (which isn’t a formal diagnosis, but a term often used to describe narcissism mixed with aggression, lack of empathy, and sometimes antisocial traits). Here’s how it tends to work psychologically: 1. It’s less about “defining their limits” People with strong narcissistic traits usually aren’t trying to discover their boundaries by punishing others. Instead, they often: Feel entitled to control or dominate situations React strongly to perceived criticism or loss of control Have difficulty tolerating shame or vulnerability So the behavior is less exploratory and more defensive or controlling . 2. Punishing behavior can be partly unconscious They can hurt...