Can a narcissist change? Please answer honestly

[Isabella26xx]

*Please answer honestly
Not judgemental etc
*
Can a person who has narcissist behaviour change? Can a life event help?

A narcissist who has toxic/abusive tendencies... I'm still not sure if there is a difference between all these or are they just in one category

Thanks

No

No.
They can practice behaving better, if they want to. Their nature won't change though.

Is like to know this too. EA husband moved out 4 months ago. He swears he's seen the error of his ways but in not sure.

Never. They tend to say and do just enough to get back in, then it all starts again.

I don’t believe they can, no. I know one and he hasn’t changed a bit in the past 50 years

@picklemepopcorn

But how long can they keep that facade up
?

Just for example
My ex moved on to someone new and said they never argue and he's a better person with her so I. Just thought maybe he's changed for her??

Can people give me examples of narcissistic behaviour please
?
I feel so confused

Is it the same as someone being abusive or controlling or is that a different thing?

I understand what narcism is btw I just get confused with the behaviour, like when people say they're a toxic person? Is that narcissistic behaviour too?

Is it the same as someone being abusive or controlling or is that a different thing?

A narcissist will always be (eventually) abusive and controlling but not all abusive controllers are narcissists.

No narcissists can't change. The best you would ever get (and this is very very unlikely) is a narcissist who committed to extensive psychotherapy/psychiatric treatment and worked hard to control their behaviour. There maybe some improvement in their outward behaviour but no fundamental change in their character.

The reason it is very unlikely is that to commit to therapy a person suffering from narcissistic personality disorder has to recognise they have a problem. The nature of narcissism means that they have a grandiose idea of themselves - they are perfect and god like. This is a block on accepting they have a problem.

I believe it manifests itself as a deep belief that they are always right. They are therefore very important in their eyes.

You will never be quite as right as they are. Every disagreement you will end up believing them and apologising for your error.

They get into your head and you start to doubt the simplest of things.

You will end up falling into line with their wishes and beliefs because to go against them is exhausting and bewildering.

They will have you believe you are a bad parent, poor partner, never quite up to the task, that your friends are rude etc. But all delivered in the most plausible and subtle ways.

It can be isolating and lonely, over time can erode the most confident person. Even the most intelligent are taken in by this.

The only positive I can see is when everything is going their way they can be fun to be with.

If your ex is in a new relationship an is a narcissist then it's possible the honeymoon period is masking it.

Your ex's new partner may not be challenging him yet. So he has no need to show his nasty side.

No. They never change. Ever.

No. They say it takes 18months -2 years for an abuser to show their true colours. How long have they been together?

What is happening is either:

She is still towing the line.
He is lying to you.

No.

no. they cant change and neither can abusers (they are often the same)