6 Weird things covert narcissists do while spending

Intermingling with covert narcissists can be extremely tough, as they have some of the most testing personality behaviours such as grandiosity, authority, power, and a lack of empathy. Unfortunately, these traits have become more common in recent years.

What makes things worse is that weird things covert narcissists do often ignored or are overlooked, principally by people who don’t have knowhow about narcissism or who have weaknesses like low self-esteem.

As a person closely  observing weird things covert narcissists do, I have discovered that narcissism is a maladaptive personality type that can have a negative impact on the mental well-being and functioning of those who come into contact with narcissistic individuals, especially in situations involving money.

Narcissists actively seek power and control over others to enhance their own self-worth, and money serves as a tool they wield to manipulate and exert dominance.

In the following article, I will outline the weird things covert narcissists do while spending commonly observed. Moreover, I will provide advice on how to effectively address and navigate them in the upcoming article.

1.Secretive Money spending Habits

In personal relationships, these weird things covert narcissists do involve withholding information about their financial situation, such as their income or savings.

By keeping you unaware, they gain the ability to make unilateral financial decisions and manipulate your awareness of what you can pay for as a couple or a household. They may suggest, “Let me take care of our money so you should not worry about it.”

A similar dynamic can occur in business settings. For instance, a narcissistic co-initiator may informally assign you the role of the “creative genius” while asserting control over the mundane financial aspects, stating, “I’ll manage the tedious money things.”

2.Only Generous In front of People

Spending significant sums of money on others is one of the weird things covert narcissists do. They do this as it can serve as a means to gain approval and likability. They may exhibit stinginess in private situations but generously cover the cost of dinners for colleagues or give gifts solely for appearances.

This behaviour can create a sense of isolation and frustration for the person who is closest to the narcissist because the perception projected to the outside world does not align with the reality of their actions.

Consider the scenario of a husband driving home after treating his friends to an expensive dinner, only to hear him angrily criticize the guests as “freeloaders.”

3.Less Spending on the Essentials

Weird things covert narcissists do to exhibit grandiosity when it comes to indulgent, self-serving expenses that are unnecessary, such as purchasing a designer watch beyond their financial means. However, they often show reluctance in spending on essential items like food, healthcare expenses, or basic household necessities.

Consequently, those in an intimate relationship with narcissists often find themselves silently saving money to ensure they can take care of their own needs. I refer to this behaviour as the “narcissistic survival skim,” and it is a commonly observed phenomenon. Despite its unpleasantness, it can feel easier than engaging in an argument with the narcissist.

This pattern of behaviour also extends to the business realm. Consider a founder or CEO who underpays their staff while utilizing company funds to enjoy first-class travel and book luxurious accommodations.

4.Hypocritical Spending

Hypocrisy and weird things covert narcissists do are closely intertwined since hypocrisy stems from a sense of entitlement.

Narcissists often believe they are exempt from following rules that apply to others, even though they readily impose those rules on everyone else. This behavior extends to various types of rules, including financial budgets.

In a relationship, a narcissistic husband might freely indulge in personal spending and consistently exceed the joint budget, only to then chastise you for expending in excess of they think appropriate.

Consider the scenario of a colleague who frequently treats her subordinates to lavish dinners but reprimands you for occasionally dining out for lunch.

5.Punishing Attitude While Using Money

Punishment is also included in the list of weird things covert narcissists do. Here, they frequently employ cash as a source of punishment and might provide financial rewards when you comply with their desires but withhold money as a form of vindictiveness. This behavior can create feelings of insecurity, degradation, and confusion.

For instance, they might arrange a luxurious trip to celebrate your birthday but then, following a disagreement, refuse to cover necessary expenses. In such situations, you may find yourself compelled to engage in their manipulative games solely to maintain the functioning of the household or business.

6.Narcissists are Greedy

Greed is included in the list of weird things covert narcissists do. These kinds of people typically exhibit a strong tendency to be frugal and possessive with their money. They are defensive and reluctant to freely give away their possessions. However, their inclination towards greed extends beyond mere self-preservation.

The lack of empathy in narcissists hinders their understanding of the benefits of sharing resources. They may not recognize the importance of generosity and view it as someone else’s responsibility to assist.

Moreover, narcissists are highly driven by competition. They constantly compare themselves to others, even when it appears that only their achievements hold significance. This mindset creates apprehension about “giving something away,” as they fear the possibility of manipulated by others. This fear may seem unrealistic to them, leading to a reluctance to be generous with their resources.

Final Words

It is quite important to seek help from a mental health expert while dealing with weird things covert narcissists do. As it is extremely tough to deal with a narcissist for an average person does not know his/her traits. However, if you think that it is impossible to continue your relationship with a narcissist then it is better to end it as soon as possible. But, ending a narcissistic relationship can be incredibly challenging, ranking among the most difficult tasks you’ll ever undertake. Narcissists rely on their “supply,” which refers to the individuals they exploit emotionally, financially, and psychologically. They require someone to mistreat and control to satisfy their own needs and perpetually reaffirm their perceived superiority, strength, and intelligence in comparison to others. Therefore, you have to consult an expert.

If you have also encountered a person having above mentioned traits, then before doing anything else .Get enough knowledge about these kinds of people to deal with weird things covert narcissists do. We have a very good resource about narcissists and their traits .Just click here and access it.