Narcissists And Animals: Η ναρκισσιστική πλευρά της "φιλοζωίας"

 

Άρθρο του Jon Rhodes στην ιστοσελίδα https://narcissisms.com/

Different narcissists have different attitudes towards animals. At least on the surface. Some appear loving. Some indifferent. And some downright cruel. But what unites all narcissists is they don’t emotionally care about pets, any more than they emotionally care about people. And if they do appear to care, they’re faking it. There’s many reasons why some narcissists fake loving animals, which I’ll explore in this article. I’ll also look at what narcissists gain from their apparent differing attitudes towards their pets.

Narcissists like to create a façade that shows them as honest and decent people. Ultimately they want to be admired and given attention. And most realise they can’t achieve this by being narcissistic all the time. Being an "animal lover" is part of some narcissists’ tool boxes to make them appear empathic, loving, and kind. And helps them reel in unsuspecting victims. Narcissists know they must sometimes act "nice" to receive the attention and adulation they crave. Narcissists don’t care for animals. They only care for what they do for them. And may neglect them when no one is watching. In front of people they want impress, narcissists show their supposed caring side. And gain a welcomed boost to their façade. For some narcissists, façade management is EVERYTHING. And they’ll go to extraordinary lengths to boost it. 

Some narcissists make BIG shows of love for their pet. Spending time with them. Grooming and caring for them. And showing them more affection than they do their human companions. In this case, it’s likely the narcissist is triangulating with their pet. They’re showing that the animal is more important than you. It’s a subtle way of devaluing you, and putting you in your place – well beneath them. Telling you that you’re so lowly, even an animal outranks you. Of course they won’t admit this if you ask. They’re more likely to act flabbergasted, exclaiming, "Can’t I even care for my pet?" And probably accuse you of being jealous. But really you gave them the reaction they wanted. They’re happy they can put you down indirectly by caring for their pet. And have a button to push whenever they want to put you down, or gain a reaction. 

Some narcissists are aware of animals magnetic powers when it comes to impressing objects of their desires. And may use them as pick up tools. The narcissist may frequent parks with their pet, looking for suitable victims. Once a target has been locked on, they move in. Pets are great ice breakers for starting conversations. A popular tactic is to seductively pet their crushes dog, commenting on how beautiful it is. Using metaphors to indirectly compliment the owner. If a narcissist is particularly enamoured, they may visit the park at the same time, hoping to "accidentally" bump into them again. So if your narcissist partner disappears at regular times with their dog, then they could be up to something! 

As you’re probably aware, narcissists are transactional with their relationships. They only want useful people around them. And that also applies to animals. Façade is one use I’ve already touched on. The animal may also be useful in other ways. It may be a cat that kills mice. Or a working animal if they own a farm or land. They may even keep chickens to provide them with the finest eggs. Fit for the royalty they believe they are.Narcissists don’t make room for things that aren’t useful in some way. They’re not interested in giving love. They only want to take. 

Narcissists with borderline traits seem to enjoy keeping animals as a means of control. They can legally lock them in cages. Safe in the knowledge the animal is waiting for their return. This is reassuring because they often live in fear of people abandoning them. And since they can’t legally lock people up, this is the next best thing. Some narcissists love faithful companions following them around. And love the obedience of animals such as dogs. They’re not usually enamoured by more independent animals, such as cats. 

Dogs are perfect for narcissists. They give unlimited attention, any time of the day. Love their owners unconditionally, no matter how they’re treated. And are obedient and subservient to the narcissists commands. Dogs are always pleased to see their owners. Which makes them feel important. And they demand little in return. Dogs may also be used as status symbols for narcissists. Because they see them as extensions of themselves. So depending on how they want to be portrayed, they may choose a dog that’s big and powerful, elegant, or expensive. 

On the flip side, narcissists rarely like cats. Cats are more aloof and independent than dogs. And will happily ignore the narcissist if they’re not in the mood.This challenges the narcissists delusions of superiority. If they can’t get a lowly cat to do as it’s told, what does it say about them? As with people, narcissists want animals to control and meet THEIR needs. They’re not interested in honouring their preferences or giving them love. It’s ALL about what the narcissist wants. 

Some narcissists have no time for animals. They’re not interested in petting or even looking at them. These narcissists are unashamedly indifferent. They feel that animals are no use to them. So why waste their energy? In their mind, animals are so far beneath them that they don’t warrant their attention. And they don’t want to compromise their higher status by associating with them. 

More Machiavellian narcissists may be cruel to animals. Particularly when they’re younger. A friend of mine once had a game called "operation last supper". This is where he threw bread on his shed roof to feed the birds. What a lovely gesture. Then proceeded to shoot them with his air rifle. The narcissists lack of emotional empathy extends to animals. So they don’t feel their pain. And don’t lie awake at night feeling guilty for the suffering they’ve caused. This makes it easier for them to mistreat animals.

As with people, narcissists consider animals commodities to be used. Animals can make a narcissist look good, feel good, and provide many other benefits. Narcissists don’t have emotional empathy for animals, although some fake it well. Particularly when it’s in their best interests. If a narcissist is nice to animals, question their motives. Are they trying to get to you through them? Bolster their façade? Or impress someone for some reason? If your narcissist partner is desperate to walk their dog at a particular time, they could be using it as a pick up tool. And may be hoping to bump into someone specific. See how they react if you offer to go with them! As with people, narcissists are only interested when there’s something to gain. And as soon as animals usefulness expires, they’re happy to throw them on the scrapheap. Surplus to requirements.

Πηγή: https://narcissisms.com/narcissists-and-animals/

Σχετικό θέμα: Η ναρκισσιστική πλευρά της παρασυσσώρευσης ζώων: Narcissists And Hoarding at https://narcissisms.com/narcissists-and-hoarding/

Photo: Σκύλος που εγκαταλείφθηκε σε καταφύγιο [via The Army of the Kind (Fb)]