{"id":1962,"date":"2023-01-06T11:46:58","date_gmt":"2023-01-06T16:46:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/thecelebritytherapist\/?p=1962"},"modified":"2023-01-06T11:46:58","modified_gmt":"2023-01-06T16:46:58","slug":"understanding-how-narcissistic-entitlement-can-drive-the-need-to-please","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/thecelebritytherapist\/2023\/01\/understanding-how-narcissistic-entitlement-can-drive-the-need-to-please.html","title":{"rendered":"Understanding How Narcissistic Entitlement Can Drive The Need To Please"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Entitlement is a term that is used frequently in many different areas. As a way of thinking, entitlement increases the belief that one individual is deserving of special treatment or privileges. This is not based on any specific criteria but rather the belief that you are superior or more deserving than the other person in the relationship. This extends to all aspects of life, and the entitled person does not negotiate or make concessions; they simply demand and expect this special treatment.<\/p>\n

This is the very definition of a narcissist. Narcissistic entitlement often involves believing they deserve respect, control, credit, and recognition even if they did nothing to earn those benefits. In fact, a true narcissist simply assumes that he or she will be the sole recipient of those benefits. They expect the other partner in the relationship to follow along and willing to give of themselves and their resources.<\/p>\n

In many cases, individuals that display narcissistic entitlement do so only in specific settings. Narcissists are often very insecure and may avoid appearing entitled in the workplace in front of colleagues while taking out all their frustration and need to \u201cget back\u201d at coworkers or their partner.<\/p>\n

At the same time, this sense of entitlement is often very familiar to the dynamics many people experience in their families. These people have learned that fawning or giving the narcissist what they want is the best way to please their partner and reduce the risk of conflict and having to withstand the anger of the narcissist.<\/p>\n

What is Fawning?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Fawning is a learned behavior that was, at one time, a beneficial coping mechanism. It is the response when in a stressful situation that creates a need to appease others and to avoid conflict at all costs. This is not being kind or letting the small stuff go; it is about giving up all your needs to attempt to please the other and get out of a potential emotional or physically dangerous situation.<\/p>\n

Most people with codependency issues have experienced traumatic childhood events. This may be a history of abuse within the family, including both physical and emotional abuse. Over time and with repeated codependent and toxic relationships, this coping strategy becomes their primary response. While they may also use the fight, flight, or freeze response when a traumatic issue is unfolding, these individuals are more likely to use fawning or extreme people pleasing to attempt to avoid conflict.<\/p>\n

They want to be seen as being nice, cooperative, or apologetic, but they become hyper-focused on these behaviors. Typically they do not have boundaries or make no attempt to enforce a boundary if they feel threatened.<\/p>\n

Tips To Avoid Fawning<\/strong><\/p>\n

The entitled narcissist is able to take full advantage of the fawning or people pleasing by intentionally creating conflict situations that trigger the fawning response. Recognizing that fawning is a go-to response when you feel threatened is an important first step.<\/p>\n

There are some tools and techniques that individuals who recognize the fawning response can use to help change their behavior. Some of the most effective techniques include:<\/p>\n