Narcissism Glossary
The wound when pride takes a hit (narcissistic injury)
🩹 The severe shame — and the rage that follows — when a grandiose self-image or sense of entitlement is threatened by criticism, refusal, or failure. The term covers the reaction shown in that moment. It replaces no diagnosis. Watch the actual behavior after the criticism or refusal, not the presumed inner state.
Often seen in situations like these
😡 A small difference of opinion registers as a personal attack — met with shouting or extended blame.
❄️ The person who refused finds their reputation shaved down, or penalties arranged.
❄️ The person who refused finds their reputation shaved down, or penalties arranged.
When this happens, try this
💡 Explaining their outsized reaction is not your job. If there was shouting, insult, or retaliation, sort out whose responsibility that behavior is.