Some people are so obsessed with their image that their whole personality is based on how to make themselves appear good. Their behaviors go beyond always being Instagram-ready and lack any genuine substance. You might think they are easily spotted, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Here are some tell-tell signs that you might be dealing with an image-obsessed person.
Appearances are everything
Whether it is an office party or a Sunday evening stroll through a farmer’s market, people who only care about their image will always look the part. Hiding behind flashy possessions is a clear sign that you’re dealing with an image-obsessed person, but it has to be backed by more than just nice things.
Need to control
People who are all about their image have to have all the control because perception is a reality for them. The need for control is perceived as a fear of uncertainty and can be linked to numerous mental health conditions. The need to control is a typical response to everyday stresses and can be a sign of childhood trauma or other deeply disturbing events.
Need to compete
Hyper-competitiveness is an extreme need to compete and win to prove superiority and establish it over people and events. It signals that a person lacks confidence, and by winning, they are gaining the recognition and validation they crave.
Lack of deeper connections
To have profound, meaningful connections with others, you have to let them see the authentic you, show vulnerability, and let go of control. A person obsessed with their image is likely to have many friends, but those friendships are superficial and lack depth. It is commonly a sign that a person has poor self-esteem.
Shifting opinions
If someone changes their mind too much based on the company or what is expected of them, you could be dealing with an image-obsessed person. These people change their minds so frequently that it is almost impossible to rely on them. Changing and evolving is natural growth, but shifting opinions to fit the current narrative can be a sign of a mental health disorder.
Always in the right
If someone has to be correct, they usually have a fragile ego. Like many other things listed, this is common among those with narcissistic traits, though it does not mean that they have to have NPD or narcissistic personality disorder. Not knowing to accept blame can signal a lack of self-awareness or fear of consequences.
Name-dropping
Name-dropping is often a symptom of narcissism or an over-inflated sense of self. It usually comes from a person who is uncomfortable, anxious, and doubting their own worth. These people gain a false sense of value by constantly attaching themselves to someone famous or respected despite it being a major red flag.
Seeking validation
Constantly seeking validation is another red flag and a turn-off. However, for someone who only cares about their image, getting praised is a goal because it gives them a temporary sense of self-worth. Despite your acknowledgment of their greatness, they will soon ask for more.
Humblebragging
Bragging masked by a complaint or humility is a simple way to get praised without pointing out their greatness. This false modesty is triggered by a desire to elicit sympathy and impress others without creating deeper connections, which is perfect for someone overly invested in their image.
Playing the victim
If an image-obsessed person is about to be confronted, they will likely play the victim. This is a way to maintain control over the situation and present a desired picture to the outside world. Toxic people, in general, are great at manipulating others to gain sympathy and get what they want.
Guilt-tripping
A person focused solely on their image might need other manipulation techniques to get what they want. One of them is guilt-tripping, a way to emotionally influence others to do something for them. It is a passive-aggressive behavior from people who cannot or do not want to communicate openly.
Telling stories
To ensure their image is intact, people could devise various stories to make themselves look better, more popular, or in demand. Their extensive and elaborate stories can conflict depending on their audience, but these clashes are easily overlooked due to a lack of deeper connections.
Talking over you
If someone is talking over you, they are generally asserting dominance. It is part of their competition, so regardless of what you say, they will add something better and brighter, and this is why these people are commonly known as conversational narcissists.
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Kate Smith, a self-proclaimed word nerd who relishes the power of language to inform, entertain, and inspire. Kate's passion for sharing knowledge and sparking meaningful conversations fuels her every word.