13 Signs A Narcissist Is Threatened By Your Success

Narcissists get very jealous of other people’s success.

A man with a beard, wearing a blue blazer and shirt, sits at a table in an office, engaged in conversation with a person in a green top. A glass of water and notebooks are on the table. The setting appears professional and modern.

The success of others often brings out the best in people, but for narcissists, it can trigger a storm of insecurity and jealousy. When you’re riding high on your achievements, a narcissist might feel their carefully constructed world of superiority crumbling. Recognizing the signs of a threatened narcissist empowers you to protect your well-deserved accomplishments and maintain your emotional well-being.

1. They try to sabotage your efforts.

A woman smiles playfully at the camera while sitting at a desk next to two other colleagues working on laptops. The person in the foreground appears focused with their hand on their forehead. The background features office furnishings.

Narcissists excel at subtle sabotage. Important emails mysteriously disappear, or crucial information gets “accidentally” withheld. These underhanded tactics aim to derail your progress and maintain the narcissist’s perceived superiority. Staying vigilant and documenting your work can help you navigate these treacherous waters.

2. They talk down your accomplishments.

A woman with long hair and sunglasses on her head sits indoors, gesturing with one hand as she listens to someone off-camera. A laptop and another person are partially visible in the foreground. The setting has a cozy, wooden interior.

“Oh, it’s not that big of a deal,” they might say with a dismissive wave. Belittling your achievements becomes a narcissist’s favorite pastime when feeling threatened. By minimizing your success, they attempt to soothe their bruised ego and shake your confidence. Stand firm in your pride—your accomplishments are valid, regardless of their petty attempts to convince you otherwise.

3. They take all the credit for your success.

A group of three people engaged in conversation indoors. The person in the middle is gesturing with hands, wearing a black outfit. The background is softly blurred, suggesting a casual or business setting.

Suddenly, your innovative idea becomes their brainchild. Narcissists swoop in, exaggerating their minor contributions or fabricating involvement entirely. Credit-stealing stems from their desperate need to be seen as the most capable person in any situation. Maintaining clear records of your work and contributions is crucial for setting the record straight when faced with these false claims.

4. They make you feel bad for being happy about your success.

A man in a suit sits at a desk with his hands covering his face, looking stressed. A woman in a suit next to him gestures with one hand and rests the other hand on his shoulder, appearing concerned. Open notebooks and coffee cups are on the table.

Excitement bubbles up as you share your latest achievement, only to be met with a guilt trip. “Don’t you think it’s insensitive to celebrate when others are struggling?” they ask, dripping with faux concern. This emotional manipulation aims to stifle your joy and keep you from outshining them. Remember, genuine friends celebrate your wins. Your success doesn’t diminish others; it can inspire them.

5. They find something they can one-up you with.

Two women are engaged in conversation outdoors. The woman on the left, with dark hair tied back, is facing another woman who has a curly hair, dressed in a white coat and a red knitted hat. The background is slightly blurred, hinting at an urban setting.

Got a promotion? Well, they once turned down an even better job offer (conveniently unverifiable, of course). Ran a marathon? They know someone who did an ultramarathon… barefoot. Constant one-upmanship reveals their deep-seated need to always be “the best.” Recognizing this pattern allows you to disengage from their exhausting comparisons and focus on your own growth.

6. They try to copy you.

Two men in dress shirts and ties stand confidently against a white background. Each holds a jacket draped over one shoulder. The man in the foreground bites the arm of his glasses, while the other looks ahead, holding his glasses near his face.

Imitation becomes unsettling when narcissists take it to extremes. Suddenly, they’re mimicking your career moves, adopting your hobbies, or even stealing your ideas outright. However, their imitation often lacks substance, relying on shortcuts or underhanded methods. True success comes from authenticity, something a narcissist struggles to genuinely replicate.

7. They give constant backhanded compliments.

A man in a suit and glasses is speaking to a woman in a black outfit. They are standing outside, next to a building with a tiled wall. The man holds a pen and notebook, appearing engaged in conversation.

“Wow, I’m surprised you pulled that off!” or “That’s impressive… for someone at your level.” These barbed comments leave you feeling both praised and insulted simultaneously. Backhanded compliments are the narcissist’s way of acknowledging your success while subtly undermining it. Learning to recognize these veiled put-downs allows you to brush them off and focus on genuine support from others.

8. They unfavorably compare you to others.

Three women enjoying a conversation at a coffee shop, with disposable coffee cups on the table. The woman in the center is wearing a striped shirt and smiling, actively engaging in the discussion. The other two are seen from behind, wearing colorful plaid shirts.

Narcissists become experts at finding people who seemingly outshine you. “Sure, you got a raise, but did you hear about Sarah’s promotion?” Constant comparisons serve to keep you doubting yourself and striving for their approval. Remember, your journey is unique. Avoid getting caught up in their game of measuring sticks.

9. They shift attention back to them.

A man stands in a spotlight wearing a black suit jacket, looking down and pointing his fingers outward. Bright lights and camera flashes surround him, capturing his image from various angles, creating a sense of fame and attention. The background is dark and blurred.

You’re basking in a well-deserved moment of recognition when the narcissist swoops in, hijacking the conversation. Your achievement becomes a springboard for their tangentially related story or “more impressive” feat. This attention-grabbing behavior reveals their inability to tolerate you outshining them, even momentarily. Setting firm boundaries helps you reclaim your moments of glory.

10. They condemn you for changing.

As you grow and evolve, the narcissist feels left behind. Instead of celebrating your progress, they attack: “You think you’re better than us now?” These accusations aim to make you feel guilty for your personal development. Embracing change is natural and healthy. Don’t let their attempts to anchor you to the past hold you back.

11. They launch a smear campaign.

A surprised woman is holding a white mug while another woman whispers in her ear with a smile. Sunlight streams through the window behind them, creating a bright, warm atmosphere.

Whispered rumors and exaggerated stories suddenly circulate about you. The narcissist, feeling threatened, resorts to damaging your reputation. They might spread lies about how you achieved your goals or question your character. Maintaining your integrity and surrounding yourself with supportive people is crucial during these challenging times.

12. They drag up the past.

A young man in a white t-shirt sits alone with a thoughtful expression in a busy room. In the background, a group of three people are engaged in conversation, slightly out of focus. The room has a casual atmosphere with bookshelves and tables.

Ancient history becomes fodder for the narcissist’s arsenal. They dredge up embarrassing moments or exaggerate past conflicts, painting you in the worst possible light. “Remember when you failed 8th grade math?” they might say, ignoring your current accomplishments. Stay focused on your present growth and future potential, refusing to let outdated narratives define you.

13. They create or stir up drama.

Three people sitting on an outdoor bench in the sunlight. The two men, both wearing sunglasses, face a woman in the middle, who is also wearing sunglasses. They appear to be engaged in conversation, with a blurred urban background visible behind them.

When all else fails, narcissists resort to manufacturing chaos. They might pick fights, spread gossip, or create elaborate misunderstandings—anything to shift focus away from your success. Recognizing these manufactured crises allows you to avoid getting pulled into their toxic web and maintain your hard-earned momentum.