Is it normal to be so arrogant yet so down on myself?

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5 Comments

Okay, so I'll just try to be straightforward.

I have absolutely no self confidence. None. Nada. Zip. Zero. I have little to no confidence and similar amounts of self esteem, but that's not what this is about.

I also have massive amounts of random arrogance/narcissism. It's not really constant. It's more like it comes in unexpected bouts. I am forever criticizing myself. I don't think I have an inner critic. I think my inner critic IS me. Despite this, I'll often have thoughts of my own greatness or ability or intelligence, and, to my own surprise, I'll believe it.

At the very same time, though, I literally have no confidence and think little of myself. I have no idea how I manage to feel these things simultaneously. It shouldn't make sense, and it's hard to describe. Yet, there it is. Churning inside me.

Is this normal? How is it even possible? And why?

Voting Results
70% Normal
Based on 37 votes (26 yes)
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Comments ( 5 )
  • [Old Memory]
    11 years ago

    Most people with a narcissistic personalities have problems with their self-esteem.

    "my inner critic IS me"
    This is still self-focused thinking, even though it is negative. It's still all about you. So you waffle between self-superiority and self-criticism, it's all narcissistic behaviour.

    That you are able to recognize this, is a really good sign. I hope you are in therapy so you can learn to channel your preoccupation with yourself into something less harmful.

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  • robbieforgotpw
    11 years ago

    You're overcompensating for lack of self esteem.
    *sharts himself intentionally**

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  • 1000yrVampireKing
    11 years ago

    Well maybe stop being so arrogant. I do not think anyone likes your stuck up "You all suck balls" attitude.

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  • samcrow
    11 years ago

    Very normal. You speak for many that are afraid of themselves

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  • winteriscoming
    11 years ago

    I voted 'normal' because I totally recognise it, but it's probably not normal. I don't have any explanations though.

    I pretty much experience the same thing. I have very little self-esteem and I think I'm really ugly. Somehow I kind of compensate this with thinking I am really intelligent. I think that is also because that has been said to me very often. "Oh, you're so smart." And then... eventually you''ll believe it.

    At the same time I feel like everything is too hard and that I'm not capable of achieving anything. It's very weird. :')

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