Narcissist vs. Dismissive Avoidant: 9 Crucial Differences You Must Know

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Is your partner emotionally unavailable—or emotionally manipulative?

In this in-depth episode of The Thais Gibson Podcast, Thais is joined by co-host Mike DiZio to unpack the 9 diagnostic criteria for Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) and explain how these traits differ from what you see in someone with dismissive avoidant attachment.

This episode goes far beyond the surface, giving you practical tools to differentiate between personality disorders and attachment wounds, understand confusing behaviors, and protect yourself from staying in toxic relationships under the wrong assumptions.

 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ The 9 clinical traits of narcissism (based on DSM criteria)
✔️ Why dismissive avoidants may appear cold—but aren't manipulative
✔️ The root causes of narcissism vs. avoidant attachment
✔️ How each style relates to vulnerability, attention, and accountability
✔️ How dismissive avoidants can empathize and change—and why narcissists often don’t
✔️ Why NPD healing is rare—and how shame avoidance blocks growth
✔️ Practical examples and red flags to look for in your relationships

Whether you're confused about a past partner, navigating a current dynamic, or exploring your own behavior, this episode delivers eye-opening clarity and practical insight.

⏱️ Episode Timestamps

• 00:00 – Attachment Style Quiz

• 00:42 – Intro: Why This Distinction Matters

• 05:15 – 1: Grandiose Sense of Self

• 07:57 – 2: Requires Excessive Admiration

• 21:33 – 3: Fantasies of Unlimited Power, Beauty, Success

• 29:18 – PDS Membership Program

• 30:12 – 4: Entitlement

• 39:32 – 5: Believes They're Special & Unique

• 43:23 – 6: Interpersonally Exploitative

• 48:50 – 7: Arrogant or Haughty Attitude

• 52:18 – 8: Jealousy of Others

• 53:25 – 9: Lack of Empathy

• 59:05 – Conclusion

Meet Your Host:

Thais Gibson is the founder of The Personal Development School, best-selling author, and a global leader in attachment theory and subconscious reprogramming. With a Ph.D. and more than 13 certifications, Thais has helped over 70,000 people heal attachment wounds and build secure, thriving relationships.

Helpful Resources:

🧠 Take the Free Attachment Style Quiz
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📚 Read the Learning Love Book
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🎧 Discover More Podcast Episodes
https://attachment.personaldevelopmentschool.com/podcast?page=1

📝 Read the PDS Blog
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#narcissistvsavoidant #attachmentstyles #emotionalhealing #narcissisticpersonalitydisorder #attachmenttheorypodcast #howtofindlove #emotionalresilience #mentalhealthawareness #selfprotection #dismissiveavoidant

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