Infantilism and narcissism. Two concepts that are often confused, but even more often they go hand in hand. An infantile person is a "permanent child" who does not want to take responsibility. A narcissist is a "grown-up with a crown on his head" who requires admiration. But if you look closely, they have much in common: egocentrism, lack of empathy, low frustration tolerance. Moreover, infantilism can be a mask for narcissism, and narcissism is often fueled by infantilism. In this article, we will discuss what they have in common, what makes them different, and what to do if you discover these traits in yourself or in your loved ones.What is infantilism in adultsInfantilism is the retention in an adult's psyche of traits characteristic of children. It is not a diagnosis, but a personality trait. It manifests in a reluctance to make decisions, shirking responsibility, seeking a "parent" (partner, boss, state) who will take care of everything. An infantile person lives for the day, cannot plan, easily succumbs to immediate desires. He may be charming, spontaneous, but his spontaneity quickly wears out. In a crisis situation, he falls into a stupor or a tantrum instead of acting. He does not like to be "parented," but at the same time he constantly complains and moans. Example: a 35-year-old man who lives with his mother, works as a courier, and spends all his free money on games. Or a woman who shifts all household chores to her husband and complains about being tired.What is narcissism in adultsNarcissism is a personality trait (in its extreme form - a disorder) characterized by a grandiose sense of self-importance, a need for constant admiration, and a lack of empathy. Unlike an infantile person, a narcissist can be very successful, goal-oriented, and even a workaholic. But his success is not an end in itself, but a means to gain admiration. A narcissist cannot tolerate criticism, belittles others, and retaliates for wounded self-esteem. He is not capable of genuin ... Read more