7 Strange Narcissist Behavior 1. Ruin special occasions if they are not the center of attention. 2. Walk ahead of or behind you, never alongside. 3. Help strangers but never their close loved ones. 4. Feel envious of their own children. 5. Use the silent treatment as a form of control. 6. Use their children for validation ( (e.g., taking credit for their children’s success). 7. Compete with their children by downplaying their achievements or trying to one-up them.