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The Thais Gibson Podcast

Dismissive Avoidant or Narcissistic Personality Disorder? Understanding the Differences

Feb 22, 2025
26:20

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Are they a dismissive avoidant or a narcissist?

Many people struggle to differentiate between dismissive avoidant attachment and narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) because both can involve emotional distance, self-protection, and difficulty with vulnerability. However, these are fundamentally different psychological profiles.

In this episode of The Thais Gibson Podcast, we break down the key differences between a dismissive avoidant attachment style and narcissistic personality disorder, explaining how to recognize each and how to navigate relationships with them effectively.


What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ The core traits of dismissive avoidant attachment vs. narcissistic personality disorder

✔️ Why dismissive avoidants seem emotionally detached but aren't narcissists

✔️ How narcissists manipulate vs. how dismissive avoidants withdraw

✔️ The role of childhood experiences in shaping each personality type

✔️ How to protect your emotional well-being in relationships with either

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Is my partner emotionally distant or actually narcissistic?”, this episode will help you distinguish between the two and provide tools for healthier connections.


Meet Your Host:

Thais Gibson is the co-founder of The Personal Development School, a best-selling author, and a leader in personal development. With a Ph.D. and over 13 certifications in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Somatic Experiencing, and more, Thais has helped thousands transform their relationships and emotional well-being.


Helpful Resources:

💡 Take the Free Attachment Quiz:

https://attachment.personaldevelopmentschool.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_campaign=attachment-quiz&utm_medium=organic&el=podcast

📖 Learning Love Book – The guide to healing attachment wounds:

https://attachment.personaldevelopmentschool.com/learning-love?utm_source=podcast&utm_campaign=learning-love&utm_medium=organic&el=podcast

🎙️ More Podcast Episodes:

https://attachment.personaldevelopmentschool.com/podcast?page=1

📝 Read More on Our Blog:

https://blog.personaldevelopmentschool.com/


Follow Us on Social Media:

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepersonaldevelopmentschool/

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePersonalDevelopmentSchool

🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thaisgibson

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thepersonaldevelopmentschool/

▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThePersonalDevelopmentSchool


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#attachmentstyles #dismissiveavoidant #narcissisticpersonalitydisorder #relationshippatterns #datingadvice #attachmenttheory #selfhealing #personaldevelopment #relationshipgoals #findlove


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