Traits of the White Knight Narcissist: Black Knight Syndrome

Narcissism is a personality trait characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a constant need for admiration, and a lack of empathy. While many are familiar with the classic narcissist, there exists a subtler yet equally problematic variant – the White Knight Narcissist.

“White Knight Narcissist” is a term for someone with a Narcissistic Personality Disorder who likes to be seen as a good person. They get their narcissistic supplies by doing helpful things for other people.

This is in direct contrast to malignant Narcissists, who we are calling “Black Knights”, who get their narcissistic supplies from sadistically setting out to demolish other people’s self-esteem and pleasure in life.

Understanding Narcissism

To comprehend the concept of a White Knight Narcissist, it is crucial to first understand narcissism as a whole. Narcissism is a personality trait that falls on a spectrum, ranging from healthy self-esteem to Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD).

Individuals with NPD exhibit extreme self-centeredness and a grandiose self-image, often resorting to manipulation and exploitation to achieve their goals.

White Knights are still Narcissists, despite their desire to be seen as helpful, generous, and kind. This means that they still:

• Have shaky self-esteem.
• Lack whole object relations and object constancy— they cannot see themselves or other people in a stable, integrated, and realistic way as simultaneously having both liked and disliked traits.
• Are extremely self-centerered.
• Lack emotional empathy and cannot feel other people’s joy or sadness—or care deeply about anyone else’s feelings.
• Are preoccupied with their place in whatever status hierarchy matters to them.
• Want to be seen as special.
• Devalue other people when it suits them.

So what characteristics are specific to White Knight Narcissists?

• They want you to think they are good people.
• They will do favors for other people that make them look good.
• If they are wealthy, they are likely to be philanthropists who give away large sums of money to causes that they support—as long as they get public recognition for doing so.
• Some are “good neighbor narcissists.” By this I mean that they will offer to pick up groceries for sick neighbors or help someone to put up their window screens, or do some other chore.
• Helping people makes them feel important and enhances their self-esteem.

Exploring White Knight Narcissists

In essence, a White Knight Narcissist is a person who portrays themselves as the savior, defender, or hero of others. They project an image of altruism, displaying acts of apparent kindness and compassion to win admiration and adoration from those around them. This behavior is often associated with the “hero syndrome,” where the individual compulsively needs to help others, even at the expense of their own needs.

The Paradox of a White Knight Narcissist

Behind their charming and charismatic facade, White Knight Narcissists harbor self-serving motives. Their “helping” behaviors are not driven by genuine care but rather by the desire for validation and control. They engage in good deeds and charitable causes not out of true concern for others but to secure a steady supply of admiration and external validation. This paradox makes them a perplexing and potentially dangerous presence in relationships. 

White Knights, despite their desire to be seen as helpful, generous, and kind, still exhibit classic traits of Narcissistic Personality Disorder. These traits include shaky self-esteem, lack of whole object relations and object constancy, extreme self-centeredness, and a lack of emotional empathy.

Their need for validation and desire to be perceived as special often leads them to engage in various acts of kindness and generosity. For instance, some White Knight Narcissists may actively participate in philanthropy, donating substantial sums of money to causes they support, but often with an expectation of public recognition.

Moreover, they may portray themselves as “good neighbor narcissists,” offering assistance to their neighbors in times of need, which boosts their self-esteem and sense of importance. However, underneath these altruistic actions lies a desire for external validation rather than genuine concern for others.

Relationships with White Knight Narcissists

In romantic relationships and intimate relationships, White Knight Narcissists engage in love-bombing, showering their partners with excessive attention and affection. However, this phase is often short-lived, leading to devaluation and emotional abuse as the relationship progresses. Victims of White Knight Narcissists may have a history of abandonment or low self-esteem, making them vulnerable to the manipulative tactics of these individuals.

What is it like being their spouse?

At first, people think that they have hit the jackpot and are with someone who is genuinely kind and caring. They may have met at a charity event or as volunteers in a homeless shelter. But over time, they see less and less of the person’s good side.

They begin to notice that there is very little intimacy in their relationship. Now that they are wedded, the good deeds always seem to be done for someone else at their expense.

In some cases, the person may take off the mask of “do-gooder” at home. After a while, their behavior may become just as devaluing and hurtful to their spouse as any other type of Narcissist.

Impact on Mental Health

Victims of White Knight Narcissists often endure gaslighting and emotional manipulation, leading to severe emotional distress and diminished self-esteem. The emotional reality of others is dismissed or belittled in favor of the narcissist’s own desires, leaving the victim questioning their sanity and self-worth.

White Knight Narcissists in Society

White Knight Narcissists can be found in various settings, including the workplace, friendships, and even in activism or volunteer work. Their charisma often allows them to rise to positions of influence, where their manipulation can have far-reaching consequences. On social media platforms, they may present themselves as “good guys” or “nice guys,” but their actions are primarily driven by a compulsive need for attention and admiration.

What is it like working for them?

In the workplace, White Knight Narcissists may be perceived as charismatic and benevolent leaders, often involved in charitable initiatives. However, their altruistic facade may hide a more tyrannical side. Employees may experience fear and anxiety due to the boss’s unpredictable temper and public humiliation of those who displease them.

It is essential for colleagues and subordinates to recognize the distinction between the public image of the White Knight and their actual behavior within the workplace. The need for validation and control drives their actions, and their true motivations may not align with the charitable image they portray.

You might think that they would be loved by their staff, but that is not usually the case. 

Handling White Knight Narcissists

Recognizing the red flags of a White Knight Narcissist is the first step in protecting oneself. Setting firm boundaries, seeking professional help from a clinical psychologist experienced in personality disorders, and focusing on self-care are essential strategies for dealing with White Knight Narcissists.

The Path to Change

Can White Knight Narcissists change? Under certain circumstances and with professional assistance, there is a possibility for rehabilitation and transformation. However, true change requires self-awareness, responsibility, and genuine commitment to addressing their underlying issues, such as self-esteem issues or a history of abandonment.

Coping with the Aftermath

Recovering from the aftermath of a relationship with a White Knight Narcissist is a challenging journey. Rebuilding trust, embracing personal growth, and providing support to others who may have experienced similar situations can aid in the healing process. It is crucial to remember that victims are not to blame for the narcissist’s actions and that seeking help is not a sign of weakness but of strength.

Conclusion

White Knight Narcissists present a complex and paradoxical personality type, intertwining altruism and manipulation. Understanding the traits and dynamics associated with this variant of narcissism is crucial to protect oneself from potential harm. By recognizing the signs and seeking appropriate help, individuals can begin the journey toward healing and empowerment.

Frequently Asked Questions