Another conditional assumption of power is the belief of exemption from normal rules and laws, even the laws of science and nature. Risk is viewed as remote, minimal, or easily managed. The patient may dismiss or actively distort evidence indicating risk, even when overwhelming, because of the firm belief in being the “exception.” “I’m special; I can get away with it,” where the “it” may be smoking, drinking, reckless driving, spending, overeating, substance abuse, emotional abuse, even sexual abuse or physical harm. The fallacy of this exception will not be casually accepted. “This can’t be happening to me,” is the refrain when exception fails. When faced with an unremitting loss, perhaps as in a life- threatening illness, the patient with NPD may persist in believing that he or she will not have to cope but will be excepted from the emotional stresses experienced by other, “lesser” individuals. Other normal expectations such as compromising in a marriage may be resisted or resented, based on the belief that “it should be easy for me, and I should not have to make that effort.”

The narcissistic patient also assumes as a condition of power that “other people should satisfy my needs,” and that “no one’s needs should interfere with my own.” Thus, he or she is apt to approach any number of situations feeling automatically entitled to personal gratification. From simple examples such as hogging the best seat, biggest steak, or choice bedroom; dominating entire conversations with personal concerns; commanding excessive portions of a family budget; or relentlessly demanding an outrageous inheritance claim, the assertion of his or her needs seems to lack the constraint of consideration for others. If others fail to satisfy the narcissist’s “needs,” including the need to look good, or be free from inconvenience, then others “deserve to be punished.”