The one critical difference between healthy self-esteem and narcissism

Confidence is awesome. We all want it; we all admire it in others; we all appreciate its importance in the accomplishment of goals.

The problem is that there are two kinds of people who exude great confidence: those with healthy self-esteem, and narcissists. On television, in the workplace, at the grocery store, in the pulpit—literally anywhere in life—it is impossible to readily distinguish between the two.

It would be, that is, except for one critical difference between these two kinds of people: unlike the person with healthy self-esteem, the narcissist cannot handle, and will not tolerate, criticism.

Never forget that you have no idea who an apparently confident person is—no matter how famous, powerful, smart, funny, charming or successful they are—until you’ve seen them being criticized.

Until then, enjoy their show, for sure. Just don’t invest in it.