When you think of a narcissist , you probably picture someone whose behavior is grandiose, entitled and arrogant whats known as an overt narcissist. But theres another, lesser-known type of narcissism that often flies under the radar: Its called covert narcissism. And while a covert narcissists behavior may be less obvious, it can be just as harmful to those in their orbit.

Like overt narcissists, covert narcissists lack empathy for others, use manipulation to get their way and have a strong drive to feel special in comparison to other people. But the way the two different types of narcissists try to stand out is different, said clinical psychologist Craig Malkin .

Covert narcissists dont feel special by virtue of positive qualities like attractiveness or intelligence; they feel exceptional because of their pain or suffering, agreeing with statements like most people dont understand my problems and Im temperamentally more sensitive compared to others, Malkin, author of Rethinking Narcissim, told HuffPost.

Think of it this way: In overt narcissism, their vulnerabilities are hidden and their grandiosity is loud, he said. In covert narcissism, the grandiosity is hidden but vulnerability is at full volume.