--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I hesitate to use a pathologizing label…" description: "\"I hesitate to use a pathologizing label, but underneath the so-called narcissistic personality is definitely shame and the paralyzing fear of being ord..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2a0/bren-brown-280_being_i-hesitate-to-use-a-pathologizing-label_929024.jpg" --- # I hesitate to use a pathologizing label, but underneath… ![“I hesitate to use a pathologizing label, but underneath the so-called narcissistic personality is definitely shame and the paralyzing fear of being ordinary.” quote by Brene Brown](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2a0/bren-brown-280_being_i-hesitate-to-use-a-pathologizing-label_929024.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2a0/bren-brown-280_being_i-hesitate-to-use-a-pathologizing-label_929024.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2a0/bren-brown-280_being_i-hesitate-to-use-a-pathologizing-label_929024.jpg) > “I hesitate to use a pathologizing label, but underneath the so-called narcissistic personality is definitely shame and the paralyzing fear of being ordinary.” [Brene Brown](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bren-brown/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Shame underlies narcissistic traits, driving fear of being ordinary and paralyzing self‑esteem. **In simple terms:** Narcissism hides shame and fear of normalcy. Key Takeaway Recognize and address shame behind narcissistic behavior. Themes psychology self‑esteem vulnerability Mood reflective empathetic Type insightful therapeutic When to use this quote - therapy sessions - leadership coaching - personal reflection - relationship counseling Key Concepts Narcissism shame fear of ordinariness Questions to Reflect On - How does shame manifest in your behavior? - What steps can reduce fear of being ordinary? A Different Perspective Narcissistic traits may also stem from other sources like trauma. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Being](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/being/) [Called Narcissistic](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/called-narcissistic-1499212/) [Definitely](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/definitely/) [Definitely Shame](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/definitely-shame-1436918/) [Fear](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fear/) [Hesitate](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/hesitate/) [Label](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/label/) [Narcissistic](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/narcissistic/) [Ordinary](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ordinary/) [Personality](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/personality/) [Shame](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/shame/) [Shame Paralyzing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/shame-paralyzing-1499211/) [So-called](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/so-called/) [Underneath](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/underneath/) [Use](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/use/) ## Related quotes > [I definitely have shame and embarrassment, it's about the way I handle it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rachel-sennott/i-definitely-have-shame-and-embarrassment-it-s-about-the-way-i-handle/) [Rachel Sennott](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rachel-sennott/) > [“Shame is paralyzing and debilitating. 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Perfection is an unattainable goal. 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