Constant harassment and rejection leading to feelings of superiority

Just a general question that came to mind, is it possible for someone who has been harassed for a long period of time or at least just outcasted and very lonely to develop feelings of superiority? The reason I wonder is because I’ve heard people tell someone who is being constantly harassed that they are better than the people who harass others.

In a similar way, people who are very lonely and just constantly rejected may be told that they are too awesome and no one can measure up to them. I’ve had people say that stuff to me. Saying I’m better or too good for some people and how they treat me. I never believe them though since I know it’s not true. I’m not better than anyone. People who do that could cause some people to believe overtime that they really are better than other people. It may start out as an innocent way to cheer someone up, but over time they may actually believe they are better than those who harass and reject others.

This can be followed by them thinking that they are better than everyone. Most people who I’ve known in the past who believed they were better than everyone actually didn’t have the best childhood and it followed them to adulthood. Just wondered if this is something anyone else has observed. I believe it is something that could happen. Also people telling someone they are better or more awesome than those who reject them could also be accidentally using the wrong words. They should say they’re better than some other people’s behavior.

I know in most cases people who are harassed or rejected throughout their life have the exact opposite response. They feel inferior to others and feel like they are worthless and that no one wants them around. And I also know that just because someone is stuck up and arrogant grew up being harassed or rejected. So it could easily depend. Have you known anyone who was harassed or rejected persistently develop a sense of superiority over others and become stuck up and arrogant? Just wondered. .

Thats me! How else could i survive, except to believe that the reason no one appreciates me, is that they dont understand me? With their poor little pea brains. Of course, ive learned not to say that out loud. Oh wait. Oops!

Yeah it can happen.

I would like to voice my obervations.I think it is other way around .People with inferiority complex, out of envy or jealousy try to harass or put down people who are superior to them or if they perceive some superiority. By putting the other person down,the bully feels false superiority.

Yeah that can happen too.

Great post @rdgrad15
I think when people say things like that to someone who is picked on to make them feel better their intentions are good. In most circumstances the harassed person really is the better person. But if the harassed person has something going on like a narcissistic thing or persecution complex it can create a monster.

Totally agree @sarahsweets. Yes honestly in a sense, the harassed person is better than the one doing the bully. But yeah if they do have a persicution complex like you said or has a high chance of developing Narcissism, those good intentions can take a turn for the worst. I have seen it happen unfortunately. It can cause someone to think they’re better than everyone. I never developed Narcissism after being bullied and harassed, but I can see how it can happen to others.