According to popular theories, Emperor Napoleon I was a short man. A Napoleon complex is a theory that occurs in people of shorter stature. It is typically characterized by having behaviors that are domineering from a social standpoint, along with a very aggressive approach to life.
The reason for these behaviors is that shorter people are trying to overcompensate for a perceived handicap they have compared to people who are taller.
How to Tell if Someone Has a Napoleon Complex
Today, the Napoleon complex is sometimes referred to as “short man syndrome,” or SMS. There are many symptoms which may begin to appear if someone is struggling with this issue.
People suffering from this complex will say or do anything to get what they want. They may target their workplace or home. They can also target their life in general to ensure that they get their way.
Lying is a very common symptom of a Napoleon complex. By lying frequently, it becomes possible to distort perceptions of reality. This allows the individual to create results within a world of fantasy that still feels real to them.
Some people will also start spreading rumors about others when dealing with SMS. They use rumors to manipulate the reactions of others to generate results that they wish to see.
In some instances, people with this health issue have even caused physical harm to others, including murder, to ensure that there are no obstacles in the way of getting their way.
Emotional Responses with a Napoleon Complex
People with a Napoleon complex ride a rollercoaster of emotions every day. They might hate people when they seem someone doing well. They might feel happy when they see other people fail.
Most importantly, everyone in their life becomes an enemy. There are no teammates with SMS. Every person becomes a competitor who could prevent a win from happening. That is why people with this issue tend to be overly aggressive, perfectionistic, and socially domineering.
The bottom line here is this: if you think you have a problem with being aggressive or overly competitive, then you do. If you suspect in someone else, then they may have this issue too. Address these issues, cope with the behaviors, and it becomes possible to start a path which leads to recovery.