The complex of Napoleon and the origins of its formation. Myths about people with small stature, their debunking and methods of dealing with the problem. The Napoleon Complex (Shorty Syndrome) is a combination of psychological problems that occur in short people. With great ambitions, some small persons dream of at least conquering the whole world in order to assert themselves in their own eyes. In an effort to get rid of their perceived inferiority, they may eventually turn into aggressive subjects.
Description of the Napoleon complex
The name of this derogatory social stereotype suggests that it appeared thanks to the famous French emperor Bonaparte. According to some versions (previously very popular), having a short stature (157-162 cm), he decided to compensate for it with a brilliant political career. In psychology, the Napoleon complex was first voiced by the Austrian psychologist Alfred Adler. However, a well-known specialist, basing his research on the biography of the emperor, did not take into account one fact. In fact, the height of the commander was 165-169 cm (according to various sources) and at that time was not considered small. Bonaparte looked short only when there were high marshals and impressive size officers of the Guards army nearby.
Alfred Adler's teachings were then disproved because a number of studies did not show a direct relationship between aggressiveness and short stature. Not all people with such parameters have inappropriate behavior and a desire for absolute power. At the same time, the term itself remained in psychological practice, because the described stereotype has become popular among the population.
Symptoms of the Napoleon complex
In this case, we will talk about people who are not ready to accept both their own appearance and their position in society. Their self-doubt often manifests itself as follows:
- Demonstrativeness … In any way, such people try to prove that they are strong and extraordinary personalities. This is especially evident in the case when a person with a Napoleon complex occupies a leadership position. He takes out his lack of self-confidence on his subordinates, asserting himself at their expense.
- Flexibility of the mind … People of this kind are good idea generators. They find an extraordinary way out of any situation, which a common man in the street is not even able to notice.
- Vindictiveness … Subjects with a pronounced Napoleon complex have a very vulnerable soul, therefore any careless word can cause them a flash of anger. They will remember the offense for a long time, having calmed down only after the guilty is punished.
- Vanity … In most cases, it is painful due to the same complexes about short stature. This behavior manifests itself in the form of intolerance of criticism and rejection of condescension on the part of any person.
- Passion for large objects … Short people often want to compensate for this disadvantage by purchasing large-sized jeeps, apartments with an impressive footage and renting large offices. They wear weighty seals on their hands, and impressive chains around their necks.
- Choice of high partners … In rare cases, a person of small stature starts a relationship with a member of the opposite sex with the same parameters. This statement is especially true for men, because finding a tall woman next to such a fan is considered the norm.
Note! All the described symptoms demonstrate a portrait of a vulnerable, suspicious and rather vindictive person. When communicating with him, you must observe the maximum correctness and caution in actions.
The main myths about people with small stature
In some cases, a person is ready to wind himself up to the limit. Many people are dissatisfied with their appearance, creating false canons of beauty in their minds.
Fears in men with short stature
Some members of the stronger sex are not confident in themselves due to the following common prejudices, after which they develop a Napoleon complex:
- The impossibility of success in women … There is a myth that beautiful ladies want to see next to them only a giant with developed muscles. In this case, it is purely a matter of taste. The height of the famous actor Tom Cruise is 170 cm (skeptics claim that the maximum is 165 cm), which does not prevent him from being popular with women.
- Ladies love to look from the bottom up … Maybe some of them like this occupation, but this opinion should not be elevated to the truth. Very often, short jokes are the soul of any company. American actor Danny DeVito, whose height is 152 cm, captivates the audience with his humor and ability to present himself.
- Shorts are never strong … The physical development of a man does not depend on his height, because you can be the size of a watchtower with undeveloped muscles. A striking refutation of this myth is the boxing career of Jacob Matlal, whose height was only 147 cm.
- Below average parameters are always a reason for ridicule … Such an opinion is erroneous reasoning. If a representative of the stronger sex is charming, smart and well-read, then no one will make fun of him. The growth of Mikhail Galustyan is only 163 cm, which allows him to amuse the audience himself, and not vice versa.
- A short man is a bad lover … This statement does not stand up to criticism at all. His growth does not affect the partner's potency, therefore, it is not worth creating a protective shell in the form of sarcasm towards others on this occasion.
Women will always be attracted by representatives of the stronger sex, who can become a reliable support for them. The Napoleon complex in men is exclusively self-hypnosis or the result of dependence on someone else's opinion.
Fears in women with small stature
The fair sex to a lesser extent suffers from this problem, but also sometimes subject to such doubts:
- Little Women Can't Become Models … Distributors of such absurdity forget about the fact that the main thing for an attractive lady is a proportional figure. In addition, the famous model Eva Longoria boasts a height of only 157 cm.
- Little women are not taken seriously … One can argue with this statement if we cite as an example Danica Patrick, a famous race car driver. Her height is only 150 cm, which does not detract from her achievements on the track.
- Men prefer tall women … Again, you can disagree with this myth, because everything depends on the personal taste of the stronger sex. A woman of short stature often gives the impression of a fragile creature that one wants to protect and preserve.
- With such parameters, it is difficult to endure a child.… A defensive reaction, which is then transformed into a Napoleon complex, may arise in a girl precisely because of this absurd conclusion. Growth does not matter during pregnancy if the expectant mother has a well-developed pelvis and is healthy.
The prevailing Napoleon complex in women is, first of all, the lack of confidence in the power of their charms in relation to the man they like. As a result, the lady begins to suffer suspiciousness and suspicion that behind her back everyone is discussing her small stature.
Ways to deal with the Napoleon complex
You can continue to live on with a similar problem and end up embittered all over the world. If you do not want such an ending, you should pull yourself together and make all possible attempts to eliminate it.
Self-directed actions to get rid of the Napoleon complex
To love yourself and not allow suspiciousness to gain the upper hand over reason, you must take the following self-defense measures:
- Analysis … Every person, even with small stature, should understand that he has no defect. He should accept himself as he came into this world. The main thing is that the arms and legs are intact, and the head remains in place - the statement of our ancestors. The rest was considered a whim and a consequence of the laziness of the soul and body.
- Trust in compliments … There is no need to look for a catch in every praise, because almost every person has their own complexes. You should give yourself the installation that pleasant things are presented from a pure heart, and not in the form of a veiled mockery.
- Diet … Some people should think about the question that with a small stature, figure flaws are even more striking. A short, fat person seems even more dimensional, so it's time to worry about weight, and not about the described complex. If a person who wants to lose weight does not know the recipes for a balanced diet, then he needs to contact a nutritionist.
- Exercises for correct posture … A stooped back will make a visually short person even smaller. Therefore, it is necessary to perform daily elementary manipulations to align it. The easiest way is to walk around the room with a book on your head.
Features of the visual increase in growth
If all the arguments are useless, and the person continues to have complexes, then you can try to visually correct your height:
- High heels … This method is suitable for both women and men. Representatives of the strong half of humanity can purchase special shoes on a high platform. Ladies are recommended models with thin high heels, ideally - pumps that not only visually make fashionistas taller, but also visually lengthen short legs. Bulky boots and boots are not the best solution for small stature. It is best for men to opt for lightweight models without an elongated nose.
- The right accessories … Men should give up bulky bracelets and chains around their necks. Ladies need to give preference to long beads (preferably three ropes), hanging earrings. You can also decorate yourself with the help of scarves, which are able to wrap around the neck several times and fall freely on the sides to the hips.
- Buying clothes wisely … When choosing a design for a dress or suit, you should abandon horizontal lines that not only make a person fat, but also steal a couple of centimeters of growth from him. Thin ties and belts are the perfect solution for a man with a Napoleon complex. Pants with arrows will also visually lengthen the legs, knee-length dresses are suitable for girls. Wearing capri pants and breeches should become taboo, and you should also forget about low-waisted jeans.
- Updo … Curls raised at the roots (with the help of wax or hair foam) can add a couple of centimeters to their owner. High tails and decorative ornaments in the form of voluminous hoops contribute to this. Men should cut their hair shorter by lifting their hair up. If you really want to walk with long strands, then you can shave the sides, and collect your hair in a stylish bun at the top.
Psychologist's help with short man's syndrome
Specialists can do some work with a person who has a Napoleon complex. In most cases, they base their therapy on the following methods:
- Conversation with elements of suggestion … Psychologists usually provide their patient with statistics that best indicate some of the benefits of being short. First, among such people, the largest percentage of centenarians. Secondly, they are the least susceptible to any disease.
- Do not judge for yourself … In some ways, this therapy is similar to training under the guidance of a professional. With the help of well-chosen questions, the psychologist helps the patient to understand the simple truth that one should not expect tolerant behavior on the part of people offended by you.
- Visual agitation method … To return faith in oneself and external attractiveness, experts advise you to familiarize yourself with the biographies of such people as Louis XIV (the sun king of France, 156 cm), Ludwig Beethoven (composer, 160 cm), Madonna (singer, 160 cm) and other famous personalities …
How to get rid of the Napoleon complex - watch the video:
The signs of the Napoleon complex in men and women are expressed in most cases in the same way. The problem is solved both on the psychological level (a person learns to accept himself as he is) and on a visual change in external data. Only under such conditions can he try to get rid of it, using in practice the advice of this article.
