I've discovered many people aren't able to discern the difference between a narcissist and an alpha. That applies to both men and women. Women crave alpha men and end up dating narcissists who they mistake as alpha (probably because narcissists are more common than true alphas). An alpha male is truly confident to his core, that confidence comes from
within, and he doesn't need external validation/adoration to remain confident. An alpha male maintains complete control of his emotions. He knows who and what he is above and doesn't bother wasting his time or becoming an emotional wreck over insults or criticisms, especially from those he views as beneath him, and he definitely doesn't get into childish tit-for-tat name calling.
Unlike an alpha, a narcissist has zero self confidence. All their confidence comes from their life-long efforts to surround themselves with yes-men and the type of women who lavish them with the constant validation that serves as the life blood of their fragile egos.
Agree with
@EyeBRollin .... I'm not a fan of Putin, but he definitely embodies alpha behavior. When someone criticizes him, he just smirks confidently and blows it off, knowing exactly what position he is in, and if he does respond, he usually responds with something confident yet powerful and very brief and succinct. He has amused mastery.