It’s often said that all families are dysfunctional in some way. If this is true, then narcissistic families must be among the most dysfunctional. If one or both parents in a family are narcissists, they will put their own emotional needs ahead of those of their children. This is bound to cause some tension among … Read more
The narcissist has hurt you so many times. Maybe they’ve gaslighted you or smeared you or completely destroyed your self-esteem. And somehow, they continue to get away with their awful behavior. Even when things seem to be getting better, you may feel like you’re walking on eggshells. It’s like they can change their mood or … Read more
The narcissist can’t seem to get the hint that I don’t want anything to do with them! They’ve reached everyone- my friends, my family, and even my boss! All the lies- they claimed I abused them, stole money from them, and otherwise ruined their life. Everything is a lie, but they don’t see it that … Read more
“They did the personality test, and by process of elimination, it was concluded that it was narcissistic personality disorder. So from that moment on, I started treatment, because I didn’t want to have that.” Those are the words of a narcissist interviewed by SBS in 2019. After six and a half years of treatment he … Read more
Scott was desperate. The relationship started well enough – his girlfriend was kind, sweet, and affectionate in the beginning. But soon enough, the lies started. Or rather, he started noticing them. The mask slipped, and her lack of empathy started to shine through. Then came the insults. The criticism. The guilt trips. The fake tears. … Read more
“Narcissistic rage” is a term coined by Heinz Kohut in his book The Analysis of the Self when it was published in 1972. It occurs when the narcissist perceives he is being personally “attacked” by someone else. Grandiose self-worth, vanity, and entitlement are basic characteristics of this disorder; when these are challenged it often leads … Read more
Relationships with narcissists follow a familiar pattern that begins the moment you meet them. Most often they will attempt to charm you and shower you with flattery. These traits make the narcissist popular, as they boost the ego of their target. This early stage is called the idealization phase, when they are deeply in love … Read more
Is ignoring the narcissist a good idea, and how will the narcissist respond? How does a narcissist tolerate ignoring i.e. treating them like they were invisible? Theoretically, a true narcissist can’t tolerate being ignored….by anyone. Usually, they will act out or do anything to focus on that person’s attention back to themselves. A classic narcissist needs attention … Read more