Breaking Free from the Chains of Narcissism

I seem to be surrounded by narcissists. People in love with themselves, and seeking to maintain their superiority, by destroying others. Malignant Narcissists is the title given to the most destructive ones.

Narcissists only think of themselves. Everything is about them! They have no concern with your life at all. They delight in talking about themselves incessantly. It is their sole preoccupation.

Narcissists will drive you away, and then blame you because they're lonely. (A friend on the Elder Care board gave me that one.)

They will seldom (if ever) admit that they are wrong--about anything. Something is always wrong with you, not them. They will have you second-guessing and doubting yourself. Don't!

Narcissists will continually invalidate your feelings, because your feelings are not important to them, and cannot possibly be valid.

They will criticize in you, the things that they see in themselves. It's called projection.

Narcissists will make you co-dependent. You will do anything to avoid their wrath or displeasure, until you realize that it has cost you your soul. They are emotional vampires. You exist only for their pleasure.

They will claim that you are "overly sensitive", or "high strung."

You will have trouble believing that they have emotionally abused you, because they have convinced you that you're the one with the problem.

Narcissists will delight in keeping from you (the thing) or emotional response that you want. They use this to show their superiority in the relationship. They particularly delight in withholding the attention (and affection) you need.

If you don't do what they want, they will throw a tantrum, (or threaten to), and you will try to prevent that at all costs. They will lash out at you, call you names, and make you feel like the worst person on earth, all because you stood up for yourself, finally. But that's not part of their game--narcissists are to be in complete control, and you are to be submissive to their will.

Narcissists are users. You exist to meet their needs. Your pain makes them feel powerful.