Just like the devil, a narcissist’s intentions are to steal your joy, kill your dreams and destroy your life.
Many of you may not even know that your abuser is a narcissist, many of you may not realize that you know someone with narcissistic characteristics, but a perfect example of narcissistic behavior can be seen from the person presently standing behind the presidential podium.
If you are experiencing encounters like those I am about to describe, you may be dealing with someone who has narcissistic personality disorder:
- You are reluctant to include your partner in professional or personal engagements because of his or her embarrassing behavior.
- You distance yourself from friends and family that do not meet your partner’s approval.
- You are reluctant to voice your opinion or disagree with your partner for fear of retaliation or worse, violence.
- You are belittled or made to feel embarrassed in public or especially in the company of family, friends and / or coworkers.
- You are criticized often in front of others for qualities that others find enlightening about you. Example: If people love your smile, a narcissist will comment that he/she is suspicious of people who smile a lot because they are the kind of people who are hiding something and cannot be trusted. The intent is to plant in the minds of others that you are hiding something and may not be trustworthy.
- If someone comments on how kind you are, the narcissist will usually say, “Just wait until you really get to know him/her.” This comment having been said in a joking manner, implies that you may not be as kind as you appear.
In short, a narcissist desperately strives for attention because of their own internal insecurities, feelings of inferiority, and rage. It is primarily because of those internal insecurities, the narcissist evokes feelings of uncertainty, anxiety, and pure terror into the lives of others, especially those closest to him/her. All this behavior is masterfully hidden as he or she is portraying themselves to be the kindest, most charming, most engaging, witty, most captivating, and most impossible to resist characteristics of anyone you have ever met. If he/she is too good to be true, but something just does not feel right; then TOO GOOD may not be the best thing for you.
Please do not let your light be diminished. Education and information are POWER tools. I hope the information provided here will enlighten and empower you. I encourage you to seek as much information about narcissism as is available in reading materials or online. Your life may depend on it.
THE NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE:
1.800.799.SAFE (7233) TTY: 1.800.787.3224
Relationship Abuse is a form of Domestic Violence.
Recognizing Abuse is essential. Abuse does not have to be physical. Abusive behavior does not discriminate. No race, age, class, gender, political or religious affiliation is exempt from abuse.
BE KIND TO ONE ANOTHER – THE WORLD WILL LOVE YOU FOR IT.
