Narcissism

Why Is It So Hard to Leave a Narcissist?

Narcissistic Traits There are a considerable number of problems that come with dating a narcissist. Nevertheless, many people are drawn to narcissistic relationships. Studies have found narcissists to be more desirable and attractive to people as potential dates. Yet, entering a relationship with a narcissist can ultimately leave a person feeling like they’ve lost themselves… Read more »

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What Really Goes On in the Mind of a Narcissist?

Most of us have a sense of what it means to be narcissistic, but we aren’t as clear about what makes a person that way. What motivates a narcissist’s behavior? What gives them their inflated sense of self? As we understand more and more about what makes up narcissism, we can start to gain more… Read more »

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Is Narcissism Shaped by Attachment Style?

Most of us have someone in our lives who comes to mind when we are asked if we know a narcissist. Perhaps, the person we think of can’t stop praising themselves, treats others as inferior, or seems unaffected by anyone else’s feelings and opinions. Or maybe, the person we think of is someone who always… Read more »

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What’s Wrong with Needing to Be the Best

To strive for greatness is not an unworthy goal, but the desire to be great can be a slippery slope. While all of us have a right to live our lives in pursuit of our dreams, the pressure we now put on ourselves to be special or great can lead to insecurity, narcissism and an actual… Read more »

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Are You a Narcissist?: InfoGraphic

Ever wonder if you or someone in your life is a diagnosable narcissist? Well, try answering these questions to find out. Do they have an exaggerated sense of self-importance? Do they expect recognition or praise even when they haven’t earned it? Do they exaggerate their accomplishments? Do they have a sense of entitlement? Expect special… Read more »

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Do You Confuse Admiration with Love? Tales of a Covert Narcissist

Written by an Anonymous PsychAlive Contributer A reader who commented on the article “Narcissistic Relationships: the Perils of Loving a Narcissist”  raised an interesting question, “Why would a person go back to a Narcissist?”  His question resonated with something I read recently in Alice Miller’s book, The Drama of the Gifted Child, a statement that… Read more »

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Is There a Cure for Narcissism?

Are today’s youth really a more narcissistic generation? It’s a question parents, educators, researchers and media seem to be strongly affirming. And let’s face it, the barrage of status updates and “selfie” streams probably aren’t helping.  Recent studies have shown that students today “score higher on assertiveness, self-liking, narcissistic traits and high expectations.” However, they also score higher on… Read more »

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The Societal Obsession with Selfies (and What’s Wrong With It)

We all have that friend(s) who we follow on social media sites who constantly posts selfies. If you know what I’m talking about, you may find yourself scrolling over those pictures absent-mindedly. These photos usually consist of up-close angles of a person’s face, which may come across as awkward. There tend to be various poses… Read more »

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In a Relationship with a Narcissist? What You Need to Know About Narcissistic Relationships

Narcissistic relationships are formed when one or both partners struggle with a narcissistic personality. Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is defined by The Mayo Clinic as “a mental disorder in which people have an inflated sense of their own importance and a deep need for admiration. Those with narcissistic personality disorder believe that they’re superior to others and… Read more »

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The Dangers of Narcissistic Parents

How narcissistic parents substitute emotional hunger for love. For me, one of the best examples of narcissistic parents is illustrated in the movie “The Joy Luck Club,” based on the novel by Amy Tan. In the film, a woman flashes back and, through voiceover, tells her story of becoming a child protégée as a chess… Read more »

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