Question:

Can I limit the damage I do to others through my narcissism?

by Guest60196  |  earlier

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I believe myself to be a narcissist - in the clinical sense of narcissistic personality disorder - and am, hopefully, not far off getting a medical diagnosis. I have caused deep mental anguish to a now former friend, who is wisely cutting me out of her life; I have little or no respect for privacy; I experience feelings of guilt and remorse only fleetingly; I experience feelings of self-pity and self-loathing (same thing?) more or less constantly; I have told outrageous lies and, when confronted, have attempted to rationalize my falsehoods, have flown into a towering rage and have accused my accusers of all manner of disgusting traits, most of which I seem to exhibit myself (parasitical behavior, paranoia, sense of superority). I honestly can't objectively say if I have always been this way.

I still have friends. Some of them have only briefly and tangetically been affected by my actions; some of them are still utterly untouched by them. I honestly do believe that I care for them beyond their being sources of validation. I don't want to harm them. I am nonviolent and believe my capacity for violence to be very small indeed, but I am certainly capable of making someone feel small, hurt and betrayed.

Do I maintain these friendships and try to treat them with respect, or is it impossible for me to understand respect? Do I explain my insanity and suggest that they would be better off without, or is that only asking for sympathy? Do I cut off all contact without a word, or is that more hurtful in the long run?

Open and hostile mockery will be accepted as an answer, as it may be good for the soul.

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3 ANSWERS


  1. I would work on figuring out what has made you this way whether it be a parent, a parasitic friend, authority figure or other circumstance.  I think the key relys in confronting what has warped you into this very damaging (self and others) disorder.  What may help is when thinking superior thoughts think of someone who you can honestly percieve as better than you at whatever superioriority concept you've conjured up at the moment.  Example:  If you feel like the hottest guy/girl to ever hit the streets compare yourself to some top notch celebrities (you really can't think your hotter than say Brad Pitt or Jessica Alba can you?).  If you think you're the best intellectual being the world has ever seen compare yourself to Einstein I guarantee you've got nothing on his achievements.  When wallowing in self pity/loathing realize that you could be living in an alley and starving (your life doesn't sound so bad after that does it).  These things are much easier said than done thats for sure and I would also recommend finding someone a professional or other to help you get better as you seem to want to do.  I commend you for realzing you are this way most N's never get to this stage.  You can get better and have healthy relationships although the the N will probably never fully go away.  Good Luck


  2. From the examples you gave, it doesn't sound like narcissism.  It sounds like something else.  Do any of these sound more like you?

    1.    Persistent lying or stealing

    2.    Recurring difficulties with the law

    3.    Tendency to violate the rights and boundaries of others

    4.    Substance abuse

    5.    Aggressive, often violent behavior; prone to getting involved in fights (physical or verbal)

    6.    A persistent agitated or depressed feeling (dysphoria)

    7.    Inability to tolerate boredom

    8.    Disregard for the safety of self or others

    9.    A history of conduct disorders as a child

    10.  Lack of remorse, related to hurting others (physically, mentally, or emotionally)

    11.  Superficial charm

    12.  Impulsiveness

    13.  A sense of extreme entitlement

    14.  Inability to make or keep friends

    15.  Recklessness, impulsivity

    16.  Difficulty with authority figures

    As for your relationships, you're aware that you have a problem.   You can make the decision to work really hard on not hurting those you care about, or you can decide it's not worth the effort.  If you haven't, perhaps explaining what you're feeling will help maintain your relationships.  

    I strongly recommend you seek some sort of professional help.  You know that your thoughts and actions are inappropriate, and I'm sure those who care about you would like to see you get better.  

  3. If anything, narcissism will make it worse. No, I wouldn't recommend it.

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