narcissism Tag

Avoiding these narcissistic parenting styles or your children may follow similar narcissistic behaviors. Some hope in sight.

To prevent your children from adopting narcissistic behaviors, it is crucial to avoid two distinct parenting approaches. These parenting styles can have similar detrimental effects, resembling the parallel between narcissism and obesity when raising children in a toxic mental and physical environment. The end result may be different in expression, with one involving manipulative behaviors towards others and the other leading to morbid obesity, but the underlying dangers persist, yielding undesirable outcomes.

When parents have a tendency to overeat, their children are more likely to follow suit due to limited choices, as parents are the ones responsible for grocery shopping. If an abundance of unhealthy food is readily available at home, children are more likely to consume what is accessible.

Conversely, when parents exhibit narcissistic behaviors, their offspring tend to view such behavior as normal, as they witness it in their daily lives. Unlike the consistent nature of overeating leading to obesity, the narcissistic environment parents create can manifest in opposite ways while ultimately resulting in the same outcome.

Allow me to elaborate: There are two distinct parenting styles that can lead a child to develop narcissistic tendencies, and interestingly, these styles are polar opposites. One style involves neglectful parenting, which traumatizes children and impairs their self-esteem and ability to form healthy attachments with others in adulthood. The opposite style path involves overindulgent parenting, fostering a sense of entitlement and narcissism in the child’s future.

Children learn through observation. Growing up in a household where their feelings were ignored teaches them that acknowledging and respecting others’ feelings and needs is unnecessary. Conversely, children who are spoiled and told that everything they do and feel is valid develop an inflated sense of self-worth. Both environments reinforce self-centeredness, where the child learns that others’ feelings are less important than their own, leading to poor emotional regulation skills.

The good news is that children can unlearn toxic behaviors more easily than adults. If you notice your child developing antagonistic traits, you can help by demonstrating good emotional regulation and mirroring their emotions. By validating their feelings, you can reduce shame, fear, and insecurity, which can drive narcissistic behaviors. Additionally, if your child throws a tantrum, you can guide them by asking three questions: “What happened?” “How are you feeling?” and “How do you think your reaction is affecting others?” This approach helps them develop empathy, social awareness, and emotional regulation skills.

All challenging children from narcissistic parents had one thing in common, which most will acknowledge their behavior.

Just as with fitness and health, there are specific habits that need to be modified in order to ensure long-lasting desired results. Consistently maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise routines are vital components for achieving positive outcomes in the life of your offsprings. When it comes to narcissistic parenting styles, it is crucial to reflect on your own approach and make necessary adjustments before the situation deteriorates. Given that changing old habits or adopting new ones may take longer than the typical 45 to 60 days, the urgency of proactive solutions becomes apparent.

It’s essential to concentrate on identifying and addressing any harmful behaviors from the past that could negatively influence your children, such as neglect and lack of attention. However, it’s also important to be aware that excessive attention and an overbearing presence can have adverse effects on children. These changes need to originate from within, so it’s imperative to start taking action now before it gets too late.

Misdiagnosed mysteries: Elevated ego vs narcissistic personality disorder.

The Covid-19 pandemic has unfortunately worsened the mental well-being of many individuals due to the numerous restrictions imposed upon us. The mandates for isolation and the closure of establishments and businesses that were once the pillars of a thriving economy have taken a toll on us. Similarly, our mental health has also suffered, and we are now witnessing the long-term consequences of this situation.

Furthermore, in my therapy practice, I frequently encounter couples (marital counselor) seeking advice where one partner accuses the other of being narcissistic. Often, these accusations are made without much consideration or concern for misdiagnosing their partners based solely on certain behaviors that may indicate inflated egos. Merely being proud of one’s achievements does not automatically make someone narcissistic. While I acknowledge that some individuals may exhibit extreme narcissistic traits, not all cases can be classified as such. Additionally, there are other mental illnesses, such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder, which may share certain behavioral characteristics with narcissism but should not be confused with it.

To address any doubts among those who claim to be therapists after reading a few articles on narcissism, it is crucial to understand the distinctions involved.

On the first hand, individuals with narcissistic traits often experience anxiety in their quest for social approval or attention, commonly known as “Covert Narcissisim.” The narcissist’s need for external validation is crucial as it acts as a mechanism to stabilize their fluctuating sense of self-worth. However, this reliance on external feedback renders most narcissists prone to irritability. They frequently erupt into fits of anger and possess a remarkably low threshold for frustration. Narcissists harbor a deep fear of public embarrassment or criticism, which greatly hampers their ability to function effectively in different environments, be it social, occupational, romantic, or others. As a result, most narcissists struggle to navigate these settings proficiently.
Narcissists exhibit perfectionistic tendencies and are constantly preoccupied with the quality of their performance and their level of competence. They place significant importance on maintaining a high standard in their endeavors and are deeply concerned with achieving excellence. Using online definition: “”…(A)re typically overzealous in seeking approval and require excessive reassurance about their performance and their other worries.””

On the other hand, someone exhibiting egotistical behavior tends to be perceived as excessively self-important and harbors a belief in their own superiority over others, often indicating a superiority complex. While closely related to narcissism, their behaviors are not as extreme as those observed in individuals with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), particularly in terms of malignant or overt narcissistic traits.

Furthermore, many narcissistic individuals exhibit lower levels of oxytocin production compared to those who do not meet the criteria for NPD. Neurological tests have revealed that narcissistic individuals display reduced thickness in the frontal cortex and cortical volume, which are medically associated with malignant narcissism. Additionally, research suggests that they have structural abnormalities in brain regions associated with lack of empathy towards others.

It is important to note that we cannot solely attribute blame to individuals who are mentally unwell for their behavior. Rather, it is crucial to focus on understanding the underlying processes occurring within their brains when dealing with such challenging personalities.

There are numerous articles available on the subject of narcissism, making it easy to find more information through a quick search. However, it is crucial to exercise caution when diagnosing someone solely based on certain narcissistic traits. Employing brain scans may provide physiological insight into the issues they may encounter, helping to navigate these challenging symptoms.

Is there a cure? No, but therapy can be highly beneficial for individuals dealing with a narcissistic friend, family member, or spouse. Furthermore, in the case of vulnerable narcissism, there is a possibility that the narcissistic individual themselves may seek help, recognizing the destructive path they are forging around them.

So, what should you do next? Take the initiative to become more informed, read extensively, and deepen your understanding of the topic. When dealing with someone exhibiting a high-ego personality, it is not the end of the world, as most of us possess some degree of ego within us. It is akin to dormant cancer cells within our bodies, awaiting a triggering lifestyle that can awaken destructive medical consequences.

The How To’s in recognizing and dealing with narcissistic individuals. Sometimes, a battle you just can’t win.

First and foremost, recognizing a narcissistic person can be challenging task, as they often present themselves as charming and confident. Many will have obvious traits that are very hard to miss, while others, not too much. As they are amazing actors, it can become extremely difficult to determine if it’s narcissism or just a heightened ego. However, there are several signs to look out for that may indicate narcissistic behavior:

1. Lack of empathy: Narcissistic individuals often lack empathy and may disregard the feelings and needs of others.
2. Preoccupation with self: Narcissistic individuals may be obsessed with themselves, their appearance, or their achievements.
3. Sense of entitlement: Narcissistic individuals may have an exaggerated sense of entitlement and may believe that they are superior to others.
4. Need for admiration: Narcissistic individuals may crave attention and admiration from others and may seek out constant validation.
5. Difficulty handling criticism: Narcissistic individuals may become defensive or angry when faced with criticism or rejection.
6. Manipulative behavior: Narcissistic individuals may use manipulation and deceit to get what they want, including lying, gaslighting, or guilt-tripping others.
7. Grandiose self-image: Narcissistic individuals may have an inflated sense of self-importance and may exaggerate their achievements or talents.
8. Lack of accountability: Narcissistic individuals may refuse to take responsibility for their actions and may blame others for their problems.
9. Competitive behavior: Narcissistic individuals may be highly competitive and may become jealous or resentful when others achieve success.
10. Difficulty maintaining relationships: Narcissistic individuals may have trouble maintaining healthy relationships, as they may struggle with empathy, compromise, and communication.

Remember, not everyone who exhibits these behaviors is necessarily a narcissistic person, but if you notice a pattern of these traits in an individual, it may be a sign of narcissistic behavior.

Now, that you recognized the narcissist individual, you wouldn’t need to actual read that second part of the article as you would run on the opposite side and NEVER would want to deal with anyone exhibiting these traits. However, if you are a mentally ill adventurer looking to make your life extremely difficult by staying with that person, you need to know that dealing with a narcissistic person can be overly challenging, as they often lack empathy and have an exaggerated sense of self-importance. So to help you in your bizarre journey of wanting to change that narcissistic person into a tamed pet, here are some strategies you can use to deal with a narcissistic person without wanting to shoot yourself in the head with an AK-45

1. Recognize the signs: To deal with a narcissistic person, you must first recognize the signs of narcissism. These signs include a preoccupation with self, a need for admiration, a lack of empathy, and an inability to handle criticism.
2. Set boundaries: Setting boundaries is crucial when dealing with a narcissistic person. Be clear about what behaviors you will and will not tolerate, and stick to your boundaries.
3. Don’t take it personally: Narcissistic individuals often take advantage of others to boost their self-esteem. Don’t take their behavior personally, as it is a reflection of their own insecurities.
4. Stay calm: Narcissistic individuals can be very challenging to deal with, as they may become angry or defensive when confronted. Stay calm and avoid getting emotional when dealing with them.
5. Use “I” statements: When communicating with a narcissistic person, use “I” statements rather than “you” statements. This will help prevent them from becoming defensive and may help them understand how their behavior affects you.
6. Don’t try to change them: Trying to change a narcissistic person is often futile. Instead, focus on how you can cope with their behavior and protect yourself from their toxic influence.
7. Don’t enable their behavior: Enabling a narcissistic person only reinforces their sense of entitlement and can lead to further negative behavior. Instead, hold them accountable for their actions and don’t enable their negative behavior.
8. Seek support: Dealing with a narcissistic person can be emotionally draining. Seek support from friends, family, or a therapist who can help you cope with the stress and anxiety.
9. Keep a journal: Keeping a journal can help you process your emotions and keep track of any incidents or behaviors that are problematic. This can help you identify patterns of behavior and develop strategies to cope with them.
10. Take care of yourself: It’s essential to take care of yourself when dealing with a narcissistic person. Practice self-care activities like exercise, meditation, or spending time with supportive friends and family.

So here it is, both strategies offered all in one article. There is no easy feat when dealing with a narcissistic person, but it’s essential to protect yourself and establish healthy boundaries. Focus on what you can control, seek support, and don’t enable their behavior. If you are still adamant in wanting to move forward with this person hoping for long term bliss, I do personally wish you the best of luck in your journey with Lucifer.