According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual IV, the following are the essential features of Narcissistic Personality Disorder:
A pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in fantasy or behavior), need for admiration, and lack of empathy, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by five (or more) of the following:
(1)Â has a grandiose sense of self-importance (e.g., exaggerates achievements and talents, expects to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements)
(2)Â is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love
(3)Â believes that he or she is “special” and unique and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people (or institutions)
To continue reading, click here.
Wouldn’t the world be a boring place if eveonrye thought the same way as eveonrye else?I suppose the best one can do is avoid the Radio Me types like the plague. With experience one develops a kind of radar warning of the approach of the self-absorbed, which allows one to fly out of range! Otherwise, there is the old remedy of saying: Good Lord, is that a tiger over there is Mrs. Smith’s garden. I must run. I do enjoy asking other people questions, although in general, I find people will tell me all sorts of things even if I ask them nothing (this is a skill I inherited from my Dad). It isn’t just therapists who are insightful, heh heh. (just my little joke).You are right, Joseph, about steering clear of discussions on religion and politics.And I think what you suggest here is an excellent approach: Which decision do you regret most in your life? In retrospect, if you could have chosen any career path, what would it be? Ask challenging questions. You might start off by making a personal disclosure and invite others to join in . And how wise is this: I think being a true friend MEANS not letting someone use you as a toilet, since that’s not really good for either one of you .And then, there’s the friend who comes to you with a raft of problems and tribulations, and asks that question: what would you do in my place . It makes me giggle to think of what I wanted to say to the person and what I actually (more kindly) did say.There are, fortunately, many interesting characters around. I do so love those conversations with a group of long-time dear friends. Importantly, we know how to laugh at ourselves, and often the evening will end with us remarking: Well, now that we have sorted out the world and its affairs, it’s time to go home .As always, enjoyed reading your article, Joseph.Hermes