Is my Friend Narcissistic?

Why am I always giving? Some people make me feel like they're better than me and deserve to be catered to 24-7. These individuals are always taking and giving nothing in return. Could I be talking about people with a Narcissistic personality disorder?
 
Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental disorder in which one has an inflated sense of their own importance, a deep need for admiration and a lack of feelings (empathy) for others. But behind their mask of grandiose lies a weak and low self-esteem that's vulnerable to the slightest criticism.
A narcissistic personality disorder has destructive behavior in personal relationships, work and/or school environment and financial matters. The person usually becomes unhappy and disappointed when their not catered to or rewarded with special favors and gifts they believe they deserve.
To be diagnosed with Narcissistic Personality Disorder one must meet 5 or more of the following long standing characteristics:
  1. Has a grandiose sense of self-importance (e.g., exaggerates achievements and talents, expects to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements)
  2. Is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love
  3. 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)
  4. Requires excessive praise and admiration
  5. Has a very strong sense of entitlement, e.g., unreasonable expectations of especially favorable treatment or automatic compliance with his or her expectations
  6. Is exploitative of others, e.g., takes advantage of others to achieve his or her own goals
  7. Lacks empathy, e.g., is unwilling to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others
  8. Is often envious and jealous of others or believes that others are envious of him or her
  9. Regularly shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes
For example, I had a friend who I considered a bit narcissistic, she expected strangers to run to her and open doors and cars to move out of her way. When driving she would jump in the lanes of others. I can remember her saying, "Do they know who I am? I'm a queen and trucks move out of my way. Everyone treats me special." If you see some of these characteristics in yourself or others educate yourself more and seek a professional mental health assessment if things exacerbate.
~Karlyn LeBlanc, LMSW


  


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