Narcissist – RUN

In Greek mythology, Narcissus was a wonderful chap well known for his beauty. He was a proud fellow, disdaining those who loved him, whilst at the same time somehow managing, by his mere awesomeness, to get those same people to attempt to endlessly to prove their unrelenting devotion to his striking beauty.

In the myth, Narcissus falls in love with his own reflection in a pool of water, of course this love could not be reciprocated, none the less, Narcissus continues to stare at this perfect image until he withers away.

There have always been narcissists in society, and we have the misfortune of encountering many of them in positions of authority or power.  It is recognised that the very traits of narcissism, a lack of empathy, an inflated sense of self, inability to be wrong, grandiosity, need for admiration that have probably aided our narcissist in achieving these positions.

In the past, these types were labelled as ego maniacs, go getters, successful, and allowances were made because it was felt they deserved their success and insults and hurts were over looked.  Or perhaps they got away with their atrocious behaviour because they had a tough upbringing, so developed an abrasive and tough exterior to cope. 

Regardless, the damage a narcissist can inflict is insidious, sneaky, soul destroying and almost impossible to pin point, never mind explain to someone who has not experienced the narcissistic treatment first hand.

Let’s take the ideal boss, everybody loves him or her, what they see is an educated, talented and friendly individual, always willing to help, and listen to your problems. However, your experiences are the opposite, put downs, condescension and insults. Try to explain and you are perceived as neurotic, paranoid and ungrateful. Of course, the narcissist has utilised their most brilliant tactic in their arsenal, gaslighting.

In an ideal world, we could round up the narcissists of the world, put them in front of a large pool of water and rejoice as they wither away, leaving their victims behind to lick their wounds and attempt to salvage some semblance of their self-esteem prior to their encounter with a narcissist.