If you were raised in a household where narcissistic practices were a constant, it’s natural for you to ask yourself, “Am I a narcissistic parent?” You may wonder how much of your parent’s behaviors and attitudes you inherited. The very fact that you are questioning your actions toward your kid is proof you are not automatically a self-absorbed parent yourself. Narcissistic parents usually do not doubt their way of doing things, as they consider it to be the only right way to do them. If you recognize some of your parents’ attitudes and behaviors in yourself, you may experience guilt...

Some of the things narcissists say can raise eyebrows. Those things might come in grand verbal speeches or spoken in bite-sized comments mumbled under the breath. Either way, when heard, something seems out of place, but you might not always know why.  Often what they say has another meaning because they have ulterior motives or they’re attempting to manipulate behind the scenes.  Things Narcissists Say That Give Them Away Narcissistic people can sometimes give themselves away over time when you keep communicating with them.  It’s not just that they talk about themselves a lot, as the stereotype would suggest.  It’s...

Divorcing a narcissist is a major step for a survivor of narcissistic abuse. Putting an end to the relationship just by filing for the divorce will have a huge impact on the narcissist’s self-esteem and it may lead him or her to engage in Machiavellian moves in an attempt to control you. They are likely to display aggressive attitudes and behaviors and will have difficulties letting go of the relationship. If there are kids involved in the divorce, the narcissist may try to keep them as a source of validation and affection.  The Mind of a Narcissist During Divorce As...

Narcissists don’t break up with you. They give indefinite silent treatments because it gives them control. Sometimes they put us in a deep freeze, but what are the signs of narcissist hoovering?  What is hoovering?  Hoovering is a slang term for the return of the narcissist into your life to try to bring your relationship back from the dead. [See The Ultimate Narcissistic Abuse Dictionary to review unfamiliar terms] Who ended it?  You or the narcissist? It doesn’t matter.  A narcissist may try to hoover, regardless of which one of you cut off contact. It doesn’t matter how nasty the...

What narcissist parents say wires their child’s brain and the way they experience the world.  Positive talk contributes to a balanced way of thinking and processing information. On the other hand, directive, cold talk alters kids’ sense of safety and self-esteem. Narcissistic parents excel at making their kids feel unimportant, and language is one of the most powerful tools by which they do this. Unresolved self-esteem issues caused by harsh talk can continue when children become adults and turn into trust and communication difficulties. [Read Things Narcissists Say to Give Themselves Away] In this article, you’ll find out more about...

When most people hear the term “narcissist,” they’re not asking themselves, “What do narcissists want?”  They’re envisioning someone who talks about themselves too much or takes a lot of selfies.   That’s obvious, they’re likely thinking. Narcissists want attention. So the stereotype goes. These traits are essentially harmless and may even be amusing when portrayed in pop culture. However, some narcissists carry other more sinister traits.   Pathological narcissists lie excessively, wear different masks around different people, have secret lives, and fake positive emotions. The heart of narcissistic abuse is the deliberate manipulation of others into willingly making themselves vulnerable enough so...

Growing up with a narcissistic mother can have a harmful impact on your adult relationships. Our early relationship with our parents has a long-term effect on the way we perceive ourselves, the world, and other social interactions: work, school, friendships, or romantic relationships. The relationship with our mother is significant because it implies a natural, powerful bond that is usually nurturing for the child. Unfortunately, it’s the opposite with narcissistic mothers–the child is held responsible for meeting the mother’s needs. This kind of childhood interaction can lead to low self-esteem, intimacy and trust issues, a flawed sense of self, and...