Hi!
Did you grow up with a Narcissist Parent?
This is a complicated relationship that influences you ability to to be yourself, to have needs and desires, and promotes the behavior of perfectionism. All of which keep you from shining your light, receiving what you need and deserve (includes money) and limits your actions with fears.
Until we heal our inner child wounding with the narcissistic parent we will attract other narcissist unconsciously into our lives as friends, partners in business or as spouses because we naturally know how to take really good care of them.
Our wounded child’s ability to feel other peoples feelings, to put other peoples needs before our own, to never feel “good enough” (perfect enough) to have what we desire, and to not have our own needs is the perfect partner for the narcissists. So, perfectionism is trait that grows out of this relationship. Thinking “If I could just be perfect enough I can control this situation and receive the love and positive attention that I desire with my parent (s).”
As a child we were trained to serve the narcissist parent and as adults the narcissists needs us to make them feel “worthy”. By finding someone who needs us serves us to feel needed and desired therefor valued and loved, which we didn’t feel as a child. If we are perfect enough we will get what we desire and need from others. Until we are perfect we will suffer.
Taking care of others becomes our station in life instead of living our own life and knowing we have needs and desires of our own that need to be manifested and expressed into the world.
Trying to fit in or hide out because of your childhood programming and believing you are not” perfect or good enough” is costing you your own success and self-love. You are here to STAND OUT and share your brillance! You are not here to live for other people.
I thought I’d share Judith Orloff ‘s video and book information with you to become more familiar with what a narcissist is and how to deal with them.
You can also listen to my March 11th Millennials & Money Cafe Call; Learn How A Narcissistic Parent Limits You Financially, Professionally and Personally
And listen to my 3 guests share what it was like growing up with a Narcissist.
If you would like to heal your traumas and perfectionist wounds from having grown up with a narcissistic parent/spouse…connect with me.
How To Deal With A Narcissist
Adapted from “Emotional Freedom: Liberate Yourself From Negative Emotions and Transform Your Life” (Three Rivers Press, 2011)
As a psychiatrist, I strongly believe that it is important to know about the narcissistic personality so you can have realistic expectations when dealing with coworkers, friends, or family members who may have some of these qualities.
In “Emotional Freedom” I describe how to recognize a narcissist. Here are some ways: Their motto is “Me first!” Everything’s all about them. They have a grandiose sense of self-importance and entitlement, crave admiration and attention. A legend in their own mind, the world is reflected in their image. They’ll corner you at a party, recount their life saga. Some narcissists are unlikable, flagrant egotists. Others can be charming, intelligent, caring–that is, until their guru-status is threatened. When you stop stroking their ego or beg to disagree, they cab turn on you and become punishing. Once you catch onto this pattern, a narcissist seems about as charming as a banana peel.
These people are so dangerous because they lack empathy, have a limited capacity for unconditional love. Sadly, their hearts either haven’t developed or have been shut down due to early psychic trauma, such as being raised by narcissistic parents, a crippling handicap both emotionally and spiritually. (The damage of narcissistic parenting is outstandingly detailed in Alice Miller’s Drama of the Gifted Child). Hard as it may be to comprehend, these people have little insight into their actions, nor do they regret them. Though often highly intuitive, they mainly use intuition for self-interest and manipulation.’ As the Hassidic proverb cautions, “There is no room for God in him that is full of himself.”
To find out if you’re dealing with a narcissist, ask yourself the following questions from “Emotional Freedom.”
QUIZ: AM I IN A RELATIONSHIP WITH A NARCISSIST?
• Does the person act as if life revolves around him?
• Do I have to compliment him to get his attention or approval?
• Does he constantly steer the conversation back to himself?
• Does he downplay my feelings or interests?
• If I disagree, does he become cold or withholding?
If you answer “yes” to one or two questions, it’s likely you’re dealing with a narcissist. Responding “yes” to three or more questions suggests that a narcissist is violating your emotional freedom.
Narcissists are hard nuts to crack. With these patients, the best I can do is align with their positive aspects and focus on behaviors that they agree aren’t working. Still, even if one wants to change, progress is limited, with meager gains. My professional advice: Don’t fall in love with a narcissist or entertain illusions they’re capable of the give and take necessary for intimacy. In such relationships you’ll always be emotionally alone to some degree. If you have a withholding narcissist spouse, beware of trying to win the nurturing you never got from your parents; it’s not going to happen. Also, don’t expect to have your sensitivity honored. These people sour love with all the hoops you must jump through to please them. If a narcissist is draining you emotionally, use these methods to get your power back.
Lower Your Expectations and Strategize Your Needs
Keep your expectations realistic. Enjoy their good qualities, but understand they’re emotionally limited, even if they’re sophisticated in other ways. Accepting this, you won’t continue asking something of friends, family, or coworkers they can’t give. Consider this definition of insanity: when you repeat the same actions but expect a different response.
Never make your self-worth dependent on them. Don’t get caught in the trap of always trying to please a narcissist. Also protect your sensitivity. Refrain from confiding your deepest feelings to someone who won’t cherish them.
Show how something will be to their benefit. To successfully communicate with narcissists, frame things this way. Stating your needs clearly rarely works, nor does getting angry, or demanding. Alternatively, speak to what means something to them. Instead of saying to your spouse, “I’d really enjoy going to a family dinner,” reframe it as, “Everyone really likes you. They’d be delighted to have you there.” Or instead of saying to your employer, “I’d prefer to work fewer nights,” say, “I can bring in more revenue for your company during these hours.” Naturally, it’s better not to have to contend with the tedious ego-stroking of a narcissist. But if the relationship is unavoidable, use this technique to achieve your desired outcome.
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