Threesomes: Why Narcissist Encourages Partner’s Infidelity
Narcissists may encourage their partners to be unfaithful, but this is not due to masochism or sadism. Instead, it serves as a betrayal fantasy, loyalty test, dare, validation of the narcissist’s negative view of the other sex, and a way for the narcissist to reassert control. The victim’s behavior is not coerced, but rather a reaction to the toxic environment created by the narcissist. This leads to atypical behaviors and a sense of alienation for the victim.
Codependent Love Story
The text describes the story of the author’s codependent grandparents, focusing on the grandfather’s devotion to his wife and his pushcart business. The grandfather’s love for his wife is portrayed through his daily routines and actions, and the story ends with the couple passing away and their belongings being disposed of.
Destroyed: Narcissist’s Brain and Mind (Infant Amnesia, Psychotic Grandiosity)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses a new approach to understanding the formation of narcissism and the characteristics of narcissists. He suggests that flaws in spatial and language processing, induced by trauma and abuse in early childhood, lead to the development of narcissistic defenses and personality disorder. He also explores the impact of infant amnesia, language acquisition, and spatial processing on memory formation and identity development. Additionally, he delves into the neurological aspects of memory and spatial processing, and their connection to early childhood experiences.
Narcissist’s Selfish Genes
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the role of genetics and heredity in narcissism, emphasizing that heritability does not imply gene specificity and that narcissistic personality disorder is not localized but all-pervasive. He reviews studies on the genetic components of narcissism, highlighting the lack of conclusive evidence for specific genes associated with narcissism. Vaknin also explores the impact of genetics and environment on the development of personality disorders, emphasizing the complexity and interplay of these factors.
Victim or Narcissist? Tell Them Apart!
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses how narcissists often claim to be victims and use manipulative techniques to garner sympathy and attention. He provides four key indicators to distinguish between real victims and narcissists posing as victims: splitting, non-discrimination, alloplastic defenses, and automatism. Real victims exhibit nuance, dignity, and introspection, while narcissists engage in black-and-white thinking, blame others, lack self-reflection, and use self-pity for manipulative purposes. These indicators can help identify narcissistic behavior in individuals who claim victimhood.
Narcissist: Confabulates, Gaslights, Or Lies?
Narcissists often make you doubt your sanity and perception of reality, but this is not gaslighting. Narcissists confabulate, creating false memories to bridge gaps in their memory, but they believe these fabrications are true and are not consciously trying to deceive others. Confabulation is a way for narcissists to maintain their grandiosity and protect themselves from the realization of their imperfections. It also helps them reconcile their internal and external worlds and allocate roles to people in their lives within the shared fantasy. Confabulation is a critical psychodynamic function in the economy of the narcissist’s mind.
Narcissist’s Grim Fairy Tale
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the concept of shared fantasy in narcissism, drawing parallels to fairy tales and the psychological dynamics involved. He delves into the role of fantasy in the narcissist’s mind, the interplay of good and bad objects, and the impact on relationships. Vaknin also explores the work of Bruno Bettelheim and the therapeutic aspects of fairy tales in addressing existential problems. Ultimately, he emphasizes the narcissist’s perpetual struggle with the death voice and the pursuit of a semblance of life through the shared fantasy.
When YOU Discard the Narcissist FIRST
The text discusses the consequences of discarding a narcissist before they have a chance to devalue and discard you. It explains the potential outcomes of this action, such as narcissistic injury or mortification, and the subsequent behaviors of the narcissist, including seeking revenge or finding a replacement. The text also delves into the narcissist’s internal processes and their need to complete the stages of grief and mourning for the disrupted shared fantasy.
Masked Narcissist: Private Vs. Public Personas
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the concept of the narcissist’s persona and mask. He explains that the narcissist’s persona is a facade, a shell, and a mask that the narcissist uses to interact with the world. He delves into the psychological theories of persona, impression management, and individuation, and how they relate to the development of narcissism. Vaknin emphasizes that the narcissist lacks a true self and is essentially a collection of interchangeable masks, with no core identity. He also highlights the narcissist’s inability to be a member of the audience in social interactions, leading to a lack of genuine connection and a perpetual need for attention and validation.
Autists Lack Empathy, Empaths Deceive, Manipulate
Sam Vaknin discusses two new studies that support his long-held beliefs. The first study shows that children with autism spectrum disorder lack empathy and experience difficulties with self-conscious emotions, such as guilt and shame. The second study suggests that individuals who label themselves as “empaths” are likely covert narcissists and psychopaths who engage in deceptive virtue signaling. Vaknin’s interpretations of these studies may be controversial, but he stands by his claims.