Narcissists Cannot Be Your Friends

Narcissists often appear to be friendly. They are socially skilled and can be very articulate. With their confidence and glibness, the narcissist knows how to work a room and many individuals. One paradox of the narcissist is that he or she knows precisely how to manipulate and play people. At the same time they have no insight into themselves, no self wisdom. It is tempting to become friends with a high level narcissist who is very successful. If the narcissist favors us, he promises us a special position among his admirers.
Never believe anything the narcissist is telling you. Many people are fooled by the narcissist's larger than life dazzle, his success in the world and over the top lifestyle. There is a part of us that is drawn to people who are very successful; we want to be part of the grand show. When a narcissist wants to become your "friend" he or she long ago decided what your role would be in fulfilling his ego satisfactions.
In order to be a genuine friend, the two parties must be capable of empathy, the ability to project ourselves into how someone else is feeling; to put ourselves in someone else's place. The narcissist is completely lacking in this personality trait. Without empathy there can be no relationship and certainly no authentic friendship. To learn more about the psychodynamics of the narcissistic personality and how to deal with them successfully, visit my website: www.thenarcissistinyourlife.comLinda Martinez-Lewi, Ph.D.Telephone ConsultationEmail: lmlphd@thenarcissistinyourlife.com
Posted by LindaMartinezLewi