512: Narcissism Explained

Today, I'm breaking down a topic that comes up all the time: narcissism.

This is a word we hear everywhere now, especially online and on social media, but it is often misunderstood and overused. In this episode, I explain what narcissism really is, what narcissistic traits can look like, where they come from, and how to know the difference between narcissistic tendencies and narcissistic personality disorder.

I also answer some of the biggest questions I receive around this topic: Can someone heal from narcissism? How do you know if you are a narcissist? Why do you keep attracting narcissistic relationships? Can you change a narcissistic partner? And how do you navigate a relationship with a narcissistic parent?

This episode is not about labeling or blaming. It is about understanding the deeper shame, wounding, and identity patterns underneath narcissism, while also learning how to protect your energy, build your self-worth, and create healthier relationships from your Adult Chair.

Key Takeaways

• Narcissism is a term that is often overused, especially online and on social media
• Narcissistic traits can include needing to be the center of attention, lacking empathy, deflecting criticism, and struggling to take responsibility
• Underneath narcissistic behavior is often deep shame and a false identity built around being seen as special, perfect, or superior
• Narcissism can develop when a child is placed on a pedestal or when a child is neglected and creates a false self to survive
• Narcissistic traits exist on a spectrum, and narcissistic personality disorder is at the far end of that spectrum
• If someone is genuinely worried they may be a narcissist, that awareness is often a hopeful sign
• You cannot change a narcissistic partner unless they truly want to do their own inner work
• Repeatedly attracting narcissistic relationships often points to old wounds, beliefs, and patterns that need to be updated
• When a parent is narcissistic, healing often requires grief, boundaries, self-worth work, and sometimes no contact

Resources from this Episode:

Free Self-Worth Course

The Adult Chair® Collective

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