Welcome.

There is a board on DS that discusses NPD. Welcome to HSP Discussion Board.

there's a group called adult children of narcissistic parents. several good articles there.

Yes, I've had experience with it in my family as well as with ex-boyfriends. I have read a lot about it as well and I've become pretty good and spotting it in others and then trying to avoid those types of people. Reading about Narcissism is fascinating and eye-opening. I think it really helped be to become a new person by recognizing my own patterns and how I have followed certain patterns with narcissistic individuals because that was what I was familiar with and was unaware of what was really going on.

Ditto on what jupiter jazz just said + thinking that no matter what the disorder with in family/community aka tribe constructed out of patterns that are multi generational so alternately the point is to dissolve that pattern and create a healthy new pattern.There is nothing really to do with those folks that vibrate on the N level but to changes ones entire frequency. That is huge given there is a lot of growth to happen out side of organizing and inclusive of personality disorder. Like a whole new operating system.

Oh honey, I also have TONS of experience with Narcissists! My father was one. My ex-husband whom I was married to for 17 years was one, as well as at least one boyfriend after that. I've had several Narcissistic bosses as well. They're everywhere!

I hear you about the pain, walking on eggshells, and all the crazy-making behavior these people cause, making you wonder if YOU'RE the one going nuts...

It's always all about them and their needs and they will use and exploit your good-heartedness every chance they get, yet will always cry that they are the ones being victimized.

They control by guilt trips and manipulation and turning the words you say around on you. They are inconsistent, hypocritical, immature little toddlers who never emotionally matured past age 2.

They view others they have relationships with as merely extensions of themselves, placed only in their lives in order to do THEIR bidding, and are bewildered when we stand up for our own needs and call us selfish for doing so.

I would be happy to talk with you anytime, my dear. I am finally learning how to avoid these types of people where in the past, I was attracted to them for some sick reason.

Wishing you freedom and happiness,
Debi

The best advice I got was to realize 1) they cannot change. Narcissism is an axis 2 diagnosis - a stable (unchanging) personality disorder and 2) HSP's are a virtual buffet of energy that narcissists feed on - often leaving us feeling like we've just had the life sucked out of us.

The same psychiatrist who told me the above suggested I get away from the narcissists in ny life as much as possible and to keep my shields up when I had to be around them (but to limit that).

So true, Reed31.

You are exactly right about it being an unchanging personality disorder. Sometimes it appears that they get better, but stay tuned long enough and the incredible selfishness crying "victim" will resurface rather soon.

Your comment on HSP's being a buffet for them really resonated with me. I just left a job where my former boss literally feasted on myself and another coworker. I've since left that job (and incidentally she got fired) but I still struggle almost daily with not allowing myself to waddle in the traumatic memories.

I'm with you all the way in staying 100% away from them!!