Does anybody out there have a parent or in-law that acts like this? This came from an article I read about the spoilt brat / narcissist behavior. Please explain to me how you deal with this behavior and how much do you allow it to actually control your life before either just putting your foot down and saying enough and calling their bluff or backing away from the situation. I realize that they are our parents but when is enough just enough?
that a reality. So mostly it's pure fantasy until the kind hearted care giver
steps in, totally unaware that they are going to be used horrifically.
You see, despite narcissists being delusional, one part of them is keenly aware
of how to behave in public and how to garner attention and approval. They
don't form real bonds as they're afraid everyone else is as Machiavellian as
they are. They assume the care giver is out to get them a great deal of the
time. Be it an inheritance, a family business, connections or simply inclusion.
They are like feral animals that crave living in a home, but due to paranoia
must always be on the lookout for an escape and also perversely feel the
need to destroy the home and care givers within as they make that escape.
I have never known a narcissist, malignant or otherwise, not to damage their
caregivers or right hand person, even if it's just idle damaging gossip. To care
for a narcissist is to invite damage. Let them know you're hurt, only incites them more. Remorse is either calculated or so short lived as to be useless.
There is no fixing a narcissist. Only by a terrible tragedy, abandonment or
by some miraculous introspection, will they change. They change without
you, not with your help.
For a narcissist, it is only enough when you either walk away, become too ill
to function or you die. Take your pick. If waiting for the above change of
heart, know it is as likely as remission from schizophrenia. 3%. And it must take place without you. They never change if their care giver is on hand to
continue softening the blows of real life and providing the fantasy.
Enough is never, never enough with a narcissist. Unless you're dead.