You've both written recently about the self-absorbed and narcisstic traits in your WAS. My WAW has not been clinically-labeled as NPD (Narcisstic Personality Disorder) though our one-time-MC, now my IC, thinks it is a good possibility.
But, as I posted earlier today (and I would love each of your thoughts if you (and @Kett and, heck, anyone on your thread) have a chance to stop by my new thread) this whole notion raises an interesting question which is how much of what we see in WAS's behavior is extrinsic (peer pressure, especially when you live in LA ;)) versus intrinsic (and truly a manifestation of one's own personality)?
I'm no psychologist, but it would seem to me that when narcissism is a function of one's surroundings and how one chooses to live, there's more hope for the LBS than when it is a true personality disorder. At least with the former, you can envision a "Eureka" moment or self-applied 2X4, where the WAS says "What the f*ck am I doing?".
But, in the case of the intrinsic narcissist, that won't likely ever happen, because, at least as I understand it, the true narcissist is truly insensitive to others’ needs and indifferent to the effect of their own egocentric behavior.
The hope would always be that ones WAS is either extrinsically-self-absorbed or suffering from some form of temporary-NPD...
The bad news is that a true narcissist must meet 5 or more of these criteria; the good news is that even if they do they aren't necessarily NPD...
•grandiose sense of self-importance •preoccupation with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love •belief that he or she is "special" and unique and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people (or institutions) •need for excessive admiration •sense of entitlement •takes advantage of others to achieve his or her own ends •lack of empathy •envious of others or believes that others are envious of him or her •arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes
So, here's to hoping your WAS has 4 or less of these traits...
