NewsBreak Original

You're with a narcissist but no one believes you. They think you're unhappy, uptight, overreacting, or a bitter ex. They think you are unforgiving, can't get over things, or have a need to complain. It would be easier if you didn't care. But you do care. You need to know you're not losing your mind.

Understanding how common narcissism truly is. With the word 'narcissist' becoming more popular, it’s essential to understand what narcissism is and hope common it actually is. Narcissism is a set pattern of behavior laced with grandiosity, arrogance, low self-esteem, and an overinflated ego.

A narcissistic parent behaves as they imagine themselves to be—the king or queen of the family, or someone whose activities are more important than being part of the family. As a child, your parents are your world until you’re able to leave home. Your survival and self-concept depend on them. A narcissistic parent can severely damage your self-esteem, which to develop requires love and acceptance from both parents. Children of narcissistic parents typically grow up insecure and codependent.

Woman face in mirrorPhoto by Ozan Çulha from Pexels. Men fall in love with narcissists too. They understand the emotional abuse that accompanies this type of relationship. But stories are predominantly told by survivors of male narcissists. Why is less said about women with Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

portrait of young man(Dmitry Ersler/Adobe Stock Images) Narcissism is all about being superior and narcissists can very well exaggerate their importance. In fact, WebMD describes narcissism as self-involvement to the degree that it makes a person ignore the needs of those around them.

The Psychology Today article 8 Signs of Narcissistic Rage explores the impact of anger on an individual with Narcissistic personality disorder. "Narcissistic rage can be defined as intense anger, aggression, or passive-aggression when a narcissist experiences a setback or disappointment, which shatters his (or her) illusions of grandiosity, entitlement, and superiority, and triggers inner adequacy, shame, and vulnerability."

Narcissists can be charming, charismatic, seductive, exciting, and engaging. They can also act entitled, exploitative, arrogant, aggressive, cold, competitive, selfish, obnoxious, cruel, and vindictive. You can fall in love with their charming side and be destroyed by their dark side. It can be baffling, but it all makes sense when you understand what drives them. That awareness protects you from their games, lies, and manipulation.

You might be dating someone that you really like, but when something goes wrong, he or she might blame you for it every time. This might be an issue for you, and you might want him or her to take responsibility as well, especially if he or she was involved. So, what do you do if your partner always blames you when things go wrong? How do you approach this type of situation? Though the answers to these questions may be different for everyone, here are a few suggestions.

I loved a narcissist and it was agonizing. I stayed because he was charming and confusing. I wanted to leave because he was cruel and confusing. I ping-ponged back and forth. When I called it quits it was a relief.

Breaking down the clear truths of a narcissist. A narcissist may have been diagnosed with a narcissistic personality disorder or someone who displays consistent narcissistic behavior signs. A narcissist has a repeated pattern of manipulative and destructive behavior.

I was fighting a losing battle that I didn’t even know I was apart of. I always felt the narcissist in my life was someone I couldn’t trust. I have known this narcissist for my entire life, literally — they knew me since I was a few days old. Yet, I don’t know who this person truly is.

Couple and catPhoto by Hutomo Abrianto from Pexels. There are typically two sides to a story. Relationships involve two people. It makes sense. But not always. There can be extenuating circumstances in some relationships.

Man and woman by treePhoto by Vera Arsic from Pexels. If you've unknowingly entangled yourself with a narcissist there are believers and disbelievers. Two definitive camps of people. There's the majority of individuals who are unable to see beyond the charm of the narcissist.

Woman with bike and flower basketPhoto by Kaboompics .com from Pexels. I am a glass-half-full optimist. I wish I could claim credit for it. It's a gift my mother said I've had since birth. I lean towards the sunny side. I took it for granted. It was simply the core of who I was. Until I lost it. Not some of it, all of it.

There’s no shortage of people who think of themselves as brilliant businessmen. My narcissistic father was one of those people. My narcissistic father loved to have meetings with bankers. I went along one time. The banker spent the whole time paying him compliments like he was on a date.

Understanding the pattern of behavior that may occur in a toxic relationship. Disclaimer: Although I have personal and professional experience in the mental health field, I am not a licensed mental health professional. The information contained in this article is meant for educational and entertainment purposes only. The contents of this article are not meant to diagnose, treat or cure any disorder.

I often choose a picture of a beautiful beast to go with my pieces on narcissism. Because the danger is masked by gorgeous attraction, not unlike this stunning tiger. The narcissist, the beautiful beast who captivates us allowing us to temporarily release our fear.

Couple wearing sneakersPhoto by Dương Nhân from Pexels. I am a journalist, former business columnist, and national relationship columnist. I have spent more than a decade in research and counseling on the topic of Narcissistic personality disorder. I struggled through years of confusion to understand who and what I was dealing with in my marriage.

Exploring the present and future prospects of narcissism research. Narcissism is a rapidly growing topic throughout the internet. People want to know what a narcissist is and what the signs are. Narcissism is not only linked to narcissistic personality disorder but it is also tied to personality traits.

Couple sitting on blanketPhoto by Kampus Production from Pexels. If someone had told me I would get myself into a situation I couldn't get myself out of I wouldn't have believed them. If they said a person could control you to the point you would lose control, I would have thought it impossible. If they told me I would one day fear the man I loved I would've laughed.