The high level narcissist is a master of playing the game of human chess.  Operating both sides of the board, he/she moves his living chess pieces with speed and adroitness. He is in charge of the game's outcome.  For a narcissist, life is a game that must be won, even if it destroys others: wives, husbands, children, siblings, parents, or friends. Unlike the standard game of chess, the narcissist brings back "pieces" he has discarded to place them in new roles that benefit him. If a previous spouse or partner is dependent and still clinging to the hope that she or he will be re-united, the narcissist finds a role for this individual. He nourishes  empty hope with his attentions and promises and brings the previously injured partner back into the game. This is particularly certain if the past lover possesses wealth that is easily available to the narcissist and access to individuals who have connections to the power that the narcissist craves. The now reconstituted partner fans the psychological and emotional embers, praying that they will ignite into the roar of the original fire between them.  Some previous partners are willing to take less than half a loaf of attention because they remain stuck in the adoring, dependent, acolyte role with the narcissist. They will relinquish  their worldly worth and endanger their psychological and physical health in order not to lose a connection that never existed. Narcissists are incapable of sharing genuine partnerships. 

Once removed from the narcissist's rigged chess game, you have won. You are rid of the conniving narcissist. Now it is your time to heal, to grieve and to reconstruct your life according to your own rules. Visit my website:www.thenarcissistinyourlife.com

Linda Martinez-Lewi, Ph.D.
email: lmlphd@gmail.com