The narcissist is a chameleon, a polished actor, a smooth operator. A gifted player of parts, the narcissist is always re-inventing himself/herself to take advantage of the situation at hand, whether it is seeking a new romance or sealing a lucrative business arrangement.  Hero, fixer, genius, rainmaker, protector, even a saint----the narcissist shifts his persona from one role to the next as easily as a quick change routine between acts. Once he has someone under orchestrated control, his real character emerges.  Beneath the practiced, convincing persona, the rigid structure of the narcissistic character is revealed. With word and deed the narcissist announces: "I am always right; you are always wrong." " I am superior; you are inferior. "  " There isn't anything I cannot do or anyone I cannot have.' This paean to self goes through the mind of the narcissist, beats with the rhythm of his heart and fills his veins with the life blood of perfection.  

The narcissist's thirty minute TV show makeover is superficial. He or she is unaware of his highly flawed character. Narcissists don't work on their psyches or souls. Their "morals' and "ethics' flow with the winds of expediency and convenience. The narcissist is an expert exploiter who uses people up, and moves on to his next victims. Once a narcissist has ruined one marriage and created maximum damage, he pivots into his next embrace like a confident dancer, sailing across the polished floor, showing off his intricate footwork. Early identification of the ruses, games, and snares of the narcissistic personality disorder informs and arms those who encounter and have to deal with their ever-increasing presence. Visit my website: www.thenarcissistinyourlife.com  


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