Narcissism is difficult to deal with in relationships, and recognizing it will help you to respond differently to it. Jesus was constantly aware of what was in the heart of the people that he dealt with!

He knew when people were willing to hurt him, when people were insincere, when people were manipulating him, and when people were pretending.

IT’S A WILD WORLD!

You need to know who you are dealing with so you can respond in a way that is also wise.

Here are five characteristics of a narcissist:

1. A lack of empathy for anyone else.
   Narcissists are unable to see other people’s pain even when that pain is caused by their own actions. It is as if they cannot see any viewpoint but their own. In fact, if you try to get them to understand they have hurt you, they will usually show contempt and disdain for your weakness.
2. A sense of entitlement or special treatment.
   The narcissist expects to be treated special and expects that his/her wishes will be complied with. This expectation doesn’t allow others to have different opinions, say no, or have needs.
   If you refuse to do what they want, you will be threatened, blamed, and made to feel guilty.
3. An exaggerated view of oneself.
   Narcissists do not have an honest self assessment. They have an inflated view of their abilities, achievements, brilliance, or talent. They don’t hesitate to talk about themselves or to flaunt their high view of themselves and expect others to recognize this superiority.
4. Lack of respect for others’ individuality.
   You do not exist as a separate person with your own needs, opinions, desires, and individuality; instead, you live as an extension of the narcissist. Your boundaries, needs, and opinions won’t be respected because they don’t matter; the only thing that matters is what the narcissist feels, needs, wants, and believes.
5. An inability to look inside of their own souls.
   When you try to get narcissists to look at themselves, you will find them extremely defensive. They are not willing to admit they are wrong, to admit they are afraid, to admit they are weak, or to admit they are narcissists. They will react angrily, manipulatively, punitively, and arrogantly to your criticism and suggestions.

“In their own eyes they flatter themselves too much to detect or hate their sin,” Psalm 36:2.

Amen!

~ Mary Lindow ^©

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” THE MESSENGER ” ~ Mary Lindow
www.marylindow.com
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Mary Lindow has a passion for encouraging others in all generations and careers or vocations to live and express excellence through personal integrity, healthy accountability, and wise management of talents and skills. She is a sought after keynote inspirational and humorous speaker and teacher throughout the United States internationally in Ministers conferences, International Spiritual leaders Conferences, and in National and International training seminars for various organizations.