We’ve all encountered someone who seems overly self-focused—maybe they always steer conversations back to themselves or make decisions that seem pretty self-serving. It’s tempting to call that behavior “narcissistic,” especially since the term has become so common in everyday conversation. But there’s actually a crucial distinction in psychology: having narcissistic…
Imagine this: You’re on a first date that feels almost too good to be true. The charming stranger across the table flashes a sly grin and orders another round of wine. Suddenly, they’re painting a vivid picture of your shared future together: dream home, adorable kids, maybe even that art…
Narcissism can be a harmful pattern that impacts both the lives of those who have it and the people around them. This impact often leads people to question: Can narcissism be treated? Can a narcissist really change? The answer is yes, those with narcissism or narcissistic traits can change. The…
Loving yourself is an important, and sometimes incredibly difficult, part of life. It often takes constant effort to stay positive and confident about who we are, and sometimes, the doubt and uncertainty win. Self-loathing is an intense and deeply-rooted feeling that builds over time, and can be caused by negative…
Everyone lies from time to time. Whether it’s to get out of work or spare someone’s feelings, lying every once in a while is normal and common. However, when someone lies frequently, they are known as a habitual liar. Lying often is harmful, and can even be a sign of…
Abuse is a dangerous and prevalent issue for many people. However, it can be incredibly nuanced, which might make it hard to identify for those experiencing abuse. One frequent example of this is called reactive abuse. Reactive abuse is something that occurs as a result of a victim responding strongly…
Narcissists are extremely self-centered. These are the people that make everything about themselves—the ones that brag every chance they get and truly think they’re better than others. Some narcissistic individuals have their egotistical tendencies under control, but others have a more serious problem: a disorder rooted in their narcissism. When…
Whether you’re concerned about a friend, a family member, or even yourself, it can sometimes be difficult to tell if someone is self-absorbed or rightfully confident. On the outside, these character traits can look very much the same: successful, bold, and charismatic. Beneath the surface, though, the self-absorption that comes…
