Affirmation dependency is overly relying on external sources for validation of one’s worth. You develop it by not properly understanding what your worth genuinely is and where it stems from.
The human heart is a precious commodity, and the tenderest hearts are the most easily broken. Folks used to spend a lot of time vetting a potential intimate relationship partner’s character, but sadly, character vetting has become a lost art.
While character disturbance is widepread, it occurs along spectra of both type and degree. Not every empathy-impaired person is a psychopath. And not all folks with narcissistic traits and tendencies are the same. Getting the right information and finding the right help can be a real challenge.
Character-impaired folks inevitably use and abuse others. And the more they lack conscience and empathy, the more seriously they’re likely to use and abuse.
Shame can be certainly be a bad thing. And some shame is truly toxic. But in our days of rampant character dysfunction, shamelessness is a much bigger problem than too much shame. The most disturbed characters among us are the most shameless.
The amorous vulnerable covert narcissist can come across as loving. With ego massage, charm, and connective skill, they’ll steal your heart. But it’s never really about you. It’s about what you can do for them.
Some accomplished fighters aggress in subtle, stealthy tactics that enable them to use and abuse while still looking good. It’s no wonder folks on the receiving end of such behavior feel crazy!