Tag Archives: impression management

Adult Children of Vulnerable Narcissists

Covert-Aggression, Lying and Deception, Manipulation, Narcissism, Personality and Character, Personality and Character Disorders, Psychological Manipulation, Relationships, Self-Esteem, , , , , , , ,

It devastates a child’s self-image to feel demeaned, belittled, or degraded. But sadly, as an adult, a child with poor self-worth can unwittingly repeat the same compensatory pattern of trying to prove their worth by comparing themselves to and discounting others.

Character Disorder Experts Are Hard to Find

Covert-Aggression, Empowerment, Manipulation, Manipulators, Mental Health, Narcissism, Personality and Character Disorders, Psychological Manipulation, Psychology, Relationships, Responsibility, Social Issues, Therapy, , , ,

Many therapists will say they understand personality and character disturbances. But then when you go to them for help you find they just don’t get it at all. In fact, you might even experience therapy-induced trauma.

Healthy Relationships Require Genuine Regard

Abuse, empathy, Empowerment, Entitlement, Integrity, Intimacy, Manipulation, Manipulators, Narcissism, Personality and Character, Personality and Character Disorders, Psychological Manipulation, Relationships, Responsibility, Self-Esteem, Social Issues, Spirituality, , , , , ,

Healthy Relationships Healthy relationships are a rare commodity these days. Relationships can begin with a bang, then quickly lose their appeal. Some relationships that initially seem so harmonious somehow eventually become contentious. Relationships born of great passion and fervor can become dull or devoid of energy. And even relationships that seem founded on positive regard … Continue reading Healthy Relationships Require Genuine Regard →

Deceit Can Take Many Forms

Aggression, Covert-Aggression, empathy, Empowerment, gaslighting, Integrity, Lying and Deception, Manipulation, Manipulators, Narcissism, Personality and Character, Personality and Character Disorders, Psychological Manipulation, Relationships, Responsibility, Social Issues, Spirituality, , , , , , , , ,

Deceit is the hallmark trait of manipulative characters. And there are many ways to deceive. Some disturbed characters are so skilled in the subtlest forms of lying that they have raised it nearly to an art form.

Why Narcissists Always Blame Others

Aggression, empathy, Entitlement, gaslighting, Integrity, Manipulation, Manipulators, Narcissism, Neurotics, Personality and Character, Personality and Character Disorders, Psychological Manipulation, Psychology, Psychopathy and Sociopathy, Relationships, Self-Esteem, , , , ,

Some narcissists blame to avoid shame. But many narcissists today have no shame. Such narcissists blame only to justify their cruelty and attacks.

Understanding Manipulation Tactics

Abuse, Aggression, Covert-Aggression, empathy, Empowerment, Entitlement, gaslighting, Lying and Deception, Manipulation, Manipulators, Personality and Character, Personality and Character Disorders, Psychological Manipulation, Relationships, Social Issues, Therapy, , , ,

Covert aggressors use manipulation tactics to get their way. They fight in subtle and underhanded ways. And they know how to look good without being good.

How Manipulators Vilify the Real Victim

Abuse, Aggression, conscience, Lying and Deception, Manipulation, Manipulators, Personality and Character, Personality and Character Disorders, Psychobable, Psychological Manipulation, Psychology, Relationships, Responsibility, , , ,

Manipulative abusers are good at casting themselves as victims and vilifying the true victim. And they can make you wonder if they don’t really see things that way. But their tactics are just another way to avoid responsibility and take advantage of you.

Charming Narcissists Manipulate Well

Abuse, empathy, Entitlement, Lying and Deception, Manipulation, Manipulators, Narcissism, Neurotics, Personality and Character, Personality and Character Disorders, Psychological Manipulation, Psychology, Relationships, Self-Esteem, , , ,

Brash and vulgar narcissists naturally offend us. So, we naturally want to keep our distance and watch our backs. But charming narcissists are in some ways more dangerous. Like I say in In Sheep’s Clothing, dealing with them can be like getting whiplash. You only fully realize who they are and what they’ve done to you after the fact.

Authenticity Makes Love Possible

Lying and Deception, Narcissism, Personality and Character, Personality and Character Disorders, Relationships, Spirituality, , , , ,

Authenticity is not so much a character trait as it is a state of being. To be authentic, you have to choose to be transparent. Doing so naturally makes you quite vulnerable. But it also opens the door to true intimacy with another.

Deception and Manipulation

Lying and Deception, Manipulation, Manipulators, Personality and Character, Personality and Character Disorders, Psychological Manipulation, Responsibility, , ,

It’s not enough to just to be willing to admit the truth. Many folks will do that, especially after they’ve been caught lying. Rather, it’s more important to truly revere the truth. A solid character knows the value of the truth – its power to heal, to empower, and to free. But it’s always a choice to embrace the truth – a choice truly decent characters freely make.