I have never written a proper post here before but I feel compelled to as I keep seeing a debate about whether she is a narcissist or not, with people stating that she can’t be as she doesn’t have the grandiose self importance.
My mum was diagnosed with Narcissistic Personality Disorder and initially I was confused because she does nothing but talk about how miserable and depressed she is, how much she hates herself and how her life is terrible. No matter what medications or therapies she tries nothing works according to her, so she remains perpetually “broken”. Then I found this quote on Mind Body Green on “15 Signs You’re Dealing With A Narcissist” about Vulnerable or Covert Narcissism
“Interestingly enough, narcissists can also get that superior feeling by being the worst, the most wrong, or the most ill, upset, or injured. Then they feel entitled to receive soothing concern and recompense and even the right to hurt you or demand apologies to "make things even." This is called vulnerable or
covert narcissism.”
Suddenly everything fell into place for me, as this is my mum to a T. I’m not trying to diagnose anybody but I think it’s important to make everybody realise that narcissism is a very complex disorder and doesn’t necessarily have to be somebody shouting from the rooftops how great they are.
I’m very much enjoying getting different perspectives on things from you guys, it’s been most enlightening to be converted from a die hard Hincher (I’ve been following her for so long that I still remember when the spare room wasn’t Henry’s, it was for her niece to stay over!). Ironically I found this site from reading her memoir and decided to do some digging and see what all this trolling fuss was about. And here I am! There’s honestly some great work being done here with regard to accountability so well done everybody.
Sorry for the long first proper post!