The Narcissists’ False Self and True Self| Narcissist’s Nightmare

“The narcissist does not feel empathy for others; he or she makes connections with other people for one purpose and one purpose only; narcissistic supply.  Narcissist collects as trophies.  It is anything that gives the narcissist a “hit” of praise, or even an emotional reaction to their ploys.  They need these sources of supply because they suffer from perpetual boredom, emotional shallowness and the inability to authentically and emotionally connect to others who do have empathy.” Shahida Arabi, MA, Pg 39

“Abuse survivors can come of any type of background and many of them are strong, intelligent, talented and successful.  What puts them at risk is their empathy and their vulnerability-any cumulative trauma that has led them to have malleable boundaries and difficulties with self-esteem can certainly make individuals extra susceptible, but it has little to do with intelligence or strength and everything to do with the nature of the trauma they’ve endured-both with the relationship and outside of it.  Shahida Arabi, MA, pg 43

“Gaslighting- The truth is, narcissists don’t just gaslight us-they gaslight the public too.  Their charming exterior convinces the public to shame and silence victims who speak out against them. In society and culture, pathological narcissists and sociopaths like serial rapists can get away with their crimes because society bashes and bullies victims who dare to speak out against them, especially if they are well-loved figures such as Bill Cosby.” Shahida Arabi, MA, pg. 67