Narcissism exists on a continuum from healthy to pathological. Healthy narcissism has to do with a realistic self-respect and self-interest, which does not deny the value of others. Healthy narcissism is associated with good psychological health. Narcissism becomes destructive where a person’s evaluation of self is over-inflated and out of touch with reality, and where other people’s needs, feelings and values are disregarded........
A narcissist has an unrealistic sense of self-importance, a lack of empathy, and a conviction of being special and entitled. They see other people as objects to be used to enhance themselves, and believe feel it’s only natural that others will admire them and want to serve them.
Narcistic traits are:
* An obvious self-focus in conversation
* Problems in sustaining satisfying relationships
* A lack of psychological awareness
* Difficulty with empathy
* Problems distinguishing the self from others
* Hypersensitivity to criticism or perceived criticism
* Vulnerability to shame rather than guilt
* Haughty body language
* Flattery of people who admire and affirm them
* Hating those who do not admire them
* Using other people without considering the cost of doing so
* Pretending to be more important than they really are
* Bragging (subtly but persistently) and exaggerating their achievements
* Claiming to be an “expert” at many things
* Inability to view the world from the perspective of other people
* Denial of remorse and gratitude
Narcissistic people depend on admiration, applause and attention for their sense of wellbeing. This “narcissistic supply” is like a drug for them; if it is lacking, the narcissist will be depressed, his/her sleep patterns will be disrupted, s/he will either eat too much or avoid food altogether. To protect themselves from this, narcissists have several potential sources of supply, so that if one source fails to deliver, there is always a backup plan. Narcissistic people may not be aware that their lives are geared to securing narcissistic supply. They may know they like to be desired, admired, adored and respected but it is unlikely that they have any deep understanding of why they do what they do. They have no need to understand, as long as the sources of supply are plenty.
I suppose we are all guilty of some form of narcissism or another (I know I can be occasionally) but it is recognising this state in ones self that can help to deal with our own narcisstic traits that will appear like ugly stains on our character.
In Masonry we are taught how to mould and build ourselves into better people and I firmly believe part of this process is recognising the less than savory points in our characters, and to turn them into a "something for good!"....We should all indeed take lessons from Narcissus!!
"Keeping it real" really does free us fom the shackles of excessive ego!