THIS is one of the worst qualities one can have

Dictionary.com defines a narcissist as "a person who is overly self-involved, and often vain and selfish."

Other words associated with narcissism include:

Self-love
Self-admiration
Self-absorption
Self-obsession
Conceit
Self-centered
Self-regard
Egoism

I don't take exception to people who are self-absorbed without showing off. It's when people have the impulse to voice -- loudly, I might add -- how great they are, how beautiful they are, how much better they are than anyone else. It's when people are so arrogant as to take credit for everything -- whether at work or elsewhere -- when they know full well that they received ample support from others.

Selfishness isn't necessarily a bad thing. There's nothing wrong with turning down invitations from friends or family so that you can spend the evening alone, or treating yourself to a hearty lunch at a nice restaurant following a difficult week at work. Loving yourself is actually a key ingredient to a happy life, and being highly self-absorbed doesn't make you a rotten, heartless person.

However, when people feel the compulsion to come out and say "I'm the best" -- well, that really gets under my skin!

What's interesting is that people who act this way are really trying to overcompensate for something they consciously lack below the surface, whether self-confidence or self-esteem.

You can love yourself without broadcasting it to the world. You can earn people's respect and admiration without being so pompous.

I firmly believe that you can exude humility and help others while harboring a deep sense of love and admiration for yourself. Who says you can't pat others on the back while patting your own?

Comments

Ema said…

The problem is that they are really, really cruel to other people

August 2, 2016 at 8:25 PM

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