Narcissism Epidemic: Why There Are So Many Narcissists Now

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Recently I saw someone pumping gas - with a lit cigarette in the other hand! This narcissist was obviously in a hurry and thought it was ok to possibly kill everyone at the gas station in the interest of saving a few minutes of his time. Any ideas on how to deal with this type of narcissism when it happens very quickly, yet puts others in danger? When people go this far, I yell at them and the narcissist is always shocked!

Sue of OH 8:40PM May 06, 2012

I am a teacher (8 years) and also someone watching friends now begin to raise their own children. (I don't have any of my own yet.) I recognize narcissism in our youth and worry that parents are too busy with now maintaining their child's narcissistic 'being' that we are in real trouble. I particularly like how Jean Twenge recommends to tell children they are loved, special to us caregivers - but not THE BEST at everything.
It's been a theme in teaching since I went to teaching school that we should be very careful with "very good" or too many "that's GREAT!! You're awesome!!!" sort of comments. We need to be specific in our praise and specific and meaningful in our criticism. My students OFTEN behave as though it's a MASSIVE blow to their ego when they don't "get" (because earning something is out of the question) 100% on assignments... just for a half-a$$ effort.
I believe short, specific praise and encouragement is valuable for children. I have enjoyed seeing the students that I pushed with a comment of "you can do better" rise to my challenge. It feels like a common theme in our society NOT to make things difficult for our children. Their successes aren't even successes when we've set them up only to succeed AND done most of the work for them! I teach my students that we learn the most from our mistakes.. and to take the risk at being wrong..

Miss B of MN 9:04AM April 21, 2012

Im not surprized-everyone seems to have a superior "tude these days...I am guilty also of thinking and acting like Im superior cuz i live in an ethnic area and Im white...I blame it on Archie Bunker!! But its OK...if you are cool than so am I.

jimmy of CA 4:56AM February 01, 2012

Doctors and radiologists/ nuclear imaging are narcissistic.
They wrote the Diagnostic criteria for it. They live it daily, consume it.
They are sickening.

no of MD 10:21PM January 29, 2012

Very interesting article! I'd always thought certain people in my life had a problem but I couldn't put my finger on it until now. It's always been my contention that a little healthy self-confidence gets one up and out the door every day to help make the world a better place for the next generation. But I can see, now, that sometimes too much of a good thing is just that. Thanks.

Shannan Badgett of TX 8:51PM January 29, 2012

A dire symptom of increased denial of God's existence and His commands.

Rick M of TX 2:51PM January 22, 2012

I was married to a narcissist for 27 years, it was hell. He married me, apparently, because I was a "trophy wife" (good looking to him) and our 4 beautiful daughters as well (God blessed us for good looks) not at all being boastful. We were never enough. He continually engaged in adultery, looking for love to bolster his self-esteem. They say they have great self-esteem, nothing could be further from the truth. Bottom line, in their first 5 years of their life, the foundation of a persons character is built. Unfortunately, the last 3 or more decades, parents have not been there to nurture these precious children. to build them up, impart safety, security, love and establish basic trust. That then, sets them up for a lifetime of insecurity, lack of a sense of identity, and everyone suffers. Bottom line. We fail to realize the value of each child, and the importance of nurturing. We leave that to daycare, or whatever. We lose that opportunity, and they end up in prison, drugs, and a life of self-destruction, and everyone that is in their path. I can only pray that people realize the reality of the reason for the increase in this pathology. The strength of a country is measured by the strength of a family. Just take time to see the new release of a movie "Courageous" and see what we ought to learn. The value Of God and family, and how much better all of us would be.
Our marriage ended in divorce, I had to let him go. Our 4 daughters lives forever damaged as well. God is healing us. I pray people learn this important lesson. Leave out The Lord and Love, and giving up ones selfishness to nurture our families... will change the course of history. PLEASE TAKE HEED.

Pamela Becker of MN 2:21PM January 19, 2012

At a Christmas party this weekend, I saw a 4 year old girl acting like a 16 year old! Every other word was whatever and she loved flipping her hair and rolling her eyes. Also the adults loved her bossiness and when she would call them out. They think aggression/bossiness is assertiveness and an indication of success. They also see pickyness as character. I now know to exclude narcissistic children and their parents from my kids. Imagine 18 years of that behavior.

Vincent of MA 7:36PM December 27, 2011

I have a sister that is truly a 24/7, %100 narcissus. She tormented me an my hole family from the age of 10 to 17 after that we all stopped total association we could take the constant abuse placed on us by her mental disorder. Finding her help was more than impossible she would fight with people constantly verbally and fiscally at times. She is perfect description of a extremely troubled person but the most scarey thin is you would never know it in person until you get IT. To all of the people out there who have an extrema narcissist in their life do the sane thing an LEAVE IMMEDIATELY!

Mark of CA 3:57PM December 07, 2011

Finally someone that has some common sense. I have been saying this for years. I am looking for research on what I am calling a Parenting Fad. Which is to spoil your kids and create narcissistic monsters instead of caring balanced people. I also have noticed that EVERYONE on TV is narcissistic. I tell my boyfriend to "turn the channel I cannot stand to watch these narcissistic asses" after watching a few minutes of reality tv. I had that dx right.

Hcurrie7 of GA 11:07PM November 29, 2011