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Love in the Age of Narcissism

Finding clarity in a world of ego and facade.

Narcissism
Identifying the Narcissist in Your Life

Kristy Lee Parkin Ph.D. on May 4, 2022

Narcissism has become a one-size-fits-all insult and diagnosis for everything from self-centeredness to manipulation. When is someone truly a narcissist?

Narcissism has become a one-size-fits-all insult and diagnosis for everything from self-centeredness to manipulation. When is someone truly a narcissist?

Narcissism
The Narcissistic Cycle of Abuse

Kristy Lee Parkin Ph.D. on March 28, 2022

Individuals who are high in narcissism may use a cycle of abuse to keep their partners, or victims, trapped in a relationship. Here's how to recognize the stages.

Individuals who are high in narcissism may use a cycle of abuse to keep their partners, or victims, trapped in a relationship. Here's how to recognize the stages.

Narcissism
Narcissistic Obsession with Attention

Kristy Lee Parkin Ph.D. on February 12, 2022

No matter the situation, someone high in narcissism often must remain the center of attention. Their deep jealousy, paired with their fragile self-esteem, can complicate any relationship.

No matter the situation, someone high in narcissism often must remain the center of attention. Their deep jealousy, paired with their fragile self-esteem, can complicate any relationship.

Narcissism
The Cost of Loving a Narcissist

Kristy Lee Parkin Ph.D. on January 17, 2022

Being with a narcissist will cost you more than your sanity. Some narcissists cause their partners extreme financial distress and ruin.

Being with a narcissist will cost you more than your sanity. Some narcissists cause their partners extreme financial distress and ruin.

Narcissism
Moving On and Moving Up from a Narcissist

Kristy Lee Parkin Ph.D. on November 29, 2021

Healing from abuse is not a straightforward trajectory. It can be a challenging and uphill climb, especially when trying to break free from a narcissist.

Healing from abuse is not a straightforward trajectory. It can be a challenging and uphill climb, especially when trying to break free from a narcissist.

Narcissism
Narcissism and Modern Dating

Kristy Lee Parkin Ph.D. on November 10, 2021

The pandemic has only increased the role of dating apps in finding new partners. Does this make seekers more vulnerable to narcissists?

The pandemic has only increased the role of dating apps in finding new partners. Does this make seekers more vulnerable to narcissists?

Addiction
The Addiction of Narcissism

Kristy Lee Parkin Ph.D. on September 4, 2021

Narcissism and substance abuse often go hand in hand. Addiction can be seen as a coping mechanism for dealing with an abusive narcissist.

Narcissism and substance abuse often go hand in hand. Addiction can be seen as a coping mechanism for dealing with an abusive narcissist.

Narcissism
Co-Parenting With a Narcissist: The Impossible Dream

Kristy Lee Parkin Ph.D. on July 26, 2021

Co-parenting with a narcissist or someone with strong narcissistic traits can be an exercise in futility that ends in nothing but frustration. How can you improve the situation?

Co-parenting with a narcissist or someone with strong narcissistic traits can be an exercise in futility that ends in nothing but frustration. How can you improve the situation?

Embarrassment
From Grief to Relief: Let Go of Shame

Kristy Lee Parkin Ph.D. on June 10, 2021

Part II: Moving from grief to relief will bring you through feelings of shame coupled with mourning and confusion. Self-forgiveness is the vehicle to maneuver through the healing process.

Part II: Moving from grief to relief will bring you through feelings of shame coupled with mourning and confusion. Self-forgiveness is the vehicle to maneuver through the healing process.

Grief
From Grief to Relief: Healing After Abuse

Kristy Lee Parkin Ph.D. on May 27, 2021

Part I: After a breakup of a narcissistic relationship, one will find themselves going through myriad emotions ranging from grief to relief.

Part I: After a breakup of a narcissistic relationship, one will find themselves going through myriad emotions ranging from grief to relief.

Trauma
Remnants of Abuse and Manifestations of Trauma

Kristy Lee Parkin Ph.D. on April 21, 2021

Narcissists are uniquely competent at inflicting intense emotional, mental, and psychological trauma on their victims. What do responses to trauma look like, and can it be overcome?

Narcissists are uniquely competent at inflicting intense emotional, mental, and psychological trauma on their victims. What do responses to trauma look like, and can it be overcome?