It’s helpful for all of us to feel a bit special

“As a specimen, yes, I’m intimidating!…As you see, I’ve got biceps to spare!…I’m especially good at expectorating!…And every last inch of me’s covered in hair.” – Gaston, Beauty and the Beast

Me, me, me – me too.

I’m trying to figure out where on the continuum between healthy ego to pathological grandiosity I sit. I’ve never thought of myself as being narcissistic, but you see the term batted about a bit on the Internet especially at us selfie* taking, 1st person blogger types. But true pathological narcissism is rare and apparently only affects about 1% of the population.

A quick Google search and I found this questionnaire.

You like to be the center of attention – sometimes
You have a habit of giving (unsolicited) advice – yep
You detest waiting in line – absolutely!
Your ambition knows no bounds – I’m a legend in my own mind (not really)
You know how to turn on the charm – oh yeah baby.
You are the competitive type – no
You’re famous for holding grudges – nope, most things fall off me like water off a duck’s back.
It’s never your fault – more than likely it is.
You take advantage of people – not my style.
You have an addiction – hmmm, possibly!

Looks like I’m batting about 50% on this survey.

Luckily the experts say a little narcissism is good for you.

Narcissism is a trait each of us exhibits to a greater or lesser degree. As it has become trait non grata, though, it’s become necessary to add the qualifier “healthy” to specify the socially acceptable type of narcissism. “It is the capacity to see ourselves and others through rose-colored glasses,” says psychologist Craig Malkin, a lecturer at Harvard Medical School and the author of Rethinking Narcissism. That can be beneficial, because it’s helpful for all of us to feel a bit special. It fuels the confidence that allows us to take risks, like seeking a promotion or asking out an attractive stranger. But feeling too special can cause problems. – The Real Narcissists

Well at least I’m no Narcissistic Cannibal:


*Can you believe it, I have 1,254 selfies on my phone!

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