I'm going to be honest here and say that I had never truly dealt with anyone who is a true narcissist and even though I knew this particular trait existed in people, never dreamt that I would experience it first hand.
Now before I tell you how it was, I am far from perfect and know I have my faults. One of my big ones is becoming horribly defensive when I'm being bullied. Bullying is one of my biggest pet hates, and narcissism is a fine balance between bullying and manipulating.
There are varying degrees of narcissism but they all have one thing in common. The need to control a situation, with no real regard for the outcome as long as it's in their favour, with the outcome showing them as a good person.
Narcissists lack empathy but will constantly try and convince you that they are very empathetic. Through manipulation, both mentally and emotionally, they will manage to wear you down into believing that they really are nice and caring. In their defence, they probably really do believe that they are an empathetic person but there are clear warning signs that prove otherwise.
It can be soul destroying and takes time to move forward. But I did move forward and I feel like I have become an even better person as a result.
