What causes narcissism?
Reading from the above poster reminds me of the sadness and frustration I feel. Realizing the truth, that these N’s were probably normal, vulnerable people at one time is difficult to accept when you make the decision to leave. When I learned about narcissism I felt sorry for my N and wanted so much to help him. I tried so hard. Don’t we all? I caught the look of a scared, desperate little boy on my N’s face many times, mostly out of the corner of my eye. He only let his guard down once to tell me about his harsh, abusive father and his indifferent, controlling mother. He cried buckets and it all broke my heart. The next day he had forgotten all about it and went back to his abusive ways. Never again did he mention it. I know he won’t change and I can’t take the brunt of his pain any longer. I have left him for good. I wish there was a cure for this. My N’s mother told me that her husband, was also a narcissist(?) Genetic? Learned? Maybe it’s both.
