What bores you?
By Tracy Schruder
I’ve had the misfortune of dealing with numerous narcissistic individuals throughout my life. As a result, when I’m forced to interact or work with them, I find the experience extremely tedious and mind-numbing.
The Same Old Patterns
The repetitive patterns of behavior exhibited by narcissists have become all too familiar. It’s always about them; they cut you off mid-sentence, portray themselves as victims, and claim to have experienced everything. You can’t share anything personal without them turning the conversation back to themselves.
Lack of Substantive Conversation
What’s most exhausting is the absence of meaningful conversation. Narcissists dominate discussions, leaving no room for others to contribute or share their ideas. I often feel like I’m just watching them wreck everything, without being able to engage in a reciprocal exchange or add my own ideas.
The Monotony of Watching Them Wreck Everything
Perhaps the most frustrating aspect is watching narcissists wreak havoc on relationships, projects, and organizations. Their self-centeredness and lack of empathy lead to destructive behavior, which can be painful to witness.
Understanding Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a mental disorder characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a deep need for excessive attention and admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. While I acknowledge that NPD is a legitimate mental health condition, my experiences have left me feeling worn out.
Personal Encounters with Narcissists
My first encounter with a narcissistic individual was in 8th grade, where my teacher exhibited aggressive and violent behavior towards me and other students. He would often pick on students and make fun of their work in front of the whole class. I barely had a recess break that year because he always had me in detention for my spelling errors, using the opportunity to taunt me to tears.
Since then, I’ve encountered numerous narcissists in various contexts, including bosses, coworkers, family members, and romantic partners. Each experience has left me feeling bored, drained, and unfulfilled. I often feel exhausted during these interactions, counting down the minutes until they’re over. This impatience drains my energy reserves, leaving me feeling depleted. To recharge, I frequently find myself meditating as soon as I return home, seeking to realign my sense of sanity and regain my balance.
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