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I haven't spoke to my Narcissist is years, i didn't want to interrupt

I find myself very drained after having a conversation with a narcissist. For me that too is a sign.

It can go both ways, 1) speak about themselves nonstop or 2) pry in your personal life to gather information and use it later against you.

My NPD father absolutely loved having 'conversations' with me when I was a child, because he could essentially lecture me, patronize me, dominate the conversation and dictate the subject matter. He'd spend hours just talking AT me, while I nodded dumbly, so impressed with all his wisdom and knowledge. It was only when I became an adult - and we became, mercifully, estranged, that I realized he just wanted someone to validate all of his opinions - and an impressionable kid is perfect for that. He had almost no real friends because he wasn't able to have balanced conversations with other adults. I've often noticed a lot of narcissists enjoy talking with kids because they can sometimes be easier to manipulate than adults.

Narcassists talk at you, not with you engaging in the typical exchange or talking about common ground. The love to lecture, orate, grandstand, dominate conversations, etc... sometimes I wonder if their ideal "conversation" partner is a cardboard cutout of someone or a bobblehead doll

I think a narcissist has a thousand ways to grab the conversation. You got an award? I got a better award. You got a new car? I have friends in the industry. I got a better car. The narcissist never wants to feel ignored.

I know one of these!!! Can’t stand talking to that person any longer.. They refuse to let you get one word in. You are totally exhausted after this conversation.

There's something I've always noticed when dealing with a narc. I always get that cringed, embarrassed feeling around them. Like they do strange things but act like it's normal and I've been sat there thinking 'why would someone even do something like that?'. I've now learnt to trust my gut instinct. If I get embarrassed, I usually find they are a narc.

It's funny, in college we used to call people like that, "toppers." No matter what experience you had, they had an experience that was bigger, greater, more horrible, or more awesome. It didn't matter what the experience was; they had something more interesting. Now I see that those people were conversational narcissists.

I have had a couple of “friends”. that I know everything about and they’ve never asked me a personal question about myself. After a while, I started to avoid them.

I have a “friend “, and I remember the very day that I realized that there was a problem. I had not seen her for a few years, and was amazed that she blabbed and talked the whole time about problems with her child. She never asked one question about me. When I tried to help with some of the problems, she didn’t hear and didn’t want to hear. She just loved listening to herself. When she calls, I feel as if I have been run over by a truck. If I call her, she has no time to talk and never calls back. I just gave up on that one sided relationship.

Six months later the icy, blank yet intimidating stare is still the thing that haunts me. I got it whenever I tried to talk about anything that wasn’t him.

If I ever want to get my brother off the phone, all I have to do is start talking about something good in my life. Like clockwork

Agree 100% highly narcissistic individuals monopolize conversations. When I was in college my mother was going off on one of her lectures and I put the phone down gently on the bed. I have diagnosed ADHD Inattentive type and I completely forgot about the phone. About 30 to 40 minutes later I noticed the phone and I literally gasped. I gingerly picked up the phone, expecting to hear a dial tone but no - my mother was still talking. Unbelievably self centered!

Recently ended a 27-year friendship, with a conversational narcissist, who has transitioned into a full-blown narcissist. I am feeling so much happier and more relaxed.

I would say the first sign will come from your own gut feeling which will send signal to your body telling you that this person doesn't make you feel comfortable being around him/her. The fact that you are already asking this question should alert you to be careful. Something will feel off and you won't know what it is exactly. Covert narcissists can act very charming in the beginning but there will be often also present underlying sense of superiority about them. That sense is actually deriving from them feeling insecure about themselves, so they tend to quietly degrade others in order to feel better about themselves. On the other hand if covert narcissist feels that you are above his league, he will act like your servant, trying to please you - almost annoying in a way. But make no mistake. If you decide to stay in a relationship with him, he will downgrade you and abuse you like all the others. Because in his mind, if you love him, he thinks you are unworthy of him. Covert narcissists hate themselves so if someone loves them, than they think this person is worth less than them and that they can do better. Other sign to look for is any kind of judgment towards others. If he criticises other frequently, he will more likely criticise you as well once he gets more comfortable around you. Pay attention to how he treats people that are dependent on him as well. Narcissists hate those especially if they can't get anything of of that for themselves. Moreover, Cheating in marriages is not restricted to only men. Women cheat as much as men do. If you're suspecting your wife of infidelity, you'll have to keep an eye on her of her without her knowledge of her. One of the best ways to know if your spouse cheats on social platforms is by paying close attention to how your spouse behaves while online. The signs are pretty the same. Is your spouse more time on the app without explanation and gets unnecessarily defensive when you ask about it? If your spouse behavior has changed lately, and continues to spend more time on social apps, it's time for you to take action, with the help of a private investigator (suggested; METASPYHUB@GMAIL. COM , you can find out what is taking all their time on social apps, who they are talking to and other things happening,,

I had a friend like this. Even when I was talking to him about my cousin dying he turned the conversation about him and playing video games.

The Art of Conversation is a beautiful skill. It involves and dignifies all participants. It expands a topic with everyone contributing until it comes to a natural conclusion. Then the group moves on to a new topic, with everyone again participating. Upon completion of the meeting, everyone walks away satisfied and with an open heart and mind. Basically, a treat.

I once had a son in law like this. He could talk nonstop about himself for hours! He would actually follow me out to my car, still talking, even though I told him that I had to go. He’s be talking clear up until I actually drove off. Once, he spent more than an hour telling me how to build a deck…..I never asked. He just started talking about it while I was trying to help my child with his homework. He was the most annoying person. People would run when they saw him coming. I was so glad when she finally divorced him.

I love Dr. Ramani so much. She has saved so much of us with her knowledge and advice. Thank you seriously you're a gem!

Ive encountered this. I often sense that the person I'm having a conversation with is not the slightest bit interested in what I'm saying and cant wait to cut me off and talk about themselves. Exhausting. On occasion ive been bold enough to say, "i dont think youre listening to a word I've said". The look on their face .... priceless😅

Nailed a certain in-law of mine. Such a huge difference between a person who comments similar experiences as an exchange of ideas vs. this type of person who talks just to hear themselves talk.

I always feel when I watch Dr Ramani that im sitting on my sofa and having a cup of coffee ! Narcs are experts on everything without knowing anything about it!

I worked with a person that does this and no one liked her at all because of it. She was nicknamed the "one upper". She aways said she would be missed when she's gone. Guess what? She left and nobody misses her.

Wow, didn't know this was a thing! I assumed my brother did all the talking, and would constantly steer the conversation from me back to himself, simply because I was an uninteresting person (which, I don't believe I am, but was made to feel that way by his reactions). I couldn't figure out why I always felt drained, exhausted, devalued, and stressed after his (marathon) conversations. I now understand!

I appreciated your definition of conversational narcissism, as well as your other excellent points. I've also noticed that conversational narcissists rarely ever validate your statements. They will either remain silent, change the subject, directly contradict you, take sides with a third party (triangulation), or slightly alter the meaning of what you have said. Unfortunately, many of the people I know who are like this will not pursue advanced learning because they appear incapable of accepting what others say - they cannot learn from anyone. Another aspect of this "sub-disorder" of narcissism is that these individuals frequently avoid reading how-to manuals for the same reason since they appear to regard an author's words as a "silent conversation," preferring to focus exclusively on their own self. And sometimes this disorder is co-morbid with schizoid personality disorder where conversational narcissism is a way of pushing people away.

I'd just like to add sometimes people think autistic or ADHD people are turning to convo onto them when they're trying to relate with empathy Changing the conversation would be changing the entire topic and focus When we are relating events and emotions, this is our way of trying to relate with you I hope people can learn to understand the difference

My husband was the king of knowing it all. The most boring person I've ever met but stupid enough to stay for 40 plus years

At a drinks party last week, I started talking to a woman who knew a mutual friend. She seemed charismatic, friendly and nice...until I realised within 10 minutes that she dominated the conversation and talked at length about herself. She was telling me at all about her travels to South Africa and said I could ask our mutual friend for her number so she could send me more info and we could chat some more. I would have felt quite enthusiastic about her invitation as I don't make friends easily, but after years of one-sided friendships, I didn't need another potential self-obsessed friend. I listened politely but made a mental note, that after that evening, didnt want anything more to do with her.

This doctor has given so much valuable info to lessen humanity’s suffering: a doctor in the truest sense as she teaches you to “heal thyself”

Yes! And the attention a narcissist emphasizes on their ego lifting one-sided conversation marathons can really feed the codependent partner’s desire for interaction if they are ignored most by of the time. It hurts but it’s a very reliable sign to look for.

Thank you. I always felt yucky having conversations with narcissists. I couldn’t explain why I felt it was yucky to interact with them, especially after 24 hours. I always felt like I was protecting others because the narc would hijack the most interesting conversation around him. I ALWAYS felt oddly violated when they would casually interject. Your articulation of how most people would apologize, or in real life for me, do a “I was eavesdropping but…” disclaimer, was affirming that conversation hijacking IS NOT norm and that there’s an arrogance to doing it. I really appreciate your work. Thanks, Dr. Ramani!

I was raised by narcissistic parents and was the scapegoat…still am. At almost 40 I am believing I have narcissistic traits with this one! Growing up I never felt heard, kicked out on my 19 birthday I dated for the first time which quickly led me to being a single mother for 11 years and the only adult conversations I got I get so excited about and run over people and my kids. I swear I hate it and sometimes think because my mind moves too fast and jumps around to different topics. I really don’t mean to devalue people. I’ve been in the healthcare field for over 20 years and a nurse for 13. I really love people and sometimes force myself to stay quiet. I literally drive myself crazy with this conversational flaw.

Wow, this video really makes me self-reflect and wonder if I am a conversational narcissist myself. Definitely will be more conscious of how I project myself in conversations now...

I grew up in an Italian family ..we cut each other off and never apologized..it doesn’t work with my husband so I had to be more respectful thank you for this information

Can’t lie this made me feel very insecure about my conversational abilities. I get anxious because I never know what to say or how to say it. I struggle so badly with interrupting because I guess I am just so off with conversation cues. I forget or feel awkward when it comes to asking questions. It scares me to think that I may suffer from this on some level. I am neuro divergent but how much is that and is possible that some is this? Love the work Dr Ramani does and shares. She is fantastic at breaking things down. I would love an opportunity to ask her so many questions.

My parent did this to me this morning! But does it constantly!! Always draws the topic back to herself and is NEVER NEVER happy for me for anything and never smiles at my achievements etc

I've experienced this plenty of times in my family. I tend to simply stay silent in conversation unless I have something significant to say, I try to be concise in speech but attempt to not be a conversational narcissist.

You really nailed it. They do dominate conversations and interrupt you. They may actually accuse you of interrupting them just for trying to pop into the conversation to say ONE thing about the topic they've been filibustering on for an hour. It can be bad enough that if they are feeling needy they may talk 3 to 5 hrs straight and barely give you an opportunity to respond. Anyway, this is something I experienced from a narcissist friend. It is difficult to get off the phone usually because she gets upset if I even ask to go. It's night 🌙 time, usually late, but she doesn't want to let me even go to bed.

I’m so glad to hear this because it describes my husband to a T . It is so exhausting. When I ask him to give it a break, he of course …gets mad! It’s awful! So I have minimized my conversation with him. So much more peaceful for now. Still navigating all this knowledge.

Wow, this is my kids' father. It's always whatever interests him. I used to say it was like being in a classroom and he was a professor. He will talk almost nonstop. Whenever I try to converse about the kids or household issues it is like he zones out until he gets the upper hand on talking about his favorite subject again.

1. controls the topic 2. monopolizes the conversation 3. presents as a "know-it-all" 4. shows a superior attitude, holds court 5. interrupts and talks over others 6. praises, extols themselves, their achievements 7. gives unsolicited, self-serving advice 8. No empathic listening, no give and take, no flow to the conservation.

Yep. When the narcs are the center of the conversation throughout the evening, they go home saying it was a fun night, let’s do it again. But when they are just part of the crowd with strangers and has no opinion of the evening, they would say it was boring. 🤷🏽‍♀️

A very close friend of my mom is like this. I go back to visit my family like twice a year and every time she hangs out with us, she steers the conversation to herself, her kids, and her husband but won't let the conversation go to anything about us.

Wow. This is my mother. It’s so hard to talk with my dad when she’s around.

PERFECT explanation of a beloved three-generation family friend … a destination for a visit- but only once every 18 months or so. Oh we do have a wonderful time, but only… by. timely separation. Thanks, … every one of your descriptive sentences are almost humorous.

I watch your KZfaq channel every day Dr. Ramani! This is a great topic! Thanks so much!

It can happen over the phone as well in conversations. Best way to get out of it is to tell the person monopolizing the conversation that you have a phone call from your doctor coming in that’s very important and you’ll have to talk to them later

Ok so you’ve just described me. Shit. How can I stop??? Practice discipline, focus on the other person/people, be more inquisitive? I don’t want to make people feel like that. 😔

Dr. Ramani, amazing as always. This video is so helpful. Thank you for making it freely available.

Great informative video...... I have a friend who's a narcissist and he is ALWAYS doing these things and I have to let him know he's doing it, God bless his wife of 25 years I always wondered how she did it and she told me she ignores majority of what he says and does and it seems to make the marriage work. I love him and the family because they are literally FAMILY to me

I knew my mother has a narcissistic trait but this explains why every single conversation anyone ever has with her is about her... and everything is about how such a victim she is. She can talk for hours without ever realizing she's the only one talking and whenever the conversation is not about her she will turn it around to herself and how the other person you were talking about, and that includes yourself is so much more lucky than she has ever been, she drives me mental, and the way I get through our conversations, which thankfully happen over the phone 90% of the time is put the phone down and do something else while she talks away and every now and again I pass by the phone and say, Oh yes! .... You're right!!!

How about witnessing 2 conversational narcs going at it?..YIKES...it's one of the most PAINFUL and UNCOMFORTABLE things to hear. A "Panorama" of chaos and NONSENSE. 😖 Thanks Dr. Ramani for the great work you do. Game changer.

I know a guy like that. When we would talk it was always about him. I'd say something about my life or whatever and he'd respond with something about his life as if we had never stopped talking about him in he first place. So basically saying anything about me didn't get a reaction because he was just waiting for his turn. He also talked over me and he thinks he's the smartest and what not.

Great post !! Dr Ramani, you really outlined this subject well. The “ destabilizing “ effect of trying to have a conversation with the conversational narcissist really hit home. Thanks for this list. It’s validating. I have found that monitoring my breathing, ( when I find myself panicked by the shut-out aspects of the ConNar ) and turning my attention to noticing the ConNar person’s nuances of attachment to basically having the floor and not giving it up has helped me feel balanced. And I have to constantly remind myself “ this person has no interest really in my pov “ so I try to let go of that expectation. Sometimes easier said than done. :-)

This is what my mother taught me about phone conversations & friendships! She would get & stay on the phone when she should have been mothering. She's done it with her grandkids. It's a form of neglect. Most of my friends/boyfriends were conversational narcissists. What do I know now? I like my own company. And I'm getting into a new level of setting boundaries.

this is very helpful, I've been interrupting so much lately and my fiance keeps calling me out on it (thank god haha). I hate it, but I've just been getting so excited about things lately, it's like I have to get a thought out, in my mind it's to add something to whatever he was saying, or it's just gone forever. Gotta reel it in and at least stop myself more or apologize and slow down. Nice reminder thank you

Thank you for the info. You are the narcs friend when you give them praise...you are thier enemy when you stop praising them even one time or even heaven forbid disagree with them. Praise the narc till you are out of there. During the love bombing phase whatever they say to you is what they want said to them. Stay hydrated and have fun.

Thank you for the great video, Dr. Ramani. You have helped me more than all the therapists I visited over a 30 year period.

Omg You absolutely nailed one of my family members in every single description. From start to finish 🤓

Another catchphrase is if you say an opinion that is different than theirs ,they will say " well I always say that everybody has the right to be wrong"

Your video was very helpful as I struggle to identify when someone is displaying narcissistic behaviours even though my gut tells me there is something is unpleasant about the conversation. Definitely would recommend to others. Thank you!

Thankyou so much Dr. Ramani! You are truly wonderful for sharing your knowledge and promoting awareness. I can’t Thank you enough! I wanted to share a story; I met up with a friend (a narc) and when I got in his car, for the first 15min he was blasting his music and had no interest in speaking with me or asking me how I was doing or touching base at all. It was very strange. Just loud jarring music for the first 15min. Later when we went for a walk we had very superficial conversation all the while he carried his music around and tuned me out from time to time. It’s interesting what you can notice with people and how they behave and how superficial they can be. Very telling indeed.

I have a lot of traits from Asperger and ADD and I struggle a little to not be perceived as a narcissist. Because I do have a hard time staying focused in conversations and I am not good at asking questions....because I am not sure what to ask people. I get worried that others will think I don't care and so on. I am also quite a logical thinker so I don't always understand emotional perspectives - which would also be a trait for a narcissist. So yeah.....I worry about it.

Does a conversational narcissist typically mean that person is also a narcissist? I have lots of girlfriends that do this. It always leaves me feeling so drained, so I avoid their phone calls many times.

I first like the video and then watch it. That's how good you are. Thank you.

This is exactly right! I have seen all of this!!!! They also tend to explain things you already know and they know you probably already know, when you interrupt to say, "I know that" so that you can get to the one-word answer that is asked for, they will act irritated and are angry. But if you don't interrupt their long explanations about things you already know they will keep going with the long answer and at the end you will have spent five minutes listening to what you already knew to get the final answer that required only one word. If you ask a question because they were not clear they get angry that you had a question.

Even in team meetings at work the narcissist has to be the first one to speak. She doesn't wait for the person holding the meeting to do any introduction, she just stats saying what she thinks and she will keep control of it by not letting up and when she finishes talking about one thing she will say "also" and go on to the next thing without any pause.

When my husband is in the love bombing phase, he calls, texts, and talks nonstop, and it's all complaining, anger, criticism, and insults towards others (when in the devalue phase, it's mostly towards me though). Whenever he would come home from work, I would have to sit quietly, literally for hours, while he talked at me. He would call and talk at me during the day while I'm trying to take care of our 3 toddlers and keep house. He interrupts everyone and no one can get in a word edgewise. The first time we talked, I saw this, but I was unfamiliar with narcissism and made excuses for it. I should have run fast and never looked back. This is a narcissistic trait that seems almost irrelevant compared to the other traits. Maybe that's why they get away with it so often - the focus is on the "worse" traits that seem more abusive.

Finding her and Dr. Carter's channels was a blessing for me.

I do this on accident 😬 It's not intentional but I turn conversations to my own experiences if I don't take care not to, and sometimes zone out if I'm trying to listen but suddenly think of something. It's frustrating because I try but sometimes my brain just doesn't have the bandwidth to be a good listener no matter how much I want to. 😐

I think that from all Dr Ramani's lessons, this is the only one I would have understand if I had it 20 years ago. I had lots of friends from high school who did this, and teachers at university...

I love the doctor. I am noticing a new hair style and color. Loving it❤️

💜💜💜💜💜🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🌎🌎🌎🌎🤦🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️. Dr. Ramani and all of the folks at MedCircle, and all of the genuine psychologists and human helpers out here trying to do the right thing. Thank you!!! I know we are ALL still learning and growing, but d*mn!! You don’t have any idea how much of a difference you are making. Thank you!

I am so tired of dealing with people like this. Part of the problem is that I tend to be quieter and I can take a little while to marshal my thoughts. I was also brought up to be very polite and not interrupt people while they were talking. But I am getting so sick of being talked at, dismissed, ignored, interrupted, or have the subject suddenly changed on me or turned back to them, that I just crave a decent conversation with someone empathetic. Many years ago I realised I wasn’t very good at conversation, so I read books on it and did courses to learn how to be a better conversationalist. So, now I listen with empathy, give eye contact, try to relate others’ experiences to my own, but I am very careful to hear the other person out. Often, I’ll think of something I want to say in response to what’s being said, but resist interrupting, then the other person goes on so long I never get the chance to say what I wanted, the conversation moves on, or I’ve forgotten it. I feel like my personality gets squashed by these people and I’m just a receptacle for them to pour their thoughts and feelings into. Ironically, there was an occasion where a friend of mine who is a better listener than these people later hinted that I’d talked too much in our conversation, and I was mortified. Because he was such a good listener, I did talk a lot, because I so rarely get the chance to be heard. I did try to draw him into the conversation at times though, because I was aware I had talked a lot. It seems I can’t win.

Love and gratitude.❤️

Dr Ramani - not only perpetually educational but I feel pinged to be a better caregiver after these vids thank you 🙏💛🌤

A clinic in under 10 minutes! You nailed it!! Excellent insights all through!!!

There's one catch phrase that identifies the narcissist all the time it's when they're done talking they say " well, enough about ME talking about myself! what do YOU think about me?

Oh Dr. Ramani. What did we do to deserve you? 😍🥰🥲

Hi dr Ramani, could you maybe make a video on differences between a conversational narcissist and a neurodivergent person? Or explain a bit more about it? I'm adhd, diagnosed at 30 and throughout my life so far (before the diagnosis) I learned and created tactics for myself to better focus and be in the moment and let people shine in conversations but, not to interupt them whenever a great random thought enters my mind. It's exhausting but worth it and I love seeing how people light up talking about their stuff and asking them questions about it is a delight. But like a lot of adhd people, I get paranoid wondering if I am a narcissist (my therapist once joked he will gift me a huge poster saying I am not one because I can never process that information) especially since adhd has some symptom overlap with narcissism. And I end up holding myself back so much in conversations that I don't always get to take up space. Falling to the opposite side entirely. This personal and elaborate question comes down to: "Narcissist or just not a neuro typical? How to tell?" Thanks for your amazing content, I have been watching you for years now and I really wish I knew half of what I know now thanks to you, back when I got myself into a relationship with someone really unable of love.

*_I just loving what you do! Thank you._*

I know one of these type of conversationalists. Dr Ramani is spot on.

EXACTALLY, THIS IS WHAT i HAVE TO GO THROUGH WITH MY SISTER.... the most annoying part is she is trying to be a therapist, she's getting a degree in psychology. LIKE WHAT??? how are you gonna be able to help other where ALL YOU DO ID TALK ABOUT YOURSELF!!!! ughhhhhhh

Thank you. I need some self reflection about this one. 😑

Oh my goodness more than 1 video from Dr. Ramani today.

Most lack empathy - only give “advice” ! This is so trueeeee!

It's frustrating getting out again after self isolating from narcissist abuse just to meet people who just want to talk about themselves. I'm at a point that I think I don't really need anyone in my life. I love myself and my company, I just feel left out since society pushes that we're somehow weird or something is wrong with us if we don't have friends. I keep trying to find "my people" only to settle for some form of a self centered person. Where are the healthy people? Lol

It would be great if you could explain something for me. When I was younger and in therapy, part of the things I was supposed to work on was talking with people. I didn't know how. The therapist said, "When they tell a story, share something you experienced, too, that is similar. That way you will have common ground." Well, that was the only way I knew how to partake in a conversation, and you know what was said? "Well, you sure do like to bring it back around to you, don't you?" From that point forward, I said, SCREW IT! How does one communicate if it's a struggle without being called a narcissist? If sharing a similar response is narcissistic, and there is probably a difference, but most don't seem to understand that point, then how does one let the other person know they aren't alone? This isn't coming out right, is it?

I am so glad to hear this explained.

wow this is precisely my mom. ALL too eager to tell you about her ideas and thoughts, but acts very impatient and indifferent when you want to talk about your own ideas and interests.

BPD and I've been guilty of this

I am so triggered by my family member who is like this. What does this mean about them? I don't want to be in the room when they put on this arrogant show. Our family loves it. They're so superior and witty that it leaves others laughing. They're always giving advice to people even when they don't ask for it. It drives me nuts. Also, they never asks how anyone else is. Whenever they ask a question, I'm surprised. They also interrupt me when I'm connecting to other family members in a jealous way making the topic about them. I feel like I can't even connect to my own family.

This so spot on. This particular family member talks all about her plans or how far ahead in life she is and as long as I ask questions about her it's ok but if anyone else talks about themselves and their goals then she will say that she hates self centered people but yet she talks about herself and how she is decorating her house or how she is exercising and the clothes she wears or the money they have etc. Everything seems to fall into place for them but she also uses people for whatever she can get from them and if they no longer have anything to give her then she moves on to someone else. I have helped her many times but couldn't anymore and I never hear from her unless she has no one to talk to or wants something. So I decided that I wasn't going to chase people. I stay in relationships with people who also make an effort and are caring and friendly like I am with them. Thos person also used other family members to get ahead financially by saving her own money but saying that she needed this or that and myself and others would pay for it and now i am the one struggling financially. It pissed me off to the point where i don't do anything for them. It's just not right. Relationships and give and take not just take.

Thank you Dr Ramani. I think also being highly competitive is another characteristic i.e. one upmanship, trying to go one better in a conversation.

My Dad is an absolute champion at doing this. It was tough for my brother and I as teens bc my Dad could take any topic and in one sentence turn it back to his interests. This made it nigh on impossible for us to tell him about school, problems etc... I spent years trying to have a conversation with him to no avail.

Great explanation Dr. Ramani!! This TOTALLY describes my co-worker in a recent situation that just occurred🤦🏾‍♀️…..

I am sure to watch this explanation again and again.

Excellent lesson. Please consider a series of episodes of Narcissistic Conversations: an excellent topic. Speaking for myself, as one whose "fruit of the spirit" is counselor: I find this topic to be "on point". Finally, at the age of 50+, I have learned the need to know when someone wants me to be a dedicated counselor vs those who want to be a friend, and to accordingly govern myself/my expectations. Thank you Dr. Durvasula.