September 2025 – Page 4

Narcissism (Archives)

Narcissism is defined as an “extreme self-involvement to the degree that it makes a person ignore the needs of those around them. True narcissists frequently disregard others or their feelings and they do not understand the effect their behavior has on other people.” http://www.webmd.com

Narcissistic personality disorder is considered a mental health condition and it is characterized by a life-long pattern of exaggerated self-importance. It is a pattern of behavior that is often destructive to the people around them. These are self-centeredness, arrogance, lack of empathy, inconsideration for other people and inflated self-importance. Narcissists can be manipulative, selfish and they display a sense of entitlement.

“When you’re in a relationship with a narcissist, there is always a whole secret life going on behind your back.” Unknown

A narcissist moves to a different drumbeat, one of their own making. Rules and conventions do not apply to them and if it did, do not expect it to last very long. It lasts only if you accept them on their terms. There is no compromise. Falling in love is a knee-jerk reaction for the narcissist, the emphasis here being on JERK!”

“Narcissistic personality disorder is the only mental condition where the patient is left alone but everyone else needs treatment.” Unknown

They’ll keep the facade going as long as it suits them. Yes, they can play the “nice guy” but only if everything goes according to their plan. If it doesn’t the gloves are off and the real person steps out, someone you never knew was hiding behind the mask they had been wearing.

Narcissist:

“(n): a more polite term for a self-serving manipulative, evil jerk with no soul and compassion.”

If the relationship doesn’t work out like they wanted which is all to their benefit, they’ll move on in a heartbeat without so much as a goodbye because their next victim is already on the line. They will show no remorse, compassion or empathy because they have none to offer. Their feelings only run knee-deep like their emotions. They will lie, cheat, stand on their head and declare on the Bible that it is the absolute truth and nothing but the truth in order to make you question your sanity because that is how they work. It is a form of psychological and emotional abuse all to the detriment of the victim. This often leads to anxiety and stress disorders. Unfortunately, it is hard to recognize a narcissist when approached by one because they don’t have a sign on their forehead that says, “I AM A NARCISSIST! Please beware.” Life would be easier if they did but there is none. You learn from your mistakes and hopefully the damage is minimal.

Never J.A.D.E. with a narcissist-

Justify

Argue

Defend or

Explain

AND

“If you see a narcissist do this….RUN!

HAVE AN AMAZING DAY.

LOL!

Photo by Polina Tankilevitch on Pexels.com

At an International Medical Conference:

A British doctor brags to colleagues: “In Britain, medicine is so advanced that we removed a man’s backbone, put it in another man, and in 6 weeks, he was looking for work.”

The German surgeon replies: “In Germany we removed a section of a brain, put it in another man, and in 4 weeks he too is looking for work.”

The Russian doctor says: “Gentlemen, we took a beating heart from a man, put it in another’s chest, and in 2 weeks he started a new job.”

The American doctor sighs, saying: “You are all still behind us. A few months ago, we took a man with no brain, no heart, and no backbone and he got a job overnight as our President!”

YUP! Nothing more needs to be said!

ENERGY

There are many different things that give me energy throughout my day. The first one is Chachi, the cat, although he wouldn’t consider himself as a thing because he thinks he is a little Pharoah living his best life and using up one of his 9 lives!

The little guy gives me positive energy and that is important. He makes my day a whole lot brighter and listening to him moving around on padded feet gives me energy as well. The other thing that gives me energy are my daily walks in nature. It has been said that nature mirrors the human existence and I find that to be true. However, it also teaches if you are willing to listen. I get comfort from nature and I need a daily dose to keep me moving forward.

A healthy lifestyle definitely gives me energy. Food which is nourishing and full of nutrients is my go to for health and vitality. I do spend time planning my meals and ordering out is a once in a blue moon thing. I’d rather prepare it myself and know what is going in those meals to keep me healthy and full of energy rather than leave it to chance. Exercise is another thing that fills me with energy. It is a daily affair and I love working out so it makes it easier for me.

Breathing, different forms of breathing, is a daily must not the kind that we do as a routine pattern, the in and out variety but the kind that takes effort to clear your mind, gives you clarity and fills you with oxygen! It also helps to balance the brain hemispheres. I feel much better breathing like the yogis did and this practice definitely fills me up with energy.

So there you have it. Those are the things that give me energy and keep me operating at my optimal best. I’m adding as I go along but for now the ones I mentioned above work just fine.

Daily writing prompt

What things give you energy?

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LOL!

Two old men are sitting in a bar. One of them looks at the other and says: “You look familiar. Where you from?”

The second old man replies, “Ireland.”

The first old man looks astonished and says, “No way. I’m from Ireland myself, what a small world.”

The second old man then looks at the first, “What city?”

The first old man says, “Dublin.”

The second old man looks astonished. “No way, I’m from Dublin meself! What a small world.”

The first old man looks at the second old man, “What school you go to?”

The second old man replies, “Saint Mary’s class of 89.”

The first old man is absolutely baffled. “NO WAY! Saint Mary’s class of 89 myself! What a small world!”

At this point, another man comes into the bar and says to the bartender. “Hey Joe! Anything interesting going on?”

The bartender says, “Not really….but the Murphy twins are drunk again.”

😀😀😀

All-Time Favorite Album?

I don’t know about all-time favorite album but there is one that I like. It comes from a guy who is fully tattooed and with a nose-ring to boot. His body is described as an art gallery! Not my type at all, but the music and that voice is powerful and it makes you want to sit and listen for awhile.

I am talking about Teddy Swims. Jaten Dimsdale is his real name and the guy is a powerhouse songwriter who incorporates R&B, soul, pop and country elements in his music. His Tough Love album (2022) was brought to my attention when my friend, the one who passed away, started sending me songs from that album. There were several songs from that album that touched my heart but “Amazing” really did the trick. It was beautiful. It speaks of love, not the hyped-up kind but of the pure and natural variety. The other one he sent me was, “For the Rest of Your Life.”

My friend was in love and he let Teddy Swims do the talking! The other song he sent was, “Is This Love?” by Thomas Anderson. Not a Teddy Swims song but just as romantic. His latest collaboration with Adele, Kiss Me Like It’s The Last Time, is a heartbreaker. It will have your tears flowing. However, if you get a chance and want something good to listen to, Teddy Swims is my pick. If you don’t like his looks, keep your eyes closed! His voice is strong, powerful and it has a certain something. I can’t put my finger on it. Just that I love that album.

Listening to these three songs brought back a lot of memories. He is gone now, my friend, but it’s interesting how songs can bring back so many memories especially the one by Thomas Anderson, “Is this love?” It was the first song he sent when we were just getting to know each other and it has a special place in my heart. I do miss him.

As far as all-time favorite album, Tough Love, is my pick although there are others but this one stands out for all the reasons I mentioned above.

Daily writing prompt

What’s your all-time favorite album?

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The Dating Sinkhole!

Being on dating websites or portals is hard enough without having to wade through the minefield of “scammers” who come across as the nicest guys on the planet!

It started out as a nice day yesterday until I looked at one of the dating website I was on to see what was going on. Surprisingly, I had many invites. Boys who could be as young as my son, men professing love without even having met me and one guy who seemed like a viable candidate. He was tall, nice-looking and his profile read well or rather, it got my atttention. He was very interested just from reading my profile and my pic which is normal I guess. There is nothing else to go on. Anyway, he was much YOUNGER and I told him, “Sorry, you seem nice but I don’t go for younger men.”

HIM: “Just a few years makes no difference and I don’t care about age. There is something about you that touches me.”

Hmm…..good line and to a lesser individual one not well-versed in “scamming” this would definitely be a pull to jump into that sinkhole! He was dealing with someone else but he wasn’t aware of it yet.

HIM: “Tell me something about yourself and PLEASE give us a chance.!”

So I did tell him a little about myself but kept it general.

HIM: “I like you! There is just something about you, I don’t know what.”

The “something” could be that I am a pro in seeking out and discarding scammers!

HIM: “I am a Director of……a big job and I have a lot of responsibility.”

ME: “That seems like a big job so why interested in me? I’m sure you have a lot of women interested in you. My ex did. Just his job alone brought women out of the woodwork.”

HIM: “Please don’t tar all men with the same brush! I am honest, loyal and I don’t run around!”

This said with righteous indignation. The “I don’t run around part” did appeal to me but there was SOMETHING that wasn’t quite right about this guy. One thing, in one pic he had light hair and in the other he had dark hair! His explanation, when I spend time in the sun, it gets lighter and when not, it is darker. Hmm….but the dark-haired guy doesn’t even look like you! I kept that to myself.

Anyway, to make a long story short, I said alright let’s talk on the phone. Silence from his side. This morning I got a message which told a sad story about him and that he wasn’t in town BUT if I sent him my Whatsapp number, we can stay in touch until he gets back home.

My answer: “Sorry, I don’t give out my number to strangers!”

Nothing so far but I am sure he is plotting something. Scammers! They make online dating a nightmare and a half! However, it is not just the scammers that make traipsing around the dating minefield a horror but the others wearing the mantle of narcissist, married and dating, affair seekers and young men looking for experience! If it is not one, then it is the other.

Lord have mercy!

Update: He just wrote and he says he understands that I am cautious. In today’s world, you can’t be too careful.

HIM: “I’ll be back in town at the weekend. Let’s meet for coffee. We’ll do it your way.”

Hmm….threw me for a loop that one. A nice guy? Should I meet him? What if scammers have evolved and are doing the “meeting” thing now? I don’t know folks but this is perplexing. I’ll keep you updated.

I Choose Peace

“Inner peace begins the moment you choose not to allow another person or event to control your emotions.” Pema Chodron

I took my walk this morning hoping to clear my head of the destructive thoughts that had been given a front-row seat last night. Something happened yesterday that threw my nicely-ordered emotions into chaos and anger emerged with vengeful thoughts ready to take aim and to shoot my opponent down and to slay the dragon with no ifs, ands or buts!

My mom once said, “You’re a Scorpio and like that scorpion you come out ready to sting when backed into a corner.” I tend to agree with her since I’ve put that “stinger” front and center before.

I came face to face with someone who was not only obnoxious but she didn’t give a flying flip about it. Having a discussion with her was like banging your head against a cement wall. Her goal was to get me down to her level and for me to wrestle in the mud with her. I was angry but I kept my cool and walked away patting myself on the back for standing my ground. However, I wanted to put that “stinger” out there and to let her have a dose of her own medicine!

I CHOOSE PEACE!

“Distance is my new answer to inconsistency, disrespect and bullsh*t. My mental peace is my priority. I simply remove access to me.”

The woman in question is a fascist. She was as ugly outside as what she stood for. An old battle-ax who had left her “Nazi” boots back in her closet! There, I’ve said it! Anyway, I spent the evening going over the things that bugged me. The thing is, you can’t talk sense or make someone see the light when they are so steeped in hate, intolerance and ugliness.

I CHOOSE PEACE!

Learn to be done, not mad, not bothered , just done.

Protect your peace at all costs. Unknown

The sun is shining and I just passed the guy with the dog. We are still beating around the bush. Today, I said, “Good morning” as we passed but he was tongue-tied and looked like a statue frozen in time and just stared! Oh well, some things are not meant to be.

I CHOOSE PEACE!

Have an amazing day.

The Tech Klutz!

I would like to be more informed about computer technology! This tech thing drives me up the wall, back down, and around and around! Just when I think I have one thing under control, I have another problem cropping up.

I know the basics, how to turn on and to turn off the computer. Reboot took some time but all the other stuff has me gritting my teeth and biting my nails. Apple’s security is downright daunting. The constant downloads, the system changes and a message that says, “Do you want to sync?” WHAT?!! I usually say no but I think I did something wrong because now I am being charged twice on Microsoft. I just found out that they are not one and the same thing!! Then I have this Co-pilot thing that pops up once in a while and I ignore it! I’m not a pilot so why do I need a co-pilot? I can’t think of all the other stuff but there is plenty to get your panties in a wad if you are not used to it.

Elon, I NEED YOUR HELP! His name “stands as a colossus in the domains of technology and innovation.” Probably, the same guy who makes everything difficult as far as computer technology goes.

So I would like to be more informed about computer technology. How it works, what to do if something goes wrong and how not to care if I have “trouble” popping up on my screen. Each morning I approach my computer wondering if today will be a good day as far as my computer goes. Is it moody, is it out to get me and will it behave?

These days, I am trying not to panic if I see a black screen, I know how to fix that. I am learning as I go along that computers are a godsend but they do demand more than just the basics to have them on your side and to have a mutual coexistence, one of peace and tranquility!

Daily writing prompt

Which topics would you like to be more informed about?

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LOL!

Obama vs. Trump

Donald Trump and Barack Obama ended up at the same barber shop. As they sat there, each being worked on by a different barber, not a word was spoken.

The barbers were both afraid to start a conversation, for fear that it would turn nasty. As the barbers finished their shaves in silence, the one who had Trump in his chair reached for the aftershave. But Donald was quick to stop him, jokingly saying, “No thanks. My wife, Melania, will smell that and think I’ve been in a brothel!” The second barber turned to Barack and said, “How about you, Mr. Obama?” Barack replied, “Go right ahead, my wife Michelle doesn’t know what the inside of a brothel smells like.”

BAM!

*************************************************************

I picked up a hitchhiker. The man got in my car and said, “Thank you for picking me up, but I mean how do you know I am not a serial killer or something?”

I said, “I don’t know for sure, but the chances of 2 serial killers being in one car would be astronomical.”

Oops! Think he survived?

Life Without Music?

I think it would be just fine. Don’t get me wrong, I love music but I’m not a fanatic as some people are.

I know someone who spends most of his time listening to the same music over and over again. It seems to soothe his frazzled nerves. Why not something new? His answer, “I have my favorites.”

I love country music, pop rock, easy listening and sometimes classical. I do have my favorites too but I can go a day or more without listening to music. It’s not a must. I love silence so I can sit for hours and listen to nothing in particular!

What would my life be like without music? I think it would be just fine. Music is soothing and it calms but there are other things which do the same for me. My answer, “Music is not a 24/7 thing, I can take it or leave it.”

Daily writing prompt

What would your life be like without music?

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