is there a way to retrain the narcissist so he/she does less damage ?

[Natasha]

i love narcissus. he was beautiful, adorable and hugely desired. if the majority of people felt this way toward narcissus, why then do they condemn him for self indulgence and over absorption if all others are equally absorbed in him as he was in himself?...surely that is a contradiction, hypocrisy...

i mean, life is generally tedious and boring, if you find wonder, joy and inspiration within, then why on earth woul the external world be of any interest to you? isn't that such a perfect state to be in for such gods as narcissus?, it is never lonely or soliatary because there are always other interested people should you be needful of their company...love narcissus...i know many like him...destroyed by their enviers and adorers alike...

thoughts? ideas? rants?

[NicholeW.]

A thought. Freely adapted from the ideas of Thomas Moore in his book, Care of the Soul.

Narcissus as the person who never quite examines himself. He is thus, reclusive and aloof because since he doesn't know himself, he cannot know anyone else.

Thus, as he gazes into the pool he begins and continues to 'see himself.' This realization causes him 'to bloom.'

That would make Narcissus profoundly not self-aware in his before state. I think a lot of us are just that.

In "finding' ourselves we release those qualities that are 'positive' because we actually realize we have them. We realize that it's not a matter of 'being born this way,' but a matter of 'growing that way.'

The narcissist seems to be 'stuck-on-himself,' but in point of fact has little or no self-esteem and constantly withdraws himself. In examination he finds his 'true self,' loses his fears and doubts and recognizes his ability to simply be as he is. Becomes rather helpful as far as interacting with others is concerned as well.

The constant 'maintaining myself against you' may not be a necessity then. 

Nichole

[Nero]

girlfriend - you went there.
but Nero loves ya anyway.

[Lisbeth]

If you're talking about Narcissistic Personality Disorder, I can see no value in trying to keep them that way.  They are some of the most annoying people in the world.