We can all spot those charming, attention-seeking extroverts whose vanity and boldness can be obnoxious and shameless. These are grandiose narcissists. Covert narcissism is a lesser-known type of narcissism (also referred to as closet, introverted, or vulnerable narcissism). …

Parental alienation — when one parent turns children against the other during a divorce — causes serious mental health repercussions to the targeted parent and alienated children even into adulthood, including CPTSD, depression, self-loathing (shame), low self-esteem, and marital, parenting, and relationship problems. …

Narcissists’ entire personality is a defense to help them manage their hidden insecurity and inner turmoil. There are three hidden things they do that aren’t immediately obvious, but if you think about them, they will make sense to you and explain narcissists’ manifest behavior. These behaviors stem from core symptoms…

You are the one I want to love To be the smile that greets my heart Who hears my secret dreams And who sees inside my soul. You are the one I give delight, Whose touch is tender in the night, Whose holy passion knows no height. You are the…

To “know your enemy” is essential in dealing with a manipulator. Manipulation may be overt, such as threats, intimidation, blaming, and shaming, or it may be hidden, veiled aggression. Narcissists and sociopaths can be especially dangerous. Good social skills allow them to make a good initial first impression. They’re engaging…

Have you ever felt like an imposter or fraud? You’re not alone. Particularly in a professional setting, people may have this feeling, but lack the words to describe what’s called imposter syndrome. It means feeling like a fraud due to self-doubt and lack of confidence. It stems from low self-esteem…

We all have an “inner child,” which is an unconscious archetype coined by Carl Jung. It holds our vulnerability, spontaneity, creativity, curiosity, and magical ideas. It also holds fears, anxiety, shame, loneliness, trauma, and insecurity experienced growing up. Our inner child manifests through our beliefs and actions and can have…

No words can woo a restful peace As does sunset by the sea. The sun enlightens an iridescent path along the water That stems from shore to sky. Like the water to its sides, Shadows soon invade the golden path and slowly snuff its glitter Until it disappears into waters…

If you’ve been emotionally abandoned or abused in a close relationship, whether with a parent, sibling, or lover, love may feel out of reach. Do you vacillate between hope and pain, love and resentment, and staying or cutting off contact? Living together breeds hurt, resentment, and anxiety as you grow…