Friday, November 30, 2012

At Home Date Night with myself - Oh, Oh, Oh!

My Facebook Post: Hubby went2 The House of Blues in Hollywood 2night 2see Metal Blade Records 30th Anniversary Featuring Armored Saint & Special Guests w/our Friend Dana. I`m staying home -then maybe a little 2nd st Shuffle....who is gonna be out, where, when????

My Facebook Post 3 hours later: Ah, just woke up from a Wonderful Nap - Ummmm.....Alone in house....in thermos, no make-up on.....Full Box of Wine.....Kitties Cuddled next to me........TV Stations filled with 'Chick Flicks' ....AND....the TV Remote is ALL MINE, cause Hubby out??? Ummmm......I think I might be staying in - Date Night with Myself......SWOOOON!!!

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Eureka! I think I found the tools I need to understand what has been stifling me for years!

I am just scratching the surface, but I have stumbled across a bunch of new information that I want to research and study more. So far, I have realized that I have always been attracted to and be involved with people that have some sort of Narcissistic trait. And though these relationships, I have sacrificed and damaged my self esteem so bad that I was on the verge of a depression break down. I am not blaming anyone, only myself, I am responsible for my own choices in life. As I am reading up on this, I learned that Narcissist cannot change, they are not doing it on purpose, they became this way early in life. I can go on, but if you want to know more yourself, click the links below, it opened my eyes in a positive way.

   This new awakening has opened my eyes to a new and brighter future. I cannot wait to read and study up on this subject. So far as I read these articles about it, it is like someone got into my head and wrote what I have been feeling and dealing with all my life in some form or degree. I ordered more books and cannot wait to understand it all more!! 

 Here is just a Few Links online that I have found & read and so far it has helped me out greatly!! 

 

Narcissistic Relationships - The Signs Of Narcissism.

The first step is to recognise the signs.

Narcissists have a grandiose sense of self-importance, like they have a special mission on this earth and they often have a 'I am the emperor' type of personality, and they expect all others should behave as humble servants of their wishes.

They always exaggerate their achievements and talents making everything in their power to gain everybody's attention and recognition. Most of the times they are arrogant and self absorbed to fulfill what they see as their special destiny.

Narcissists will indulge in fantasies of tremendous power, success or beauty, being addicted to the attention and admiration that others manifest. You will find much snobbery between them which they do not deny it but rather be proud of it.

They see themselves as unique masterpieces. Complicated rather than complex personalities, they will find it difficult to empathize with other people.

They can't actually go out of the margins of their own personality, not understanding how people don't think the same as they do. That's why many times you may have the feeling of talking to a blank wall because no matter how deep you explain your point of view, most likely a narcissist will not understand.

They often can't maintain long relationships, because they lack empathy and most times people around them give up on explaining themselves over and over again.

Narcissists tend to transform their partners in beggars - you will beg for understanding and some unconditional attention but most of the time you will celebrate only leftovers from the feast in which the narcissist has indulged.

Narcissists expect and demand that the ones nearest and dearest to them, love, admire, tolerate, and cater to their needs. They expect others to be at their immediate disposal.

How To Deal With Narcissistic People - Know The Signs.

Here are 7 of the common signs of narcissism.

1. He / she displays a lack of empathy. As you spend more time investing in your partner, you may notice that he / she seems to be unable to put him / herself in someone else's place emotionally. This often leads to callous and self serving behavior.

2. Your partner will often show a willingness to exploit other people. You may see that your partner has little qualms about stepping on other people if it benefits him / her.

3. Idealized thinking is often a prevalent theme. Your partner might put others, including you, on a pedestal, only to completely discard or describe you as worthless later on down the track. He / she often fantasizes about the perfect love, beauty, or power, and feels he / she has a right to it.

4. Having a grandiose sense of self worth is very common. Your partner might exaggerate his / her accomplishments and expect to associate with other 'high level' people. This often leads to feelings of superiority, a haughty attitude and /or excessive expectations.

5. Your partner will often exhibit an excessive sense of entitlement. He / she may feel as if preferential treatment ought to come her / his way as of right.

6. Your partner will most often crave admiration and praise to the point that it becomes almost like a drug. This drug has been termed 'narcissistic supply' and a narcissist most often goes to excessive lengths to obtain it.

7. He / she may often be very jealous of the accomplishments of others, and even become angry at the successes of others who then take the focus away from her / him.

Narcissistic Relationships bring with them huge risks to the partner of the narcissist because their behavior is a manifestation of an excessive ego and self absorption at the cost of everyone around them. Over the years, if this behavior doesn't change, it generally results in a codependent, emotionally draining and abusive relationship.

Narcissistic Relationships will require lots of energy and work, because narcissists are in constant need for outside support and approval. Once these needs are fulfilled they feel powerful, but many times this need will be very hard to be satisfied and the self image and the peace of the partner may be dramatically impacted.

Narcissistic Relationships test the mental limits of their partners patience, and individuals in a relationship with a narcissist feel something is not 'quite right', feel a lack of emotional connection and most eventually realize it's wise to seek answers to the unsettling experience of their day to day contact with a narcissist.

However, it's important for you to know that you do not have to be the victim of narcissism forever. You don't have to lose your confidence, self image, hope and passion for life because you are in a relationship with a narcissist. You can learn the skills to move beyond the downside effects of your narcissistic relationship and move on to a more normal relationship.

How To Deal With Narcissistic People - Learn How To Protect Yourself

In order to protect yourself from people like this, use the signs of narcissism listed in this article to discern whether someone in your life may be narcissistic.

Then do whatever you have to do in order to protect yourself from being a victim of this person and their insanity.

Read as much as you can. Educate yourself. It's important to learn how to deal with narcissistic people! Then take the steps necessary to protect yourself and your children (if they are affected).

Sometimes this means getting away from these people all together, and sometimes you can have milder but distant contact.

The most important thing to remember in dealing with these people is that it is them who has the problem, not you.


Narcissistic Relationships Can Be Improved.

(But it will take detailed knowledge and considerable effort.)

Since narcissists cannot be changed, you need to reevaluate your needs and long term goals for the relationship - it may be interesting for a while to be around such type of people but in the long run it gets exhausting and anger and resentment will overshadow any feelings of love and tenderness.

Don't give in to their never-ending demands, keep your independence from this type of person - if in any way you depend on them, they will blackmail you to make you give in to their desires.

Don't let yourself be infuriated by their lack of empathy or understanding - they are not capable of it. Showing them their incapacity will do nothing - they will blame you for everything that it doesn't work.

Narcissists will be attached to those that satisfy their needs but will never treat them as partners but as followers. They have the need to lead and be in control constantly - they do not need equals but disciples or pleasers. The worst thing that can happen is when one narcissist meets someone with low self-esteem - it will be the perfect victim and toy for them.

Finally, you need to decide when enough is enough. A relationship with a narcissist can take you places where you do not want to be, can make you behave in ways you do not recognize yourself . It can undermine your self esteem and will rob you of the attention you need to give to yourself trying to meet all their needs.

Coping with a Narcissistic Partner or Spouse

Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Nearly everyone has someone in their personal life who could be described as “stuck on themselves”—and for some of us, that may be our partner or spouse. Learning how to cope with this type of personality is key in developing a strong, lasting relationship. In this guide we’ll look at the types of narcissistic partners and how to handle them.
If you’re married to a narcissist, you probably have the nagging feeling that although you are technically married, you are not actually a couple. Couples—in the true spirit of the word—are equal partners who share responsibilities, support one another, and understand when the other person is not functioning at their best. Everyone’s needy sometimes, but in true partnerships, people take turns being the one who requires more tender loving care.
In relationships where one partner is primarily self-absorbed, the scales are always tipped in the same direction. The narcissistic spouse assumes they are the focal point of the marriage and the family. They hate it when their husband or wife is unavailable to them, even if they are drawn away by the needs of other family members or the demands of work.
People wed to a narcissist can choose one of several paths. The first is to simply give in and assume that you will spend your life being the gardener, while your spouse gets to be the prized, much-tended flower. The second is to end the marriage, either by leaving or by refusing to feed your spouse’s ego so that, in the end, they will be driven to find another partner.
But many people would prefer to keep the marriage intact but still attempt to address some of its imbalances. If that sounds like your situation, try giving your partner what they want to get at least some of what you want.
  • Convince your spouse that giving you what you want will reflect well on them. Remember, narcissists are very concerned with outward appearances. They might well be happy to play the role of good spouse if they believe it will earn them the high opinion of others.
  • Always apply flattery before suggesting something your spouse can do for you. When a narcissist’s ego is full, they are apt to feel generous.
  • Use positive reinforcement. When your spouse supports you in some way or does anything that is unselfish, reinforce that behavior with praise so that they will want to do it again.
  • When your spouse has a grievance, don’t dismiss it. Even if they are being petulant, engage in active listening. Remember to use echoing (paraphrase what they say to show you understand) and mirroring (let them know you are familiar with the feelings they are having).
  • Check in often. Your spouse will be far more tolerant of you doing things on your own if you periodically touch base to remind them that you love them.
  • Flirt. This is good advice in any marriage, as it’s always a good idea to keep an element of fun and mystery alive. But narcissists actually crave this kind of sexual attention, and giving it to them will make them less likely to seek it elsewhere.
Above all, however, be sure not to lose yourself. Remember, you are doing these things to create a better balance in your relationship. Don’t lose sight of that goal. In addition, under no circumstances should you drop your relationships with friends and other family members. They will help remind you that you are more than a mere extension of your spouse. For more information on this type of personality, check out our Quick Guide Coping with a Narcissistic Parent or Sibling. Good luck!
From The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Coping with Difficult People by Arlene Matthews Uhl


How to Live With a Narcissist

  Some narcissists are obviously obnoxious, offensive and obstinate. Others, however, present as attractive, appealing, easy-going people. It’s not until a direct confrontation occurs that their narcissism becomes obvious.

Summon up the courage to tell him (or her) that he’s self-centered and he’ll either continue doing whatever he was doing as if you hadn’t said anything at all or he will become irate. “Me? Me? Self-centered? How do you think that makes ME feel?”
Though all narcissists are not cut from the same cloth, they do have quite a few traits in common. Here are a few:
  1. Narcissists find it hard (if not impossible) to truly appreciate the validity of another's point of view. They act as though others think and feel the same way they do. And if they don’t, something's wrong with them.
  2. Narcissists need constant validation from the outside. Admire and respect them and they do fine. Find fault with them and watch out! Grandiose narcissists will strike back venomously; closet narcissists will shrink back into their cave.
  3. Narcissists often display a façade self based on impressive and admirable traits. What’s wrong with that? Nothing, if it weren’t mere window dressing. Their façade self is fake, covering up a real self that's insecure and vulnerable.
  4. Narcissists view others as extensions of themselves. They set the standards of behavior and don’t tolerate opposition – especially if another’s viewpoint requires him to act in a way she doesn’t want to.
  5. Narcissists believe that they’re entitled to special treatment. Whether it’s a “stupid” law, or a “dumb” demand, narcissists feel that they shouldn’t have to go along with the pack and conform. They believe they are of higher status; therefore why adapt just to please another.
  6. Narcissists use money to help them feel special. Status items such as expensive clothes, cars, homes, dinners and trips are essential ways that a narcissist enhances his ego. Spending money, if you have it, is one thing; spending money, if you don’t have it, is quite another. Regardless, a narcissist believes that he deserves the best. And easily fools himself into believing that the money will be there in the future, even if it’s not there right now.
  7. Narcissists may make a show of generosity by being big tippers or picking up the bill. Look closely, however, and you’ll notice that generally such generosity is based upon establishing a reputation for themselves as a VIP.
If you discover that you are living with a narcissist, what can you do to make your life easier? Read on.
It may seem strange to say “discover” that you’re living with a narcissist, but it’s true. Many people don’t realize that their partner (or parent or adult child) is a narcissist, discovering it only after much time has elapsed. Why isn't it obvious at the very beginning?
Two reasons:
  • Narcissists are great masters of disguise, describing their behavior in the best of terms, (i.e. I’m only doing it for you!) Hence, it may take awhile for you to ‘get’ what’s really going on.
  • Though narcissism has a bad rep (egocentric, egotistical), narcissists also have positive traits. Indeed, they may be quite charismatic and charming. Hence, it may be hard to believe that narcissism is driving their behavior.
Once you recognize narcissistic behavior, you need to do something to protect yourself. Here are a few ideas:
  1. Know What You Will Tolerate and What you Won’t
    Trust your own judgment. If he (or she) is spending recklessly, know what’s ok with you and what isn’t. That doesn’t mean that all spending has to be done your way (unless you’re 2 narcissists battling it out). But it does mean that you don’t tolerate the narcissist’s explanation for free-spending (i.e. Hey, you only live once.”) And you take necessary steps to protect your financial future.
  2. Bolster Your Own Self-Esteem
    Don’t expect your narcissist to build up your self-esteem when he has just helped tear it down. That is something you must do for yourself. Spend more time with people who think well of you. Get involved with pleasurable activities that bolster your ego. Be kind to yourself.
  3. Know When You’re Being ‘Gaslighted’.
    When your narcissist says something, then later denies saying it or claims to have said something different, you can begin to doubt your own sanity. Were you listening? Were you dreaming? Is she nuts? Am I nuts? What’s going on here? Your narcissist may be doing this maliciously to gain the advantage. Or, she may be simply responding to her need of the moment, forgetting what she previously said.
  4. Develop a Positive Support System
    If you've been covering for your narcissist, you may feel embarrassed to let people know what’s going on. Nevertheless, see if there’s a trustworthy friend or family member with whom you can share your feelings and fears. Also, consider seeking the help of a professional who will be able to offer you support and objective feedback.
  5. Don’t Tolerate Denigrating Emotional Outbursts
    At times your narcissist will be upset and need to let off steam. But “how” one lets off steam is significant. If you're being treated with disdain and disrespect, stop the action. Make the immediate issue HOW you’re being treated. Express your outrage. Demand an apology. And if necessary, walk away, letting it be known that you’ll be happy to pick up where you left off when you’re treated with respect.
  6. Learn the Skills of Negotiation
    Just because your narcissist wants something, doesn’t mean she needs to get it. Just because she expresses herself forcefully, doesn’t mean you fold. Everything is negotiable. You just need to know where your power lies. Then you need to convey it and enforce it. The skills of negotiation will empower you in many areas of life – in the present and in the future.
  7. Accept that you’re not going to do a total makeover of your narcissist’s personality.
    Nor should you want to. If the relationship is that bad, consider ending it. If it’s not, see if you can work together to create rules of acceptable behavior.
Living with a narcissist is not easy. However, putting into practice these 7 principles will save your sanity and be a reality check for your narcissist – a win-win situation.

© 2011
Linda Sapadin, Ph.D. is a psychologist and success coach. She specializes in helping people enrich their lives, enhance their relationships and overcome self-defeating patterns. Contact her at lsapadin@drsapadin.com or visit her website at www.PsychWisdom.com
If procrastination is your issue, check out www.BeatProcrastinationCoach.com  to discover the Skills, Strategies and Secrets you need to know to conquer your procrastination pattern

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

My 2013 Yellow Chevy Spark Quest

over 2weeks ago, I called all the Chevy Dealers and tried to order a 2013 Yellow Chevy Spark Automatic LT1 - Only one guy from the OC Branch got back to me - he told me he was ordering it and it should be here in 2weeks - last week I called him to check up on it and he said 'no worries, that he will call me back in a day or so' - so far no call - I`m getting impatient - I want my car!! I am also worried, I don`t wanna get ripped off - the Sticker price is around $15 grand - I am paying cash - is it possible to get the price down? How much do you think the total payment will be including taxes, lic, insurance....etc to drive it off lot?

Updates
 they cannot find any yellow any where - seems they are a little late having yellow being made - finally my dealer called GM directly - they can order it....but it wont be here for 4-6 weeks and they want me to put a $5000- deposit to hold it.
- just to double check- l called and went online -no yellow to be found - but they are ordering me one - l will do what you guys say once the car comes in - thank you all for your help.....l need it.....l don`t want to get ripped off - l cannot do the payment thing, because of my bad credit and once they learn that, then l am a can to be kicked - l want to pay cash - but l do not want to pay the full sticker price and l do not want any hidden fees.
 However, I think I just forfeited by haggling rights by ordering it & putting a deposit on it, huh?

Monday, November 12, 2012

What is the Proper Response to someone that is telling you that they would have no Remorse in killing you?

 If someone barks at me, I am known to bite back, sometimes harder than they bit me, just to prove a point and to try to stop the barking.
 If someone treats me bad and says something mean to me, like....oh I don`t know.....maybe something like 'I know how to kill you, dispose your body where no one will find it, get away with it and have no remorse in doing so' ...... I might in turn say something back just as terrible.
 It confuses me when, after I will say something back to that person, they get all offended, angry & vengeful towards me. Have they forgotten what they said to me? How do they think I am going to respond to that? Do they expect me to be all sweet & loving? Do they expect me to ignore it? Do they want me to not believe them? If that`s the case, then when do I believe them? When they said they loved me only minutes before, am I suppose to not believe that, but believe that they want to kill me or believe they love me but not believe that they want to kill me? Just what am I suppose to believe?
 Just what is the proper response to a loved one telling you they want to kill you, that you ruined their life, that they are not happy, that you are the root of the problem?

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

The Smell of Money brings Concern

 I received a little chunk money from my Grandparents will. I plan to use this money wisely. My grandparents worked hard all their lives for this. This money is their life, blood, sweat and tears and I will not disrespect them by taking it frivolously. I put almost all of it into an account that No one can touch. It will just sit there and gain interest, hopefully making money for the future when I am old and grey.
 I took a little out and put it into another account. With that money I plan to buy a Brand New, safe, reliable, reasonable priced car. I plan to pay cash for it so I will not have any payments. I also plan to pay off any debt I may have to start myself clean, fresh and to secure my Grandparents money that is locked away.
 I locked it away for many reasons. 1st one, is so I wont get tempted to use it in hard times 'just to get me by'. 2nd, So no one can get to it by debit card fraud or any other type of fraud. 3rd, so when family, friends or spouse comes to me with a 'problem' that needs financial fixing, no matter how much they promise to pay me back. I cannot get to the money, even if I wanted to. I made sure of it.
 I found the Car I want to get. It is the 2013 Chevy Spark in Yellow. With all the Options, the sticker price is $16,720 -so I think I can get the price down if I pay cash. I took out $20,000 out just so I could buy the car and whatever is left over, I want to pay off my Credit.
 However, it seems people can smell money. Already it is starting. My husband`s computer crashes with all important info on it. He is stressing because he says he cannot afford it right now. Then this week my husband is having major tooth and jaw pain, he goes to doctor, seems he has some sort of gum disease, he is losing bone in his jaw. He had an accident many years ago that he lost a lot of his teeth from a direct blow to the mouth. He wears a partial fake teeth plate. He needs major dental work and a new bridge. He is asking me to help him pay for this procedure. I feel obligated because, he helped me with a getting a tooth pulled a year ago, that cost $250- and he did help me pay for some car repairs when I had a car.
 I feel bad for him, I want to help him and I will, but I also have to be smart about it. He makes really good money, he makes way more money than I make and he has great health insurance. I told him that all I have is $20 grand, the rest, I cannot get to. I told him that what ever money is left after I get our Car, I will help him out. I hope that will be enough. I don`t want this to become an issue and create problems for us. I heard that money can rip people apart. My intentions are good and I must respect my Grandparents money and the purpose they gave it to me. I hope he understands. I am just trying to take this one day at a time......cautiously.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Still Swatting those Vultures: Protecting my Grandparent`s Wishes

To catch up on the Back story of my Grandmother - read here: http://romantictorture.blogspot.com/search?q=grandma

As you may know my Grandmother who raised me since 2 years old along with with my Grandfather (he died 20 years ago), Died earlier this year. If you read my past blogs you know that a couple family members (mainly my Evil Aunt C & my Dad) are making waves, causing trouble, claiming they want more of the estate.
 My Good Aunt and Uncle took care of my Grandmother ever since Grandpa Died. They would take her shopping, fix things for her, do chores for her, help her keep up her house, take her to the doctors, host holiday & family gathers, etc......and when it was time, find a good active, attentive assistant living community......then eventually handling the funeral arrangements.
 My Grandmother & Grandfather created a will together. They were more than far. They divided their estate 4 ways = 1/3 going to their 1st Daughter (my Good Aunt), 1/3 going to their youngest Daughter (My Evil Aunt), 1/6 going to my Dad and 1/6 going to me. Me and my dad split the last 3rd. The reason my Grandparents did this is because They raised me since I was 2 years old with NO help from my Dad, their Son. He did not pay a dime, nor he care for me in any other way, other than treat me as like any other random child in the world. My mother & my grandmother (on my Mom`s side) took me every other weekend and I would spend summers with them. They would shower me in gifts and bought me anything that I needed. My Mom saved up to buy me braces and when the money got stolen, she saved it up all over again so I can get braces. They took me to all my doctors appointments, took me to Theme parks, events, anywhere l wanted to go. My Dad never gave my Mom any support and my Mom never bothered going after any support from him.
 My Mom was not able to take me full time, but she made it up to me when we got together.  My grandparents were good parents and it was good to have a Mom & Dad figure in my life. It was for the best.
 My grandparents were the Best parents anyone could ask for. Even though they were strict, it didn`t bother me at all. I knew they loved me and they were protecting me. I was not allowed out, unless it was for school, rarely allowed to have friends over or visa versa, but I didn`t need nor want to.  We would go Camping all the time, they would take me to all of my school events, they would let me dress the way I wanted, let me decorate my room the way I wanted, all was good.
 I never expected anything from them, I had nothing to do with their decision, but I knew they felt an obligation to make sure I was alright. It makes sense why they split their estate the way they did, however My Dad and my Evil Aunt are furious and hired every Lawyer to protest it.
 I feel so sorry for my Good Aunt & Uncle having to go through this. They were my Grandmothers Guardian since Grandpa died and took a lot of responsibility, including handling the estate and making sure everything was handled correctly and according to my Grandparents wishes. 
 I don`t know how this is going to all Play out. My grandparents did put a clause in that said that if anyone protest, they shall forfeit their share of the estate. I am sure my Evil Aunt and my Dad have no merit and this will all be a hassle and waste of time.....but unfortunately it will also be a waste of Money, my Grandparents money, as I am sure will be the funds to pay these Lawyers. Truly Very Sad. More to this developing saga to come, as everyday brings another twist.