They are deeply insecure, ashamed, alone, anxious, and afraid. They CANNOT be faced with others confirming their worst fear: that something is deeply and terribly wrong with them. They’re basically emotionally disabled and can’t empathize, work together as a team, or be genuine. They completely lack accountability ir responsibility. In close relationships, they suck the life out of people the most because it makes them feel better about themselves and they choose this tactic in these relationships because that person is least likely to leave them.

As a therapist, I’ve seen one, maybe two clinical narcissists. The one I remember best only came to therapy to get recognition for doing so but had NO insight into the nature of his issues.

Probably a 7.

I just wanna say I love these posts. Not sure if OP was behind the medieval owl one a while back but it had me and my son DYING for days afterward.