This tweet has stuck in my memory because it’s so disturbing. It’s saying “you’re not good enough to deserve better than me.” I’ve read books about abuse & narcissism, and one common theme is that people who grow into abusive narcissists often talk like this.

In fact, it combines two characteristics of how abusive narcissists argue with you: 

1) Instead of saying “here’s why you should like me,” they say “other people need me and you should be concerned about them.”

2) Imply that you can’t do any better than them, and it’s arrogant of you to think otherwise.

“Abuse” is a strong word and it’s dangerous to, well, abuse it. But talking to someone like this is at the very least a mild form of abuse. It’s dishonest because you’re actually just trying to make a case for yourself. And it takes advantage of other people’s humble and sympathetic nature.