DIALOGUE/COMMUNICATION
The Conversational Narcissist
When people don’t ask about you in conversations
We’ve all met people who constantly make everything about themselves, with little regard for others. And whether you’re dating them, friends with them, or they’re a family member, you’ve probably noticed they’re not exactly pleasant to be around.
A few years ago, I met a radio announcer for lunch. He was to interview me about my newly published novel.
At first, he appeared perfect — open, outgoing, and willing to share. Unfortunately, things didn’t go as expected, and soon enough, he launched into lengthy stories about his childhood and an ongoing love affair with a married woman. During the long monologue about himself, he clutched his breast, breathing hard, unaware that tears were falling amidst convulsing gasps.
The intensity of my discomfort didn’t surprise me. I felt trapped. Yet I continued with the right sounds and what I believed were sympathy nods. All the while, I observed his orbicular features — round eyes, round nose, round cheekbones. I even arranged my face to demonstrate his feelings, possibly because he divulged such intimate details.
Looking back, I remember feeling that uncomfortable blurring of edges, the slight disassociation…
