ABSTRACT
Childhood narcissism goes through a process of gradual diminution as interest in the surrounding world increases. Narcissistic relationships are those in which the conflicts that are manifested have their origins in the narcissistic phase of development, the first few years of life, which represent the psychological birth of the individual. Narcissus, like any proud, vain, and ambitious man, spends many years searching high and low for a mate. Amy’s excessive preoccupation with herself is not a healthy pastime, but it has its origins in a perfectly normal process. Narcissism, meaning self-preoccupation, is, in fact, a normal developmental stage of infancy and childhood. Narcissistic love is rooted in the blissful dreams of omniscience and omnipotence that all children have during infancy, and which narcissistic individuals continue to carry with them throughout their lives. Developing an integrated personality, in which love and hate are both allowed expression, is an on-going task of life.
