ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book discusses not only how to talk to a narcissist but also how to communicate more effectively with even the non-narcissists in our lives. It presents an overview of the narcissistic personality and reacquaints us with a familiar partner they often choose—the borderline personality. The book offers an overview of the narcissistic personality, including the qualitative and quantitative distinctions of seven different kinds of narcissists, including the narcissist the artist. It describes the narcissist’s “favorite” partner, the borderline. The book draws on many theoretical perspectives, beginning with Sigmund Freud and moving to object relations, self psychology, and many more contemporary approaches that include cognitive, behavioral, dialectical, along with Behavioral Therapy, Mentalization-Based Therapy, and even a little pop psychology. It outlines different kinds of love bonds and describes what destroys the capacity for love needed to maintain a healthy relationship.
