ABSTRACT
The ongoing non-idealized but loving cathexis of one’s self is an essential feature of ordinary narcissism. If one of the salient features of mature love is a true knowledge of the loved object, a knowing that is informed by a sense of the many aspects of the other, then mature love would be a knowing that is informed by the realities of all parts of this self. Most individuals are endowed with a positive narcissism. We have an informed affection for ourselves so that the problematic parts of the self are confronted in a responsible and forgiving way rather than being subjected to a merciless tirade. And this love we have for ourselves is a continuous source of inner nourishment.
