Liberal Forum

I work with high school students in AI programs, and recently came across a senior who has already been diagnosed with narcissistic traits. He’s not a bad kid, but he’s constantly talking about himself. Every conversation, no matter how it starts, loops back to his own life, his stories, his struggles. He never takes full responsibility for his poor choices, and when others respond or push back, he flips the narrative—suddenly he’s the victim.

He was just let go from his job at a cafe. Not for being rude or disruptive, but for being exhausting. Customers complained. Coworkers couldn’t get anything done. Why? Because he wouldn’t stop talking—about himself. Nonstop.  He’s 18. He still has time to change. But if he doesn’t, this becomes permanent. Personality ossifies. Excuses harden into delusion. Accountability vanishes completely. And if left unchecked, he becomes a walking cautionary tale—a real-life Veghead.

We’ve all seen what that looks like: a grown man incapable of honest debate, allergic to responsibility, and so obsessed with himself that he turns every conversation into a broken mirror reflecting only his ego. Narcissism isn’t just annoying, it’s corrosive. It wrecks relationships, distorts truth, and erodes any hope of personal growth. Veghead is the endgame of what happens when narcissism meets age, resentment, and a total lack of self-awareness. And it doesn’t have to be that way. But it starts with recognizing the signs, and choosing something different.

If you know a young person showing signs of narcissism—constant self-absorption, deflecting blame, manipulating sympathy, or hijacking every conversation—don’t ignore it. Call it out. Guide them toward accountability. Intervene while there's still time.Because once it hardens, you don’t get a person—you get a cautionary tale.
 
 

Vegas » 03 Apr 2025, 12:24 pm » wrote: ↑

03 Apr 2025, 12:24 pm

I work with high school students in AI programs, and recently came across a senior who has already been diagnosed with narcissistic traits. He’s not a bad kid, but he’s constantly talking about himself. Every conversation, no matter how it starts, loops back to his own life, his stories, his struggles. He never takes full responsibility for his poor choices, and when others respond or push back, he flips the narrative—suddenly he’s the victim.

He was just let go from his job at a cafe. Not for being rude or disruptive, but for being exhausting. Customers complained. Coworkers couldn’t get anything done. Why? Because he wouldn’t stop talking—about himself. Nonstop.  He’s 18. He still has time to change. But if he doesn’t, this becomes permanent. Personality ossifies. Excuses harden into delusion. Accountability vanishes completely. And if left unchecked, he becomes a walking cautionary tale—a real-life Veghead.

We’ve all seen what that looks like: a grown man incapable of honest debate, allergic to responsibility, and so obsessed with himself that he turns every conversation into a broken mirror reflecting only his ego. Narcissism isn’t just annoying, it’s corrosive. It wrecks relationships, distorts truth, and erodes any hope of personal growth. Veghead is the endgame of what happens when narcissism meets age, resentment, and a total lack of self-awareness. And it doesn’t have to be that way. But it starts with recognizing the signs, and choosing something different.

If you know a young person showing signs of narcissism—constant self-absorption, deflecting blame, manipulating sympathy, or hijacking every conversation—don’t ignore it. Call it out. Guide them toward accountability. Intervene while there's still time.Because once it hardens, you don’t get a person—you get a cautionary tale.

I have a sister by law that's a narcissist...no one can stand her...*shudders*...
 

ROG62 » 03 Apr 2025, 1:10 pm » wrote: ↑

03 Apr 2025, 1:10 pm

I have a sister by law that's a narcissist...no one can stand her...*shudders*...

They aren't liked by anyone. They are a force of toxicity. Their only aim in life is to control, manipulate, and inflict as much mental and emotional pain as possible. Then die. 

Vegas » 03 Apr 2025, 12:24 pm » wrote: ↑

03 Apr 2025, 12:24 pm

I work with high school students in AI programs, and recently came across a senior who has already been diagnosed with narcissistic traits. He’s not a bad kid, but he’s constantly talking about himself. Every conversation, no matter how it starts, loops back to his own life, his stories, his struggles. He never takes full responsibility for his poor choices, and when others respond or push back, he flips the narrative—suddenly he’s the victim.

He was just let go from his job at a cafe. Not for being rude or disruptive, but for being exhausting. Customers complained. Coworkers couldn’t get anything done. Why? Because he wouldn’t stop talking—about himself. Nonstop.  He’s 18. He still has time to change. But if he doesn’t, this becomes permanent. Personality ossifies. Excuses harden into delusion. Accountability vanishes completely. And if left unchecked, he becomes a walking cautionary tale—a real-life Veghead.

We’ve all seen what that looks like: a grown man incapable of honest debate, allergic to responsibility, and so obsessed with himself that he turns every conversation into a broken mirror reflecting only his ego. Narcissism isn’t just annoying, it’s corrosive. It wrecks relationships, distorts truth, and erodes any hope of personal growth. Veghead is the endgame of what happens when narcissism meets age, resentment, and a total lack of self-awareness. And it doesn’t have to be that way. But it starts with recognizing the signs, and choosing something different.

If you know a young person showing signs of narcissism—constant self-absorption, deflecting blame, manipulating sympathy, or hijacking every conversation—don’t ignore it. Call it out. Guide them toward accountability. Intervene while there's still time.Because once it hardens, you don’t get a person—you get a cautionary tale.

resentment, and a total lack of self-awareness.

:rofl:  

Blackvegetable » 03 Apr 2025, 1:27 pm » wrote: ↑

03 Apr 2025, 1:27 pm

  I see I hit a nerve again. 

Blackvegetable » 03 Apr 2025, 1:27 pm » wrote: ↑

03 Apr 2025, 1:27 pm

 

Vegas » 03 Apr 2025, 12:24 pm » wrote: ↑

03 Apr 2025, 12:24 pm

I work with high school students in AI programs, and recently came across a senior who has already been diagnosed with narcissistic traits. He’s not a bad kid, but he’s constantly talking about himself. Every conversation, no matter how it starts, loops back to his own life, his stories, his struggles. He never takes full responsibility for his poor choices, and when others respond or push back, he flips the narrative—suddenly he’s the victim.

He was just let go from his job at a cafe. Not for being rude or disruptive, but for being exhausting. Customers complained. Coworkers couldn’t get anything done. Why? Because he wouldn’t stop talking—about himself. Nonstop.  He’s 18. He still has time to change. But if he doesn’t, this becomes permanent. Personality ossifies. Excuses harden into delusion. Accountability vanishes completely. And if left unchecked, he becomes a walking cautionary tale—a real-life Veghead.

We’ve all seen what that looks like: a grown man incapable of honest debate, allergic to responsibility, and so obsessed with himself that he turns every conversation into a broken mirror reflecting only his ego. Narcissism isn’t just annoying, it’s corrosive. It wrecks relationships, distorts truth, and erodes any hope of personal growth. Veghead is the endgame of what happens when narcissism meets age, resentment, and a total lack of self-awareness. And it doesn’t have to be that way. But it starts with recognizing the signs, and choosing something different.

If you know a young person showing signs of narcissism—constant self-absorption, deflecting blame, manipulating sympathy, or hijacking every conversation—don’t ignore it. Call it out. Guide them toward accountability. Intervene while there's still time.Because once it hardens, you don’t get a person—you get a cautionary tale.

Throw in a little Imposter Syndrome with that and you get quiet the head case.
 

Fuelman » 03 Apr 2025, 2:00 pm » wrote: ↑

03 Apr 2025, 2:00 pm

Throw in a little Imposter Syndrome with that and you get quiet the head case.

Yes, but I don't know if narcissist can experience that. They genuinely believe they know everything. 

Vegas » 03 Apr 2025, 2:17 pm » wrote: ↑

03 Apr 2025, 2:17 pm

Yes, but I don't know if narcissist can experience that. They genuinely believe they know everything.

Believe it or not, there are some really **** up people out there!

While narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) and imposter syndrome are distinct, vulnerable narcissists, who are more prone to self-doubt and fear of exposure, may experience imposter syndrome as they strive for validation and fear being seen as less competent than they project. 
 

Fuelman » 03 Apr 2025, 2:20 pm » wrote: ↑

03 Apr 2025, 2:20 pm

Believe it or not, there are some really **** up people out there!

While narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) and imposter syndrome are distinct, vulnerable narcissists, who are more prone to self-doubt and fear of exposure, may experience imposter syndrome as they strive for validation and fear being seen as less competent than they project.

That makes sense. 

Mrkelly » 03 Apr 2025, 1:37 pm » wrote: ↑

03 Apr 2025, 1:37 pm

Delusion latched to Obsession.

Blackvegetable » 03 Apr 2025, 5:32 pm » wrote: ↑

03 Apr 2025, 5:32 pm

Delusion latched to Obsession.

**** you, lying goddamned *** traitor.