My father modeled a narcissistic outlook on life that gets me in trouble, especially since I'm a Christian.

Somebody just told me if I'm going to start a sentence with I don't say it.

I can't tell you how many times I've gotten in trouble for that behavior since I've been a Christian. It's the most painful thing.

On Friday my dad told me my mom critiques him for not having empathy.

Three years ago when my daughter broke her leg my brother told me not to invite my mother to the hospital as she had no empathy.

I think my mother is the malignant narcissist, my father just has traits.

I like my father's take on empathy: he can't express it if he hasn't experienced it. I agree.

I've also gotten in trouble for refusing to show empathy to people who I feel are being emotionally manipulative in order to receive empathy.

What a ball of confusion.