It was very much the same for me, Mendingmysoul. I think that's because I had not one, but TWO narcissists right in my close family circle; and they were threatened when I started to get wise to their nasty head-trip games and p/a putdowns. So, what happened? They got meaner and nastier.

That's what I meant when I said, vicious people will use these words in general as putdowns and for devaluing you, because they do carry negative connotations. And they know that, full well.

Try to think of yourself in a true light---NOT the one the horrible person tries to paint you in. They almost 'got' me---I had begun to believe some of the untruths and implications of vague evil they tried to lay at my feet, especially in front of people they knew I cared about, and who's opinion mattered to me.

Anyone who truly cares about your well-being would never use such terms. It's only done by empty, fear-filled, insecure people.

Knowing who you REALLY are is the first defense against slanderous utterances and snide remarks.