The difference between caring for youself and being self centered.

<font color="purple">The topic pretty much speaks for itself. Recently I've been trying some better self- care by not letting people push me around as often...et's just say SOME people in the household think that I'm being selfish and B*tchy.

...which leads me into thinking that my self-care is interffering with caring about others.

...and you know, it doesn't help that I have the habbit of mentioning myself/my own stories in every conversation...a bit narricistic(sp?), don't you think? </font>

Every one does that, talking about themselves , I mean. People listen too, but most of the time they are bursting with things about themselves. Sometimes it is, to get things of their chests and that they are right in the actions they carry out, sometimes just to reassure themselves that they are not alone,not the only ones to feel that way or maybe because it is the only topic no one can ever run out of, to simply keep the conversation going.... I could go on and on.

Often times when you've built up a persona around being self less it seems as if caring for yourself causes too many problems. As hypocritical as it may seem, coming from me, I say go for it. If you can't/don't care for yourself, after some time, life starts becoming rather meaningless.

You can still listen to others and care about yourself. You can not be a b!tch and still care about yourself. The following is my view of differences.

Caring about yourself is:
- eating well
- exercising and leading a balanced lifestyle
- partaking in activities that you enjoy
- enjoying well-balanced relationships and conversations
- respecting all things, including yourself
- standing up for yourself
- being able to calmly resolve conflict with other people
- making your best interestests known to others
- spending time with people who care about you and love you

Being a narcissist is:
- ignoring what other people want or feel
- talking about yourself without taking the time to listen to others
- putting your own interests above those who are dependent on you (i.e. your children)
- being negative about everyone and everything
- doing things to 'please' others while keeping selfish interests in mind
- talking but not acting