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#1
I recently had coffee with a man I've known on social media; we met for the first time after knowing each other online for about six months. He's in his late 50s btw and was in a 5 year relationship with a woman who supposedly (accord. to him, broke up with him and blocked him on her social media).
We spent the whole day together, first at the coffee shop, then later at a music venue. At the music venue we were very flirty with each other. While I waited in his car for my car to warm up (the windchill outside was below zero and my car was parked farther away from the music venue than his was), we talked a lot. Then, when we got to my car, he kissed me on my cheek, texted me a pet name later to see if i made it home safely, and proceeded to bombard me with posts and messages on my social media after that to the point where I felt confused about his intentions. When we talked on the phone about why he kissed me on the cheek he admitted that he probably shouldn't have, considering he's not attracted to me. But here is a list of the red flags about his behavior, that makes me think he is a narcissist.
When I got fed up with his mixed messages on social media, I sent him a message explaining why I was blocking him. He responded via text, that he didn't see this coming and wanted to 'fix things' between us. I refused to respond and blocked his cellphone number. Later, he called me from an unknown number. Against my better judgment, I engaged in conversation with. It revealed his narcissistic personality traits. I tried to explain to him in straightforward terms, why I blocked him on social media: he gave me mixed messages, and made me feel like he was using me for online entertainment and not interested in a real friendship offline. His response was to defend himself, "I really don't think I did anything wrong." Then he tried to shame me, "I don't mean to put you down, but I think you overreacted here." Then he tried to belittle me, "No one else in my circle of friends -- esp. women has a problem with how much I communicate with them online." Then he bragged and tried to shame me again, "I have friends all over the world, some of whom I don't see that often anymore. I made a special effort to see you, because we'd been talking online in that social media group for months. I didn't realize that just because we spent the day together, that means it had to lead to anything offline." I tried to keep him on topic, and circle him back to my point being that I didn't like the way I feel he misled me with his mixed messages when we met in person. I read that you should try to avoid falling into the trap with narcissists of explaining, or oversharing personal information because they will later use that against you. But unfortunately, I fell into both traps with this guy; I told him about how I'd been used by men in my past who were narcissists, some of whom hit me in public, were drunk in public while out with me, who tried to control what I wore, what food I ate, my social schedule and who I hung out with. I regret telling him this information b/c it made me feel weak. I didn't have to tell him ANY of that personal history of mine. It's none of his business. I feel like I set boundaries with him, by blocking him, but failed by answering his phone call when he called me from an unknown number. I feel free again, knowing that I am not dating him, and I have blocked him on social media despite us having mutual friends (two of whom asked me about him, but I refused to discuss it). Everything had to be on his terms when we met in person, even the way he responded to my phone call and when I blocked him on social media. He gave me mixed messages then denied it, instead of trying to empathize with me and see the situation from my POV. |
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Anonymous43949, Anonymous44076, MickeyCheeky
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MickeyCheeky
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#2
RUN!!!!!!!!!!
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MickeyCheeky
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#4
It sounds like you felt upset with his mixed messages (rightfully so), and rejected, in a sense? I think the way he acted was weird and annoying. Why did he call you from an unknown number, for instance, after you blocked him? It doesn't necessarily make him narcissistic, in my opinion. But it's definitely strange behavior. I'm just saying there could be a number of things going on with this guy. I think you did the right thing by blocking him. It sounds like you guys are on "completely different wave lengths." Not a good fit. StreetcarBlanche, I say find something positive, healthy, and empowering to engage in. He doesn't sound like it. Sorry you had that experience.
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#5
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I definitely would like to find someone who is positive, healthy and respects me and has good boundaries. I don't know why I can't find that. This experience really upset me b/c I thought he and I had great chemistry in person but apparently, that could be him mirroring me, or the chemistry was totally fake on his end. I have no clue. I deserve better treatment. I don't know why it has to be so hard. |
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Anonymous49426, MickeyCheeky
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#6
I think people are way too quick to toss the word narcissist around.
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#7
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1. His lack of responsibility and blaming and deflecting Narcissists don't want to be responsible for the consequences of their actions if the outcome doesn't go their way. He wanted me to give him nonstop flirty attention online, responding to his flirty messages knowing that it was not headed towards anything offline that would be romantic. When I told him that his constant messaging me, sent me mixed signals, he tried to deflect by telling me "that doesn't bother my friends" instead of seeing it from my POV, that his flirting with me online after telling me that he doesn't want to date me, is manipulative. If someone tells you they aren't interested in dating you, then they shouldn't send you flirty messages all the time. 2. Lack of Boundaries Narcissists don't draw clear boundaries with themselves and the people they interact with. Especially when it comes to romantic relationships. Narcissists don't like to be told no, and they don't like boundaries b/c that requires them to be responsible for their actions. Like I said, if he didn't want to date me, then why kiss me, why call me a pet name via text message but not answer my phone call or return my phone call? Why send me all of those flirty social media messages that confused me regarding what he wants from me: friendship or just attention? When I blocked him on social media he texted me asking if he could 'fix it' and when I said no, he called me from an unknown number. We talked and I thought he would be able to empathize with me and see the situation not just from his POV but also from my POV; he either chose not to, or is not capable. He kept blaming and shaming me, instead of just admitting why he was sending me those mixed messages with his social media messages and what he said to me on the phone. 3. Narcissists lack empathy. When I told him how his mixed messages confused me about my role in his life, instead of taking responsibility for misleading me and empathizing with me because of how some men have mistreated me in the past, he expected me to think and feel about his actions the same way HE feels about his actions: that he did NOTHING WRONG by flirting with me on social media b/c of the one conversation we had to clear up why he kissed me on the cheek and got physically flirty with me in person, if he didn't want to date me or wasn't attracted to me. Then why did he lead me on? 4. Emotional Reasoning If you try to use logic and reason with a narcissist, it won't work because the narcissist is only aware of his own feelings, not the feelings of others. Like I said before, trying to explain to him how his actions and words didn't match up and confused and mislead me, was like talking to a brick wall b/c the result of that last conversation on the phone was that he was mad at me for misunderstanding his actions, instead of trying to see HOW his actions could confuse and mislead me. He refused to see the situation from my POV at all. It was all about how I was wrong and he was correct. 5. An inability to communicate/work as part of a team/couple He supposedly has thousands of friends all over the world, yet here I am, one person, and I'm the ONLY ONE who misjudged him out of all of those people, because I'm the one who is wrong. That just doesn't make any sense to me, how I can be 100% wrong about the way I interpreted his words to me in person and on the phone vs. his actions on social media. I included a link to further explain why I created this thread to begin with. I truly believe this guy has some traits of narcissism. 14 Signs Someone Is A Narcissist |
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#8
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And yes he gave you majorly mixed messages. I personally think some men need therapy that they're never going to seek and get. I'm glad you Bye Felipe'd him. There are great guys out there too. I've met some. I'm learning that they are the ones that tend to seem boring to us who are attracted to the bad boys and the unavailable. Another piece of great advice I found in my own personal journey, is to not go for the ones who are like a passion pit of "chemistry." Don't go for the roaring fire. Go for the lower heat. Not the zero heat. Just...the coals are warm, smoking, but not burning. Attraction grows sometimes, I've been told. I'm also learning that no one is perfect and no one will fill that void for me. Always trust your gut too. You may need to kiss your own frogs and learn this for yourself. Or perhaps you will learn something different from what I'm even telling you. Regardless, you deserve better and I wish you peace, happiness, health, respect, and good boundaries |
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MickeyCheeky
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#9
I agree with sarahsweets - the term "narcissist" is very easily thrown around. I'm not saying that this individual is or isn't a narcissist (we only have a one-sided account about this person and I've never spoken with them), but it is a word that is easily thrown around to describe people.
Narcissism is a very trendy topic right now, with many articles being released about it. So of course the term "narcissist" and amateur diagnoses of NPD are more and more common these days. Labels shouldn't be the primary focus here. This individual displayed some behaviour that you did not like and was incompatible with what you wanted. So it sounds like you two are not compatible for any sort of relationship, because you want your boundaries to be respected and he is not respectful of your boundaries. That's the primary focus. |
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#10
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To put it in terms you'd understand: how would you know what type of disease you have, unless your doctors have a label for it? You wouldn't know. How do you know which type of medication to take for which disease? Without a label? You wouldn't know, would you. So, labels ARE necessary. It's how we function in society. We label everything. Without labels there is just chaos and disorder. So, I am sorry but I think you and Sarah are so far off base, you're not even at the same game so to speak. I do agree with your perception that I displayed boundaries he didn't want to respect. In that aspect, you are correct. |
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MickeyCheeky
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#11
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Yes labels are important but I think my question is are you qualified to label someone just because of an encounter you may have had ? Maybe you have more information to offer on the relationship you had with this person and if that’s the case then my apologies to you for disagreeing. But when I said the label was used too much or however I said it, I meant by people that are not a part of mental health treatment or the mental health field. __________________ "I carried a watermelon?" President of the no F's given society. |
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MickeyCheeky
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#12
My observation is that styles of desirable behavior have changed for courting/mating rituals today. Now this guy is 60, so he is my contemporary. I’m in my early 50’s.
In my single days of dating, there were men, especially Hispanic, Italian, ethnic, etc... They were very take charge assertive. I’m not sure how that machismo would be viewed today. The behavior you described with this guy was a bit of that old school swagger IMHO. Also, how he backpeddled to say he was only interested online, strikes me as his way of avoiding some awkward rejection scenario with you. Those mixed messages were because one of you wasn’t attracted. Or, he’s just being a player who wants to try to set you up for being his back up plan. Good you didn’t let him! __________________ "And don't say it hasn't been a little slice of heaven, 'cause it hasn't!" . About Me--T |
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#13
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I don't have to have a degree in mental health, to inform myself about narcissism, and know when I recognize the signs of it in someone. I think you attacked me here in my own thread, and are now backtracking. So you are going on ignore now. |
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Anonymous43949, MickeyCheeky
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#14
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Amazed by how everyone is defending this guy and putting me down. |
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Anonymous43949, MickeyCheeky
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#15
That’s fine to ignore me and to tell me that I am wrong and you are right simply because you disagree with me. I’ll stand by what I’m saying : people label other people as narcissists when they shouldn’t. Professionals can do that and we can wonder about narcissistic traits but I don’t think it’s right to just evaluate an encounter with someone from an online Facebook group and go right to narcissism. And people with personality disorders are not lost causes and shouldn’t be reduced to some slapped on label by someone who had a bad experience. It’s insensitive. I am aware that narcissistic people can create pain and devastation in their wake. I’m not trying to defend the behaviors or the pain that a narcissist can inflict. I’m just saying it’s not right labeling people with things. I wouldn’t want someone to label someone who is “moody” as bipolar. It encompasses more than moods. I am not a professional so it’s not my job to diagnose someone.
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#16
Hello StreetcarBlanche,
first I want to say that I really like your profile name and photo! I studied 'A Streetcar Named Desire' many years ago and you brought back a fond memory for me. I thank you for that. I also thank you for sharing your truth. That is not easy for anyone to do and I think it can be a very valuable part of healing. Well done! I am so sorry that you have experienced abuse. The examples you provided of previous partners in your life...that was not okay and it was not your fault. You deserved and continue to deserve peace, unconditional love, and safety. May I ask if you ever spoke with a therapist after your previous relationships...for some support with healing and coping strategies? That has really helped me. With regard to the man you recently went out with, I think you are wise to move on. I would suggest chalking it up to something you tried which did not work out. Sometimes I think when we endeavor to try to interpret someone else's internal state and motivations, we can burn our energy without finding the peace we desire and deserve. We can never truly know what is in someone else's mind or soul, right? Just as you are the only person who knows your own mind and soul. I can see that you have been deeply hurt in your life and you want to protect yourself. That is natural and understandable. I've been there too! I am wondering what would bring you a sense of peace and safety. Have you thought about that? I think bringing your thoughts and focus back to you will be a source of strength and power for you. That man wasn't the right partner for you. That's okay. He'll go on and live his life and you'll live yours. I am wondering what may help you to move forward? Perhaps you'd like to talk with a therapist about your most recent date? I wish you peace. I hope you find what you are seeking in life (Hope you enjoy this quote) “What is straight? A line can be straight, or a street, but the human heart, oh, no, it's curved like a road through mountains.” ― Tennessee Williams, A Streetcar Named Desire Last edited by Anonymous44076; Mar 18, 2019 at 12:57 PM.. |
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Anonymous43949, MickeyCheeky
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#17
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I had not read the entire thread StreetcarBlanche. I am sorry that you are feeling disheartened and invalidated. Those are not nice feelings at all. How can we help you here on PC? Sometimes, especially with the online limitations, people need to give us a pointer or two on the right type of support for them. Everyone is different. What do you need from us StreetcarBlanche in order to feel supported? |
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Anonymous43949, MickeyCheeky
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#18
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It seems like with these forums, people tend to disregard what the thread starter is asking and don't directly respond to that as has happened with my thread. I don't need dating advice. I don't need to be told to go to therapy. What I hoped for, was a conversation with other posters about narcissism. But that's not what I received here. If anyone has direct experience with narcissists and is interested in responding to my thread, that's what I am looking for. |
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#19
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Anonymous43949, MickeyCheeky
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#20
Don't understand why he'd be "flirty" with you if he "wasn't attracted to you".
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