The Lifeworks Group, Inc.

 By: Brian Murray, LMHC, NCC Relationships are meant to be one of life’s greatest joys. Yet, these same relationships can bring a source of pain and discomfort. Developing a relationship with someone new happens when we are drawn to them for various reasons. It’s typical to not know that there may be some sinister personality underneath all of that charm. This superficial charm and seemingly confidence can make us feel like we have met someone who we want to be a part of. Confident, funny, possibly good looking, after all, what could go wrong, right? There are many reasons for thinking someone is ideal. It could be the subconscious survival mate selection part of the brain getting activated. It could be that the person fits our bias’s and worldviews of who we think we should be associated with. This is more than romance, we can find ideal people with friends, a boss or other family members who seem to have it all together. Only to find out later they are a real piece of dysfu...

 By: Brian Murray, LMHC Family time during the holidays can be a fun and special time for the family. Relationships can bring joy, but they can also be difficult. For the family who experiences someone who is narcissistic, or some other kind of manipulator this time can be especially difficult.   Narcissism, also known as Narcissistic Personality Disorder, is a mental health disorder that is very difficult for family members to be around. Their self-centered, arrogant, and haughty attitudes can make other family members withdraw or feel compelled to challenge the negativity. This often results in arguments and disruption of family cohesion. This often plays right into the narcissist’s personality as they often create confusion and chaos to feel like they are in control. The reason for this is due to an internal lack of self-esteem. People who are confident with themselves don’t have this need to stir up other people’s emotions. This dramatic swirling of emotions, confusion...