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Thu 16 Aug, 2007 08:46 am
A close friend who recently endured a particularly nasty affair/divorce by his wife sent this to me. Enjoy:
Serial Cheaters - Narcissists
A typical reason for infidelity is that one spouse may be a narcissist who often becomes a serial cheater. The narcissist is most likely to have many affairs and will pursue anyone they can manipulate with their boundless words and actions.
Narcissists are self-absorbed and tend to be highly charming. They have a constant need for admiration. They view all events in terms of how the events impact them and them alone. They are master manipulators and feel an “emotional high” with each new conquest. Their behavior is often impulsive which can appear exciting. These individuals lack compassion unless it helps them achieve their goals. They are unwilling to see or consider anything from another person's viewpoint. They will continue the emotional control with a target until the relationship becomes too burdensome. They utilize no moral boundaries in their pursuit of admiration and physical activity from the opposite sex; frequently offering marriage, promises, baptism, children, etc. Literally - whatever the target “needs to hear” in order to close the deal is what the narcissist will say and do. Their targets are usually married which heightens the feeling of conquest. They frequently have several affairs going on at once with no regard to the damage caused by their reckless pursuit of self-gratification. Narcissists develop specialized talents such as crying on cue, “elegantly” deceiving without stumble, saying just the right things at just the right time, etc. all designed to aid in attaining their goal.
Their behavior is more than a lack of self-esteem. It goes to the very core of the individual's personality and is a pervasive aspect of their lifestyle. This character flaw prevents them from keeping marriage vows and in the vast majority of cases narcissists will forever cheat on their spouse(s). It is interesting to note that narcissists rarely divorce and will fight tooth and nail to remain married. This is believed to go along with the “need to be accepted by all” mentality that narcissists possess. As strong as their need is to conquer outside their marriage; they turn into weeping idiots if/when their spouse even suggests divorce.
Lately, there have been a number of threads on A2K concerning infidelity in marriage. I think that it is important to point out that a serial cheater is definitely not the same as a person who has an affair or two over a lifetime.
In the case of serial cheaters, the quality of his/her marriage has nothing to do with the motivation to cheat. It is a personality flaw, that often has little to do with what is happening within the marriage.
With serial cheaters, there is a compulsive nature to the cheating, which may or may not be present in other kinds of cheating.
I think this article makes good sense. There is even something called "closet narcissism" I read about. People do things for others to cause others to admire, appreciate and like them. The praise they receive boosts their self-esteem and yet everyone thinks they are great because they do so much for other people.
but it is exhausting keeping check on WHY you do the things you do...I immediately question if I am like that.
Phoenix32890 wrote:Lately, there have been a number of threads on A2K concerning infidelity in marriage. I think that it is important to point out that a serial cheater is definitely not the same as a person who has an affair or two over a lifetime.
In the case of serial cheaters, the quality of his/her marriage has nothing to do with the motivation to cheat. It is a personality flaw, that often has little to do with what is happening within the marriage.
With serial cheaters, there is a compulsive nature to the cheating, which may or may not be present in other kinds of cheating.
I agree with your post Phoenix. I would like to add that all serial cheaters - began with a 1st time. Therefore,
anyone who has committed adultery; has the potential to become a serial cheater. It would be interesting to know how many fit the criteria of the serial cheater; but have only committed one or two affairs.
Quote:Narcissists develop specialized talents such as crying on cue, “elegantly” deceiving without stumble, saying just the right things at just the right time, etc. all designed to aid in attaining their goal.
Say it ain't so Jimmy Swaggart, Benny Hinn, Jimmy Bakker, and all those other TV preachers...
parados wrote:Quote:Narcissists develop specialized talents such as crying on cue, “elegantly” deceiving without stumble, saying just the right things at just the right time, etc. all designed to aid in attaining their goal.
Say it ain't so Jimmy Swaggart, Benny Hinn, Jimmy Bakker, and all those other TV preachers...
I agree. Shameful, particularly given the influence they have on so many.
I say: Kill all the serial cheaters!
Well obviously you would. It is in your best interests. I would if I was in your position. Money talks. Bob Dylan said it swears.
Bit sad really Queenie. Keeping the opposition at bay using assertions. Saves effort I suppose.
Death to anybody who I have withdrawn my approval from eh? A Queen of China was like that. Mrs Thatcher too.
Bugger off you silly moo. You would hate a world with nothing but henpecked husbands in it. What would be the point of dressing up to flaunt your finer points. You would be bored out of your mind.
You love serial cheating as a concept. That's why you brought it up.
Can I not make a flippant remark without getting an earful?
I find it hard to keep tabs on everything i say.
Everything is nice as a concept.