You're welcome, very welcome. Being narcissistic in this case is a good thing. You are doing something for you compared to trying to look good in someone else's eyes. That makes a big difference.
This is to make you better for you, not necessarily for anyone elses benefit.
This is a fascinating subject as it is becoming more apparent that these traits are being talked about in becoming more prevalent in society. The focus on the "self" is being used as a reason for it along with other factors.
It bears exploring further :-)
Thanks for your input.
Narcissism is kind of interesting. I have seen the trait in some being omnipresent and in others rather fleeting. I think at times all of us are a bit narcissistic. We obviously try to look out for ourselves at times, or we look for ways of bettering ourselves. Couldn't that be seen as being kind of narcissistic?
With that said, someone who used to be real close to me is rather narcissistic, and it's more often than not. (Kind of a mother figure, so to speak) A few events have made this more clear today than it was in my youth, but I even knew it then. I just didn't know the name of it. She often put herself in the light before anyone else. She wanted first dibs on everything. There have been times where she has been very giving, but it is mostly the other way around.... her first. It was known around her, that she came first and other influential people bought into it. My mother knew better.... weird, or maybe not. (Mom's know everything, I am sure of that! LOL)
I think changing narcissism completely within ourselves is impossible. There are times when we have to be first. Now that I said that, it makes me think of our every day heros...policemen, firemen, armed forces personnell. These people are on the front line mercilessly subjecting themselves to outside forces, looking out for others. But back to us changing.... I still do think we need to have ourselves first on occasion. That allows us to be giving of ourselves. Does that even make sense?
I had a boss at one time who was very narcissistic in his professional life, but the complete opposite in his personal life. He was the kind of guy who would make you try to get blood from a turnip.... but then later give you his blood and every turnip in his field.