Millon offers the following discussion of the interpersonal conduct of the narcissist: “Not only are they unempathic, but they also take others for granted, are shameless in the process, and use others to enhance their own personal desires. Narcissistic individuals seek accomplishments of normal life with minimal effort and reciprocity on their part. In fact, some assume that others feel ‘honored’ in having a relationship with them and that others receive as much pleasure in providing them with favors and attention as they experience in accepting these tributes.“It should not be surprising that the sheer presumptuousness and confidence exuded by the narcissistic person often elicit admiration and obedience from others. Furthermore, narcissistic individuals typically size up those around them and quickly train those who are so disposed to honor them; for example, they frequently select a dependent mate who will be obeisant, solicitous, and subservient, without expecting anything in return except strength and assurances of fidelity. It is central to the interpersonal style of narcissistic persons that good fortune will come to them without reciprocity. Because they feel entitled to get what they wish and have been successful in convincing others to provide them with comforts they do not deserve, narcissistic people have little reason to discontinue their habitual presumptuous and exploitive behaviors.”1
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Click on the note number to return to where you were above; click on the author's name to go to the bibliographic entry.1Millon, 1998, pp. 83-84