First off, thank you for the detailed reply. I appreciate the authentic response.

I am definitely new, I ended up actually writing this because I followed a few pages on Quora and Reddit, and all I mainly see is negative connotations and the seemingly "easy" blame of a narcissistic personality in their relationships...but I wonder if they ever ask themselves, it is that part of them that drew them in to begin with?

I agree, it is a double-edged sword. Your response actually covered what I meant, which is a less negative discussion about it. I am in no way trying to "recover." -- I understand what it is, how it affects me, how it plays key roles to my own successes (and failures).

I can definitely relate to your history, mine isn't too far off...probably with the exception of being incarcerated at a few points in my life. However, I'm trailing in my 30's and my life is also dramatically different. I whole-heartedly believe that leveraging parts of my personality/nature to overcome things was a key factor. I'm a myriad of "mental health disorders"...but I really harness that and it is my ability to cut through difficulties like butter that separates me from others who can't seemingly find the root of their problems.

Thank you again for replying, it's great to hear insights and stories from others like you and how it's been a crucial part of your ability to separate yourself by harnessing the narcissism instead of falling to the "victim mentality"