Because marriage isn’t for everyone. — Some people are not wired for marriage. They’d be a lot happier single. Yet they don’t listen. They get married and then spend years living in misery. Because not everyone is meant to get married. According to “Changing Attitudes Towards Marriage and Single Life,” by A. Thornton and D. Freedman…

These are signs you’re being manipulated. — No one wants to meet someone, fall in love, and find out the person they have grown to adore is manipulating them. Narcissists are expert manipulators. They are damaged inside, often from a dysfunctional childhood which caused them to create a false identity and bury their true selves, which they…

Writer, Songwriter, Producer, and Mom — My name is L.A. Strucke, and not just because I love L.A. They’re my initials. Early Life My life began 2 months before my mother’s due date. I had a 50–50 chance to live. My first home was an incubator. My childhood home was in New Jersey on a cul de sac…

Don’t fall for that fluffy face with the cool sunglasses — Do you see that cute fluffy cat that’s living with you? You know, the one with the sunglasses? Watch out. He could be a narcissist. Here’s how to tell. 1. He’s self-centered and craves admiration Is your cat self-centered? Does he spend his time admiring his new sunglasses in the mirror? Does he expect your whole…

And how to deal with it — I love my cat, and I thought he loved me. Well, that was until I went to shut the living room window tonight. He was sitting there, looking out the window when I approached. “Sorry,’ I announced, “I have to shut the window.” I reached up to shut it, and…

How narcissists think everyone else is the problem. — They were on their first date having coffee together. Before she could finish her latte, he’d already told her about his crazy ex-girlfriend. “She’s a psycho,” he said. He later mentioned that his sister and mother were both crazy too. Yet he was charming and so handsome. He gazed into…

Living without the one person who cared the most — My Mom left this world 10 years ago. And nothing will ever be the same. For most of my childhood, I didn’t appreciate her. I thought she was too tough on me. She was the one who made me finish breakfast when I didn’t want to. She forced me to…

And how it affects the children in the family — My friend’s mom behaved like a narcissist. She ruled her family from the couch. This woman believed that she was the only one that was important. She had her grown children do most of the chores and cooking. She ordered everyone around all day long from her couch. And her…

How a close call helps you appreciate life — I was driving home a few weeks ago on the highway. I had a wonderful time with my daughter and her family. There would be a long drive to get home, and I cranked up the radio to keep myself company. It was a beautiful clear day, and the sun…