When you know what to look for, you may realize you’re either living with a narcissist, working with one, or may have a parent who exhibited narcissistic behaviors.

Narcissism in not gender specific and although it is not always easy to spot a narcissist, here are a few instances where you may have been dealing with a narcissist and didn’t know it:

If you

• have worked with a demanding boss who made you feel inadequate

• were raised by a domineering parent who had to be right about everything

• dated someone who demanded lots of emotional maintenance but rarely reciprocated

• had family members who challenged and criticized incessantly

• were friends with someone who seemed to require you walk on eggshells around them,

you were more than likely dealing with a narcissist.

Lori Hoeck, of Think Like a Black Belt, and I have written “The Narcissist: A User’s Guide ” to help you understand why a narcissist would be seeking to prey upon you. We’ve gathered stories that illustrate the bewildering ways a narcissist will manipulate circumstances to blame you for everything and make you believe it. You’ll be able to see how a narcissist will use your weak points and words against you for control in the relationship. But more importantly, this e-book is going to help you fight your way out of a harmful situation.

Most people enter adulthood with a fair amount of naïveté. Seeking love and acceptance, they may put up with bad behavior from others. Many will seek approval from their peers or look for an authoritative mentor. Some will think they can change a difficult person with loving kindness. All of these circumstances can be more dangerous than a run-of-the-mill encounter might first suggest. They all signify potential for exploitation to a narcissist.

Narcissists can present themselves in almost any venue. Their method of building themselves up at the expense of others is, paradoxically, rooted in their own low self-esteem. Somewhere, at a very young age, a narcissist begins to think that he or she is inferior to others. That inferiority complex morphs into an ever-increasing need to validate themselves. They do this by putting you down. The lower you are in the pecking order, the higher they can be by comparison. If you buy into the false scenario they’ve constructed, they’ll continue. The process depletes you and feeds them. They are emotional vampires.

The more Lori and I observed and studied narcissistic behavior, the more we realized how prevalent it is. Even if you’ve never dealt with a narcissist, chances are you may know someone who has, or who is currently battling this toxic dynamic. Curiously, though, there are few resources to obtain help, and many of those are more suitable for medical professionals, psychotherapists and counselors.

We know our concise User’s Guide, which turns the tables on the toxic dynamic, can provide needed information and hope.

We’re making the e-book available for free download so that it can easily get to anyone who might benefit.

Defending against a narcissist and leaving the relationship may be the most difficult things someone may face. The most important thing we can do for someone who is involved in a narcissistic relationship is offer support and a respite from the dysfunction. The Narcissist: A User’s Guide provides encouragement, strategies and tips that can be implemented to neutralize and, ultimately, negate a narcissist’s influence.

Download your free copy of “The Narcissist” here.

The Narcissist: A User’s Guide is on Facebook here and on Squidoo here.

This post was written by Betsy Wuebker, author of “Passing Thru” (the blog) and co-author of “The Narcissist” (the free ebook)

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Preheat over to 425 degrees

2 cups all purpose flour
1 TBSP baking powder
1/4 -1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup chilled butter – cut into small pieces
1 large egg
1/2 cup half and half (or heavy cream)

*See variations

In a medium bowl combine flour, baking powder, sugar and salt. Add butter and cut into flour mixture with a pastry blender until coarse crumbs form.

In a small bowl, whisk egg and half and half together. Add to the flour mixture and stir with a fork until ingredients are moistened and hold together. Gather into a ball and transfer onto a lightly floured surface and knead several times.

Pat into an 8″ round. With a sharp knife cut into 8 equal wedges.

Place wedges slightly apart on an ungreased baking sheet.

Bake until golden brown – about 12 minutes.

Enjoy!

*Variations: Add 1/2 to 1 cup of chopped dried apricots, dried cranberries, or chopped dates

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This recipe will be contributed to the cookbook Patricia, of Patricia’s Wisdom is compiling for a UNICEF fundraiser for which all money raised will go to the UNICEF Children’s Fund.

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She’ll be blogging about how to give up such things as sugar and/or chocolate. If you have anything you want to give up, you can sign into the blog, join in the conversation and share with Jenny McCarthy what it is you’re struggling with.

Like Jenny, is it chocolate? Is it gossiping? Or how about white foods or caffeine?

It’s easy. Just log into Oprah.com. Look for the link to Jenny McCarthy’s blog and leave a comment.

It sounds like a fun endeavor. We all get to weigh in and have our say and read what others are saying, too.

For more information on Jenny McCarthy and her crusade on autism, check out Children With Autism – Help For Parents

Or, you can find some of Jenny McCarthy’s books here:

1. Healing and Preventing Autism: A Complete Guide
2. Belly Laughs: The Naked Truth about Pregnancy and Childbirth
3. Louder Than Words: A Mother’s Journey in Healing Autism
4. Mother Warriors: A Nation of Parents Healing Autism Against All Odds

According to Oprah.com it appears Jenny McCarthy’s blog will last for thirty days. If it’s a hit, maybe Oprah will keep Jenny as a permanent blogger on Oprah.com.

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Statistics show children are getting fat at an alarming rate. Helping a child lose excess weight is essential to their health and well being.

Studies show if one or more of the parents of an obese child are overweight, their children may be fat as well.

It comes down to the food and activity choices you and your fat children are making.

Helpful hints:

Only keep healthy foods and snacks in your pantry and refrigerator.

1. Cut up fruits and vegetables, store in clear containers
2. Stock snacks such as low fat popcorn. Some brands are 94% fat free.
3. Buy whole wheat pastas and breads
4. Encourage your children to drink water – stop buying soda and/or juices that are filled with sugar
5. Learn new cooking techniques which reduce calories
6. Talk to your family doctor about a diet for your fat child

Encourage your fat children to exercise

1. Plan walks in the park or on walking trails
2. Organize family bike rides
3. Play games such as basketball or soccer with your children
4. Purchase Wii Fit exercise games. Purchase one or more and play them with your child
5. Child learn from their parents. Set a good example for them by exercising and eating healthy

Stop rewarding fat children with food

1. Reward children with a movie rental – plan low fat snacks
2. Reward them with a toy or an article of clothing
3. Most importantly, reward a children with attention, affection and.or words of encouragement
4. Watch shows such as The Biggest Loser with your children and talk to them about how they feel about being fat

Having a fat child is not only hard on the parents, but is even harder on the fat child. Find whatever help you can by asking your family doctor or friends who have encountered the same problem with fat children.

With fat children showing signs of major health issues, it’s imperative they get help as early as possible.

.

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Recovery.gov is the new website for President Obama and the stimulus bill.

With the passage of the latest stimulus bill, named “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act” the Obama administration wants to show the American people where the money is being spent. They also want to show transparency and accountability.

On the Recovery.gov website you’ll find:

President Obama’s mission – click on “About”

Where the money is going

Read the stimulus bill

Timeline for the progress of the stimulus

Share your story

Accountability and Transparency

Watch a video message from President Obama

Announcements

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

The impact of the stimulus bill

To become an informed citizen, to read the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act stimulus bill and to leave your comments, go to President Obama’s new website,  Recovery.gov, for all of the details.

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