the worst part was that almost no one believed that she had really treated me so horribly, because she had painted such a rosy picture to the outside world.

There are even online support groups for daughters of narcissistic mothers.

only ever see the fake kindness and generosity.

You win everything.

I'm not a medical professional; I have had my share of Narcissists in my life. My Narcissist Radar is now finely tuned. Mine were definitely Ns and BPDs, but I don't know about straight up Sociopaths.

but still...cancer? Like, seriously?

Thing was, early on in our friendship we went out for drinks and she told me, "I can be really selfish and self-centered. I'm basically a narcissist."

or even an admission that "I struggle with compulsive lying and I wish I could stop, but I can't."

Instead of shunning people who exhibit narcissitic traits, we shun people who don't — modesty, empathy, and kindess are practically liabilities these days.

Dr. Martha Stout, a clinical psychologist from Harvard Medical school wrote a book 'The Sociopath Next Door.' Very interesting. In this interview, she tells how to spot a sociopath:

What are you 12?

I completely agree. If they want me to *smile*, then they should do something funny or entertaining. Their mere presence does not make me smile.

but it'd probably just lead to strange men telling you to smile more

Don't forget (well groomed) lady labias!

Jack knows what he wants.

And she wanted it called a "dry latte." Okay, crazy lady.

I want them to SEE how few fucks are given.

with an odd tinge of guilt for being so curt in my email to the company.

I'd be tempted to ask that guy if he drives a stick shift with his dick. Because otherwise, WTF?

I'll never walk on a car lot again.