In the intricate dance of narcissistic relationships, the infant's perception of the caregiver as a withholding figure sets the stage for destructive fantasies. Lingering childhood disappointments may lead to viewing the caregiver as mean and depriving. This anger can manifest in a turning away from pleasant experiences. Even as narcissistic individuals crave pleasant connections, the awareness of dependency creates pain and anxiety, threatening to reignite narcissistic omnipotent relating. If you or someone you know is experiencing this kind of relationship, and you would like to learn more about this, please feel free to contact me directly or be sure to tune into my podcast – the narcissism decoder