I, Narcissist
A playful reckoning with the mirror I both fear and need.
I recently asked an AI to assess my narcissism. Not because I think I’m a monster—but because I’m curious about the shadows that trail my light. What followed was a 10-point self-inventory, equal parts confession and clarity.
Here’s what I found:
Grandiosity
6
I believe I have a sacred assignment. Not to be famous—but to be faithful.
Need for admiration
7
I crave affirmation like sunlight. Not to inflate—but to feel seen.
Empathy
5
I’m average. I care deeply, but sometimes I intellectualize pain to protect myself.
Entitlement
3
I expect grace, not gold. A little special treatment, maybe—but mostly I just want to be understood.
Manipulation
5
I’ve used charm to survive. I’m not proud, but I’m honest.
Fantasy preoccupation
2
I live in the now. My dreams are grounded in ritual, not escape.
Belief in being “special”
4
Sometimes I feel like a rare bird. Other times, just a dad with laundry to fold.
Arrogance
4
I’ve rolled my eyes at others. I’ve also rolled them at myself.
Handling criticism
6
I flinch, then I reflect. I’m learning to stay open.
Control
7
I ritualize to feel safe. Control isn’t power—it’s protection.
What the Mirror Said
I’m not a narcissist.
But I do have narcissistic traits like most humans with a pulse and a past.
What matters is what I do with them.
Do I weaponize my charm, or wield it gently?
Do I seek admiration to fill a void, or to connect with others in joy?
Do I control because I’m afraid, or because I’m trying to build something sacred?
This post isn’t a confession. It’s a calibration.
A way of saying: I see myself. I’m still learning. And I’m not afraid of the mirror anymore.