I took a normie to a 12-step workshop last night. He later messaged me: “So here’s my review of the meeting. I likened it to going to shul. We had the silent prayer (Amidah), followed by announcements (too lengthy), about shabbotonim and shiurim. Most people came in pairs. We read from the Big Book (Torah) with plenty of meforshim, mentioning Bill (God) several times. A Pushka was passed around by a devout follower. We closed with a group prayer (Adon Olam). People felt spiritually uplifted, and spoke about the sermon afterwards.”
But there was no kiddish.
Normie: “The meeting was not as entertaining as I had hoped, but very insightful. Originally, I had envisioned you going there as a club, and you going there to watch the common folk squirm. But, I see you actually go there as a group therapy and healing session. I honestly don’t/didn’t feel you have as serious problems or addictions as the majority of the people there.You are the son of a “Rabbi”, which comes with a stigma, and a rebellion.”
“I looked at the crowd, not many blacks; what do you make of that?”
Luke: “It’s not congenial for them in general. They don’t like talking about their weaknesses publicly. More of a white thing.”
Normie: “When he hit the narcissist part of his talk he nailed you, even right before that.”
Luke: “What would you say I am on a 1-10 of NPD? I would say I have gone from a 7.5 to a 4 through my 12-step work. Therapy and meds don’t help with NPD.”
Normie: “You are definite lower [in NPD], that was my next question for you, how you rate yourself. But, I’m not sure you are on the inside what you portray on the outside. You say stuff, but I don’t know if it’s just words, sarcasm, or your real feelings.”
Normie: “You say stuff, but I don’t know if it’s just words, sarcasm, or your real feelings.”
Luke: “You mean I am healthier or sicker on the inside that what I post on FB?”
Normie: “But, I do believe even if you do mean it, if you keep using the words, eventually you will internalize it. You are an attention whore, do you now have a problem balancing getting attention vs being a good person?”
Luke: “I’m gonna save the white race. I’m gonna united the Anglo-Saxon tribes under my monarchy.”
Normie: “You better, cuz the Muslims are coming in force, to rid the world of us non-believers!”
Luke: “All the attention I need can be found in God.”
Normie: “That kind of phrase tells me you don’t buy in 100%. That’s why I don’t think your NPD is THAT much lower. Being evil is too much fun. Attention is human given, not God given.”
“First of all, you started higher than a 7.5. You started as a 9 or 9.5. You stole Herb’s starting point of 7.5. You are outwardly a 5.5, inwardly a 6.5. The more I think about it, you may be lower. I may be confusing exhibitionist and attention whore, with narcissism.”
“You definitely listen, appreciate and seem earnest about improving, and that’s what’s most important! But, not so much fun.”
