I sure don't need a diagnosis to know what I've been through. When I first read the words about covert narcissism, I immediately knew that I had found an answer to what was going on. The words resonated SO deeply in my heart that it was both painful and freeing. When the words line up, you just know it. When you read or hear something that describes exactly what you have been living through, you recognize it for what it is. Instantly. The words simply connect with something deep inside you.
In fact, when you read it or hear it, you feel as though this is something you have always known. Well, that’s because you have. You just have not yet had the words to describe it and talk about it. I didn't need to ponder them. I already had been for years. I didn't need examples. I had already had plenty. But I did need the validation! I did need the language to describe what I already knew.
For more on the topic of diagnosing a narcissist, don't miss Dr. Ramani's excellent video. I talk about it in my podcast, and here is the link to watch it.
Say THIS to people who tell you not to "diagnose" narcissists