We all can benefit at times from praise that we've earned. Humans are social animals who naturally seek validation from the group, and praise for our efforts can be motivating and help us build confidence that can sustain us through times of trial and adversity. But praise used as a substitute fo...

2. Narcissists "love-bomb" with praise to fake intimacy . Love and intimacy are developed through reciprocity, shared vulnerability, and earned trust. Intimacy should never be ...

3. Unearned praise is disempowering. Whereas love only feels genuine when it is freely given, praise only feels genuine when we've earned it. Unearned praise disempowers others, particularly children, by sending the message that praise is an entitlement rather than something earn...

1. Praise is not love. Praise is conditional and may be offered or withheld. Love, particularly of a child, must be freely given regardless of performance, behavior, or "status." Love is always there. Praise comes and goes.
2. Praise can only be granted by others....

As we know, the narcissistic personality tends to be relationally antagonistic: competitive, exploitative, and oppressively controlling. Narcissists themselves of...

1. Narcissists use praise in place of love. At the core of the narcissistic personality is a flawed belief that praise is love. In dysfunctional narcissistic families and relationships, acceptance is conditional and praise is used instead of love. Using praise as affection fost...

3. Narcissists treat praise as entitlement. People, particularly children, who are reinforced for their efforts internalize a sense of agency and earned confidence , which fosters