This is so true. The stuff you write could have come from my own past, it resonates so much. The narcissist I had to deal with was my father. He was professionally frustrated his whole life.

In his military career of 20 years, he never got promoted out of the junior officer ranks, and in his subsequent civilian career as an engineer, he never made it past middle management.

He saw himself as a genius, but the rest of the world saw him for what he was, a sad, controlling little man who really was not deserving of respect, much less adulation.

It is good to hear how well you took care of yourself in dealing with your own narcissist. Best wishes for an amazing day!