In this episode of the Being Well Podcast, Dr. Rick and Forrest unpack the Dark Triad of personality traits – narcissism, Machiavellianism, and sociopathy – and explore how these traits can manifest in everyday relationships. They dive into how individuals with these tendencies use charm and manipulation to control situations and people, and offer practical strategies for identifying these traits in others. You’ll learn how to set boundaries, protect yourself from manipulation, and develop a thoughtful, empathetic approach when navigating relationships with those who exhibit these challenging behaviors.
The episode also explores self-care in difficult dynamics, the ethical considerations in labeling others, and how to manage unavoidable interactions with people who display these traits. It’s essential listening for anyone who has encountered toxic behavior, and wants to learn how to deal with it more effectively.
Key Topics:
- 0:00: Introduction and disclaimers
- 3:50: The Dark Triad: Narcissism, Machiavellianism, and Sociopathy
- 7:40: Charisma, privilege, and why some people get away with antisocial behavior
- 16:10: Sensitivity to criticism, viewing people as means to ends, and other evidence
- 22:35: Being careful about labeling people
- 28:50: Developing awareness, and grieving reality
- 33:10: Boundaries and safety
- 38:00: Limiting the scope of the relationship
- 42:20: How to break through the “fuzz” in communication
- 49:25: Transference, and when it’s safe to confront people
- 55:15: Self-care in unavoidable situations
- 59:15: When you notice these tendencies in yourself
- 1:02:10: Recap
Forrest is now writing on Substack, check out his work there.
