Hi Todd: As I have been studying and understanding what narcissism is, I am so blown away by how many people in my atmosphere all pull from the same pool of behaviors (generally of course. I only know other's sexual experience if they share it.) It is because it comes from the same root / who they are at the core.

I can't be "surprised" at her behavior (your experience) and that she even said the same thing. But it does feel like it trips me that you share that her behavior is similar/same. It is powerful to "put it out there" and connect- to know I am not alone.

"Love bomb phase... then became an issue"- I see that would be idealize and devalue phases- yes?

"...I basically had to ask for it." Wow, I have immersed myself into the subject enough to know that narcissism is a large scale issue. But I find myself, as I read your reply, feeling emotions well up within me. I understand at an intellectual level that this behavior was him. It was not me that was deficient, at fault or undeserving. But connecting with you, who has experienced it also, causes me to feel it at a whole other level. It indicates that I need to reflect, understand and heal at a deeper emotional and maybe spiritual level. It takes time to heal. It is true, connecting and sharing is powerful.

I appreciate that you would connect with me. And thank you for reading.