ONE LOYAL FRIEND

Dear Ms. M,

My friend, I think, has some problems. She is a firm believer that she possesses all the great qualities of a woman that every man would love to have. Her belief in being beautiful, rich, and a person that can win anything she wants is a bit over board. She believes she is over and above anyone else. It usually happens when we would be at parties or gatherings with friends, strangers, or families. When we meet new acquaintances, the first thing she does is lift herself to everybody. She talks a lot about her accomplishments in life, her family wealth, and anything she can show off to impress people. As a close friend, I shared my observation to her and despite my repeated friendly pieces of advice, she continues to be the same self-important, egotistic, severe, difficult person.

I care about my friend. What is the best approach I can do to help my friend? I need your advice.

Affected friendship

______________

Dear Affected Friendship,

Your friend is probably suffering from what it appears a delusion of grandeur. Grandiosity refers to an unrealistic sense of superiority in which an individual considers themselves as unique as and better than others. It also concludes an arrogance for those considered inferior towards others (for example: by way of class, intelligence, beauty, or heritage). Her display of grandiosity is an exaggerated sense of one’s importance, power, knowledge, or identity, even if there is little evidence to support the beliefs. People might conclude your friend is someone who seems unforgivably conceited and rude to those who don’t understand the symptoms. Later it can affect her interpersonal relationships at home, with friends and family, or at work.

People experiencing delusions of grandeur and those around them do not always recognize it as anything more than pretentious, arrogance, or boastfulness. The advice I can give you for your friend’s sake is for her to accept her current state of behavior and willingly seek help while it’s not too late for her to connect with reality. The friendship you share is no doubt, admirable. Your friend may not like your perception of her somewhat a bipolar disorder, but later she will never forget how you helped her become a better person. Let God be your Spotlight.

Love & Light,
Ms. M