A Very Murderous Narcissist – Analysis
Christopher or Chris Watts was recently charged with nine felonies including three counts of first degree murder. He is accused of murdering his wife Shanann and their two daughters, Bella aged 4 and Celeste, aged 3.
Originally, Watts claimed that his wife and two children had disappeared from their home. A family friend, Nickole Atkinson reported them missing on the Monday August 13 when Shanann Watts missed a doctor’s appointment and she was not responding to calls and texts. Ms Atkinson telephoned Chris Watts asking where his wife was, Watts apparently stated that he did not know where his wife or his children were.
Ms Atkinson assisted Watts in searching for the missing three. She stated that Watts did not cry or seem overly concerned and this caused her to believe that something was amiss.
Watts made several television appearances a day after the disappearance of his wife and children where he explained the apparent circumstances of how he learned they had disappeared and stated his wish for them to return. He stated that he and his wife had had an “emotional conversation” on the evening before his wife’s disappearance.
Friends and family of the Watts family expressed their understandable concerns about the well-being of the three who had disappeared, the fact that the Watts had a perfect family life (heavily documented through social media – something I shall return to) and their disbelief at how something like this could happen.
Approximately two days after having made these appearances, Watts allegedly explained to the police that he had told his wife that he wished to separate from her and she then strangled the two children. Watts stated he saw his wife strangling one of the children,Celeste on a baby monitor. He stated his other daughter, Bella was already blue and sprawled out on a bed. He stated in a fit of rage he then strangled his wife.
Shanann Watts’ body was found in a shallow grave near an oil tank. The bodies of the two children were found dumped in an oil tank. The location was where Watts worked, until he was recently fired by his employer. A drone had detected a bedsheet which had a pattern which matched pillowcases and a top sheet found in the bin in the kitchen at the Watts’ residence. This detection led to the discovery of the shallow grave and occurred prior to the apparent confession of Watts.
Extensive coverage and speculation has arisen as to what happened in the Watts’ home and on the basis that Watts has killed all three, what caused him to do so? What is the personality of this man?
Watts’ Version of Events
Watts has apparently admitted that he killed his wife in a fit of rage based on her strangling the children. Whilst this may seem unlikely, this, at present, is Watts’ evidence. Operating on the basis that this is the case, this evidences several interesting factors
- To be enraged having witnessed your children being strangled is a potentially understandable response.
- One might have expected Watts to have sought to help his children, to see if they could be saved. The failure to do so evidences a lack of empathy for their well-being and also suggests that he did not attend to their well-being because there was no point, because he had killed them. Perhaps he did not attend to them because he knew they were dead and killed by their mother so he felt it pointless, but anybody with emotional empathy would more likely have tried to help the children (even if futile – their emotional thinking overriding the logic of the situation) and therefore Watts’ response either demonstrates a lack of empathy (assuming his wife killed the children) or he had killed them (which again shows a lack of empathy ).
- To strangle his wife evidences a lack of empathy.
- To respond in an enraged way suggests that Watts may well have experienced an ignition of fury, not because his wife had killed the children, but because his control had been threatened in some way, he had been wounded by his wife’s behaviour. Watts stated that he and his wife had an “emotional conversation” when making his television appearance, on the night before her ‘disappearance’. He then stated to police he had stated he wanted to separate and this caused his wife to strangle the children. It seems highly unlikely that Shanann Watts killed her children, the extensive material on Facebook (including videos) evidences a woman who clearly loved her children and showed considerable emotional empathy towards them. Accordingly, someone such as her would not kill her children.
- Thus, Watts has demonstrated a lack of empathy and the ignition of fury as a consequence of being wounded through his wife rejecting his control.
The Homosexual Affair and Cheating
A man named Trent Bolte contacted a television station and claimed that he had been in a 10 month intimate relationship with Watts. Bolte’s claim contained details about Watts’ life which suggest his claim of a relationship is of sound veracity. Bolte’s details were also found on the MeetMe app which was on Watts’ phone. This app also demonstrated that Watts was active in contacting both men and women.
By engaging in an affair with Bolte this again reinforces Watts’ lack of empathy towards his wife and family. It shows a sense of entitlement to do as he wishes with whoever he chooses. The contact with both men and women on this app underlines this lack of empathy as it suggests that he was repeatedly cheating on his wife or at the very least looking to do so. Watts would also be drawing reactions from these individuals through their responses, by way of fuel. Watts’ bisexual behaviour shows sexual fluidity, a consequence of a lack of true self and supports an ongoing quest for fuel, an unconscious driver in his behaviour, which meant that he would cheat on his wife and was unconcerned whether this fuel provision came from men or women. The relatively blatant behaviour on this app, it was found easily and soon enough, shows Watts had no real concern about detection, again underlining his sense of entitlement and lack of accountability for his actions.
Bolte stated that Watts had said to him that Watts was
“A victim of emotional and verbal abuse.” and
“He was trapped in a loveless marriage and he didn’t know any way out.”
Does Bolte have any motivation to lie with regard to these statements? It is highly unlikely and therefore one would accept them as legitimate. These comments are certainly at odds with the posting of a seemingly perfect life which Shanann Watts posted on social media – Watts did not appear as a victim nor did his marriage appear loveless, at least from Shanann’s perspective. Such comments are evidence of the perpetual victim mentality of a narcissist, the issuing of lies which narcissist’s frequently use and projection and blame-shifting, instinctive manipulations of a narcissist.
Information has also emerged that Watts had an affair with a co-worker. On the basis this is true this shows again a lack of empathy for his family, a sense of entitlement and a lack of accountability.
The Television Appearances
These appearances provide considerable insight into what Watts is :-
- Even on his version of events when he made a plea for the return of his family he already knew they were dead. Thus Watts lied. He not only lied to family, friends and the police but he took it a step further and did so through several television appeals. This demonstrates a grandiosity in thinking he could get away with what had happened, that people would believe him and shows a lack of sophistication with regard to his approach, supporting a low cognitive awareness and function.
- Watts’ language is all about what he wants “I want them back in the house”, “I want them to come back”, “If they are not safe that is what is tearing me apart.”, “I need to see everybody.” This evidences two matters – his sense of entitlement and also a lack of empathy for (assuming they had disappeared) how his wife and children would be feeling.
- Watts talks with a flat effect for most of his appearances. There is no emotion. He is not upset, he is not agitated, he is not worried or concerned. This is because he lacks the ability to demonstrate those emotions because he lacks empathy and moreover he does not even have cognitive empathy as he is unable to even feign the emotions and words one would expect from a worried husband and father.
- Watts’ facial expression barely alters, there are no tears, his gaze is steady and unwavering towards the reporter, there is no break in his voice and at one point he even gives a short laugh when talking. Once again this demonstrates a clear absence of empathy and awareness. It might be suggested that some people laugh when they are nervous, this is true, but it is clear that Watts is not nervous and his laugh is his arrogance appearing momentarily.
- Watts provides detail about how his wife had apparently killed the children. He is able to provide that detail because he killed the children and is able to transfer that description to his wife committing the killings.
- Watts is asked by one reporter about the prospect of Watts having the finger of suspicion pointed at him. Watts’ deflects this completely by talking about wanting the children and his wife back. This evidences the narcissistic defence mechanism of deflection, an automatic and instinctive response. It also shows his lack of accountability how he does not see that he is culpable in anyway. It also evidences a haughtiness as he shoves the legitimate question to one side, not even giving it consideration or an answer.
Facebook and Social Media
Shanann Watts’ extensive use of Facebook provides considerable insight into the behaviour of Watts and the dynamic at work in the marriage.
- There are many pictures which show an apparently perfect family life. Naturally, many people use Facebook to show an unrepresentative, overly-optimistic portrayal of their life. This is just as applicable to the Watts. It is clear that Shanann Watts adored her husband and her children and wanted to share that with the world. However, given what her husband is, it is also highly likely that Shanann focused on this portrayal to firstly please and appease her husband and secondly to convince herself that her family life was good on the whole. It is highly likely that Shannan Watts knew about her husband’s infidelities and she was also subjected to devaluing behaviour from him and not knowing who she was dealing with, she sought to mollify him by posting repeated praise for him. She described him as “the best thing that has ever happened to me”, she posted a video of one of her daughters saying “my daddy is a hero”. The pictures show a family unit, caring, secure and happy. Shannan’s behaviour fuelled Watts’ grandiose self, it was also done out of desperation to prove to him that she really did love him and adore him (as doubtless when devaluing her, he will have accused her of not loving him, being a cheat and similar). Caught by her own emotional thinking, Shanann tried to convince herself that everything was alright and if she kept up adoring Watts, loving him and doing the best she could, the problems that existed could be healed and fixed.
- It is evident in the pictures that Watts is dead behind the eyes. His smiles are fixed but the eyes show nothing.
- Shanann confirmed that Watts sent her a friend request on Facebook and she thought nothing would come of it, but then 8 years later they are married with two children. No doubt there was a dogged pursuit by Watts of Shanann and social media is a keen hunting ground for narcissists.
- Many of the posts pander to Watts’ sense of grandiosity and inflated ego, there are videos of him working out, pictures of him without his shirt on apparently tenderly massaging his wife
- In the videos the responses of Watts show either a flat effect or a delay in manifesting a supposedly emotional response e.g. delight in a certain situation. This show his stunted emotional spectrum and the fact that he does not instinctively feel emotions but has to emulate them – although he is not accomplished at this at all, hence the more usual flat effect he demonstrates.
- A video on Watts’ YouTube page from April 2012 shows him giving a presentation where he states that there are three reasons to maintain a romantic relationship. He refers to having a desire to do so, a moral obligation to do so or whether there is a necessity to maintain it. Love is not mentioned – this is telling because as a narcissist he does not experience love and this presentation revealed the clinical approach he has to a relationship – it is a transaction because he owns the other person, who he regards as an object and his possession and the maintenance of the relationship is not seen as being based on empathy and love but on what he believes is what he should do by applying cold criteria.
The Disposal of the Bodies
As mentioned above Shanann Watts was placed in a shallow grave. The children dumped in oil wells. If Watts’ version of events is correct, the dumping of the children’s bodies which could only have been done by him – evidences a lack of empathy once again. If he was enraged by his wife’s alleged behaviour towards the children, one might understand his callous disposal of his wife in a shallow grave, but not dumping the children in an oil well. This is a very clear demonstration of his complete lack of empathy and low cognitive function.
The Performance
One might wonder why Watts confessed and why he did not maintain a facade that the family had disappeared and have been murdered by someone else. Why did he apparently confess to murdering his wife? There are three points arising here
- Watts hardly uses a façade at all. His television performance was woeful. Many narcissists of a higher cognitive function would have turned in an Oscar worthy portrayal of upset, worry and concern. He did not because he does not have the capability BUT his low cognitive function, lack of awareness and complete lack of accountability mean he carried out the television appearance unaware of how it looked.
- Watts has a low cognitive function and his story that his wife killed the children first and he reacted with rage is in effect, the best he can come up with as an attempt to deflect blame.
- Watts has no sense of accountability. He does not believe he has done anything wrong at all. Not even murdering his wife. He is convinced that he has no culpability and that his story, weak as it is, is the truth because his defence mechanism causes him to believe this. See also his recent court appearance – he is unmoved, unperturbed, the flat affect evident once again.
What Really Happened?
Watts allowed his wife to portray their life as perfect. He was not overly concerned by presenting a façade but embraced it because when it was done, as he posed in the pictures etc, he gained fuel. It worked for him. His wife actually created the façade, not because she was a narcissist but because she was trying to appease her controlling and unpleasant husband, to convince herself everything would work out and was unaware of what her husband is. Watts was hero-worshipped and well-fuelled, but he tired of his wife’s positive fuel through her love and affection. He doubtless devalued her – verbal insults, unpleasant sexual behaviour, controlled her movements with other people, possibly physical assaults – but his wife will have kept this hidden, fearing further reprisal and also because she was desperate to keep the family unit intact.
Watts sought fuel elsewhere through infidelity. He did so because he has no empathy, he is entitled and has no sense of obligation or accountability. It is likely that his wife had learned of these infidelities and she threatened to leave him. This threat to his main source of fuel meant that he was wounded, his fury ignited and with heated fury he reacted with violence causing him to strangle his wife and then his children. He saw the children as a manifestation of his wife, his wife the traitor, and they similarly were so regarded and became victims of his murderous ignited fury. He has a low threshold on his ignited fury which meant he did not resort to a non-lethal manipulation but lashed out in a fatal way, unable to control himself. He needed to assert his perceived superiority, he needed to punish and he did so in the most drastic method.
I doubt he wanted to separate from his wife. He had no need. She provided fuel (both positive and negative), maintained a picture perfect existence, doubtless catered to his every need on the domestic front thus providing residual benefits. He had no need to separate from this. His sense of entitlement allowed him to seek fuel intimately elsewhere and still remain with his wife, he did not need to separate to continue to do that.
It is clear that Watts has no empathy (neither emotional or cognitive), he is of a low cognitive function, he requires fuel, he has a sense of entitlement, no sense of accountability, has elements of grandiosity, is manipulative, haughty, lies extensively and has no boundary recognition. He is a narcissist and a psychopath but a low-functioning one. His appearance, use of sex, unfaithful behaviour and his going along with the perfect family appearance of attractive wife and children, nice home, holidays, friends etc show him as a clear somatic.
Chris Watts is a Somatic Middle Lesser Narcissistic Psychopath.
570 thoughts on “A Very Murderous Narcissist – Analysis”
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Great article HG! Why did he tell his male affair partner that he was in a loveless marriage if the external appearance was perfect and he didn’t want to end the marriage? Was it loveless because he couldn’t love or because his wife had told him she didn’t love him? Why did they continue the facade?
My ex narc is still with the current IPPS after 8 yes and lying and cheating and all the photos show a happy relationship and business. When I was with him and knew about his previous IPPS he told me he was in a loveless relationship. This time before I found out about IPPS 2 he told me he didn’t have the ability to feel love. At the time it made me try harder. I then found out he was telling IPPS 2 that he loved her. So I’m interested.
He also would deflect stories and use another person in the story, some person he knew and would tell me the bad or outrageous things they had done or that this other person had finally found the perfect person to settle down with who fitted into their vision of life. Now I realise he was talking about himself often.
I was used to tell a lot about the real dark him. I was told of all the holidays and achievements as triangulation and fuel but also as validation if he hadn’t told someone then they hadn’t happened or weren’t worth doing. He never enjoys them.
Gay or Bi men behave in ways that are difficult for bi or straight women to understand. It really is a different way of life. Totally.
Thanks renarde my comments were about the narc behaviour and the facade not his sexuality. HG said Chris had no reason to lie to his IPSS who happened to be gay when referring to the fact he was in a loveless marriage. So I wondered why he could say that to his IPSS. Was it just a smear of his IPPS wife or was it true. Why was it ok to tell the truth in this instance.
Sympathy for fuel, I guess. It probably was true he was in a loveless marriage but of course he wouldn’t have understood it was about fuel rather than love itself.
@renarde
I’m a bi woman and I just want to mention that straight men are not morally superior to bi/gay men. I don’t understand men in general
Oh goodness me no! Not at all. I hope no one thought that was my intention to suggest that in my post.
“My latest book, Fuel, Fear and Fury”
–fanfic?
I wish!🤣🤣🤣 ….actually that’s not a bad idea!
Great writing! I really enjoy analysis of real people. It helps to undertsand the dynamics even more when u see them in the wild. I really liked the analysis of the wife. Also so sad to think some people because they don;t know they get kills, murdered 🙁 Her behavior if u don;t know about narcs makes so much sense. Love him more! Love wins all!
No. With narcs no.
Great explanation and contextualization. Fantastic!
Excellent article. Do narcissists have a sexual identity? Or are some closeted gay men? Some go with both male and female. Do you think Chris Watts was a closeted gay man and his wife found out about his homosexuality affair could this be the reason he murdered her?
1. Please see Sex and the Narcissist.
2. Please see the article re basis for murder.
I plan to read Sex and the Narcissist in time. I got over my prudishness. 😛
Thank you for your response H.G. will read sex and the narcissist.
Oohh that is entirely possible that she did find out. It would drive most women utterly WILD with anger.
I have personally and consensualy, entered into this dynamic with a bi man. We had an agreement. In return, he would talk to me. What he said was utterly fascinating. They just don’t behave the way that women would behave. They just don’t. Generally.
It is entirely possible that the male, long term partner had been conned. That he was being told he was loved by this disgrace. There will be lots and I mean LOTS of males in the US who have now tumbled to the fact of what they let in on a casual basis, who are now quaking in their boots.
Yes I bet many are quaking in their boots.
It will all come out in the wash, I suspect.
I see so many similarities in my ex (potentially) Greater narc and also now I realise psychopathy overlay.
The weird emotional responses to something because they are guessing how to behave or have convinced themselves it wasn’t them or there was a good reason (lie) or because they are getting away with it.
Mine is being investigated for a minor sex pest incident on another woman and he apparently changed his story and demeanour half way through to one of admitting to it once he realised I hadn’t testified about everything I knew about him. He became cocky. The investigators couldn’t understand the change in him. I can with help from HG. There is still so much more for me to learn.
HG,
Your comment about Watts lacking a true self made me wonder if the lack of a true self is a permanent condition and how possible it is to change this aspect of narcissism.
In your own experience, has the ongoing work you’re doing with the good doctors made any changes to your own sense of having a “true self”? Seeing that you are cognitively more aware than the majority of narcissistic people, do you see any differences in the way you perceive or relate to your own “self” as a result of psychological therapy?
Oh and one other point. The mistress came forward and said he liked to choke during sex and was violent. He took her to pizza joints and Chilk-Fil-A on dates but article said she disengaged from him when she believed he only wanted her for sex.
Dirty Lil Secret–he had no need to really impress her.
The Chick-Fil-A on a date. I thought to myself, ‘Definitely not a Greater!’
Please buy me some nuggets with waffle fries and honey mustard sauce and a Coke Zero.
The somatic narc I knew (who I now know is a middle lesser), boasted about taking his new fuel source bowling while buying her cheap margaritas. She was prego with his kid 6 months later.
Choking during sex is neither here nor there unless it wasn’t consensual.
I’m judging more on the nuggets TBH….
Bibi, I love those damn waffle fries! They call to me on low carb days.
Mercy, and especially on Sundays right? When they are CLOSED!!!
(I like them too.)
Dirty bastards. How dare they close.
Bibs and Mercy
https://youtu.be/NsJHqstPuNo
Haha Twilight, that was the best. Had me cracking up!
Twilight, that was hilarious. 😀
HG, thank you for your insights! I was sure about the somatic part, but the middle lesser gives a great example.
This Watts guy is cut from the same cloth of another somatic narc I knew–I could never figure if he was a lesser or mid ranger, etc. They look alike, same build, same distant all American ‘good looking’ yet concerned about image and outward status.
I can’t understand how he would think this murderous act would ‘benefit’ his image. Now he is in jail and will remain there or get death. How is that better? But, low cognitive function, as you mention.
This case has resonated w me for a number of reasons–mostly b/c my own father was a lesser narcissist sociopath and I still wonder what kept him from murdering me the way this asshole did his little daughters?
When Bella is calling her daddy her ‘hero’ in that vid it breaks my heart. Those girls were in his trust and he completely betrayed that trust.
But why this case is SO CRUCIAL is because of all the social media put out by Shanann. You would think this was Pollyanna with how perfect. How many of us on this site have our emotional thinking take over, believing the narc is happy with someone else. I am reminded of your article that ends, ‘It is an illusion, it is an illusion, it is an illusion.’
To be honest, I had nightmares about this, b/c I imagined myself as the daughters. This whole thing is so upsetting. It reminds me of my own father, who, while did not murder me, was abusive beyond words.
And Shanann has so many red flags in her video–and the thing I noticed was that I felt I had some of those same insecurities myself.
She puts herself down and intellectually idealizes him despite him being a dope in those interviews. What she thinks is ‘true love’ by him approaching her over and over when she was weak and ill show a lack of boundaries.
Thank you for your insights, HG.
A damn sound analysis, I really enjoyed reading this.
I’m curious what your thoughts might be on Joseph DeAngelo, the recently apprehended (back in April) East Area Rapist/Original Night Stalker/Golden State Killer. His crime spree was ludicrously prolific. Would have gotten away with it, too, if it weren’t for that meddlin’ familial genotype match.
Here’s a thread of resources, just in case anyone is curious. I’d recommend Winters’ pages in terms of quality. https://www.reddit.com/r/EARONS/comments/8elyci/huge_list_of_earons_resources/
Oops, I hit send too quick. HG and readerfolk, the question is aimed at all y’all.
HG,
MB asked why the label of ‘psychopath’ ?
You answered:
“As detailed in the article through lack of emotive responses, flat affect, impulsive behaviour.”
This doesn’t apply to you HG, why do you now, personally, accept the label of psychopath?
Note: I have not read the article yet. I’m waiting to savor it next week. (Hopefully after getting certain dealings with my own narc off my plate.) But I wanted to piggyback on MB’s question.
He is low-functioning psychopath, I am a high-functioning one – thus the difference.
Thank-you.
HG, when you make the difference between yourself and Chris Watts,
he being is a low functioning psychopath and you being a high functioning psychopath.
I recall you have written you too have killed.
But, never provided any details of circumstance on the matter.
Do you define this difference between low and high functioning psychopaths
In regards to intellect, self awareness, skill of manipulation?
Or in regards to the fact that he killed and will be incarerated,
whereas you killed and skillfully avoided incareraction?
To be clear, do all psychopaths resort to such extreme violence?
Hello WhoCares,
As far as I know( based on my own research) the main differences between high and low functioning psychopaths are : the degree of cognitive functioning and impulse control.
Not all psychopaths are violent / killers ( as many believe). You can find i.ex.the high functioning psychopaths with an extreme control and impulse regulation.
Intelligence , cognitive functioning and epigenetics are factors that play an important role here.
Intelligence AND high cognitive functioning give a psychopath the ability to regulate their impulse issues. It helps them to be able to reason their way down a train of logic. This also helps them to predict consequences. The more intelligent and the higher the cognitive functioning, the more a psychopath can see reasons to keep themselves in line and not be rued by the immediate here and now and not be blinded by their emotional thinking of i.ex.rage . To better understand the advantages of the delay in reward.
Intelligence and Cognition are related to each other, but are not the same thing. They are very difficult concepts to define.
Intelligence is the ABILITY /capacity to understand/ pick up “intelligere”/ grasp what is perceived, learned, or reasoned; cognition is the PROCESS of thought or knowing. It’s the mental outcome of perceiving, learning and reasoning.It is a process where one develops himself through brain-based skills.
So a psychopath with both a high ability of both grasping ( intelligent) AND processing ( cognitive functioning) what he/she grasps gives them the tools needed for more impulse control .
In this specific case of Psychopathy , epigenetic is also a factor to consider in how violent a psychopath can turn to be. Epigenetic is how the environment triggers the genes in early ages.
Provided nothing flips the epigenetic switches related to violence and aggression during childhood ,these traits would probably not appear. Abuse ,however will flip those switches turning on genetic coding for primary aggression and violent behaviour.
I post a comment some time ago that you may find useful:
https://narcsite.com/2018/07/01/exposed-5-further-ways-to-flush-out-the-narcissist/#comments
Best wishes
SuperXena,
Thank-you for taking the time to reply; I appreciate your input and explanations and I do recall reading, with interest, your past comment that you supplied a link to.
I believe I do grasp the difference between intelligence and cognition. And I understand how epigenetics can play out, for example, two people can have the same genetic make-up for cancer, multiple sclerosis etc., but the triggers to develop these may not be present in environmental factors (stress, diet, physical exercise, exposure to pollution etc.) so both might not necessarily develop it. In applying all those factors I can see how impulse control would be regulated in the case of a high functioning psychopath. But in HG’s case, he certainly does not suffer from ‘lack of emotive responses’ or ‘flat affect’ – but that, I guess, is a result of all his other qualities combined and social learning over time?
—————————————————————————————–
HG,
Also, did you not somewhere (can’t recall right now) write about having made a ‘choice’ – in the past – when reflecting on how you were ‘created’? You had shared that you could vaguely recall having experienced certain positive emotions in your childhood (or memories of you being that way, told to you by adults). This suggests that you were not born the way you are – and by definition; psychopaths are born the way they are – unless such evidence were really just ‘stories’ that adults told you and not your true experience. (Sometimes I have childhood ‘memories’ that I think were just stories from adults in my life but I cannot separate out if they were actual events that I personally experienced.)
So, this is why I struggle with you accepting the label of psychopath.
You are welcome WhoCares.
Interesting observations you point out:
“But in HG’s case, he certainly does not suffer from ‘lack of emotive responses’ or ‘flat affect’ – but that, I guess, is a result of all his other qualities combined and social learning over time?”
As you know psychopaths have as well certain emotions ( limited).
Concerning emotive responses I believe that the difference lies in how “high-functioning” a psychopath is: the higher cognitive function the higher the ability to develop cognitive empathy and learning the emotive responses they need to maintain the facade. I suppose they need as well to develop within an environment where they can “pick up “these responses to be learned.
Concerning flat affect is perhaps a consequence of the above mentioned or a comorbidity with other diagnose.
Either way, the main traits that define a psychopath are present in both cases.
But then again, this is just my point of view.
Thank you HG. This was very fascinating to read. The way you write is extraordinary! Most people will read or hear about what Watts has done and think to themselves, what kind of human being does this to his own children? Here on your blog, your readers know the answer to that question!
Wow this is an incredible breakdown and analysis of chris watts and the case. Im curious if you knew about the case prior and if not you really do your research HG!
I had wondered if he was a midranger but i never pieced the somatic part into it but very true he did muscle up and was posing in videos showing off his physique. i do wonder if he was on steroids bc that can cause severe anger.
Another thing id not thought of is the fact that if hed strangled his wife bc she was strangling the kids that is an odd reaction seeing one child was supposedly blue and not breathing. A normal minded persons first reaction would be to revive that child it wouldnt be anger but more fear and panic so thats a definite lie and one coming from a narcissistic mindset.
I was also surprised by the analysis of the tv interviews bc i didnt pick up on the fact all his sentences were about him and how he felt but so true! A definite red flag! When i watched the interviews i knew they were phoney and a bunch of bs but i didnt connect this aspect of narcissism with his responses. I did notice his blatant lack of urgency or desperation. His responses seemed so flat and as stated he lacked the cognitive ability to know how to act to be convincing.
I do think shanann came out of the narcissistic fog while persuing her business and id hazard a guess her business was a point on contention. Im sure he tried to get her to give it up or controlled how much time she spent and with whom. As she spent more time away from him and more time with positive healthy minded people she could see there was something wrong. I only wish she couldve had the knowledge weve gained here. I think the greatest lesson we can learn here is to never underestimate the rage of a narcissist especially a lower range one. Id watched a vid on this topic a few years ago and it echos in this case. Certain narcissists when triggered into a rage dont have control over their actions and lash out like a wild animal. Well never know what truely was said in their conversation but whatever it was was enough to set off incredible wounding and loss of control. A few of shananns friends had said she confided in them that she suspected chris of infidelity so her videos of the perfect family life were a facade. She spun that to fool the outside world and keep her illusion intact.
Another factor is the watts were filing bankruptcy yet another loss of control and stress.
The fact he could kill his children and be so calm while knowing he put them in those oil tanks points to him being a psychopath.
I dont think it was premeditated but a narcissistic injury of huge porportion that ignited a rage that resulted in him killing his wife. His children i feel were witnesses and was why they were killed. It is possible he looked at them as an extension of her which id not thought of but so true from a narcissistic perspective.
This made me really look at this case from a narcissistic perspective and thats coming from the one who knows it best HG thx! It will be interesting to follow the case when it starts in november.
I think we can learn so much from this and thats where knowledge is power and safety. Know who you are dealing with and how to approach them. I believe shanaan had no clue she was dealing with a covertly abusive man or possibly he wasnt but aggressive behind closed doors. 2 am wasnt the best time to approach the subject of seperating or divorcing and if she wouldve known he was a narcissist she wouldve approached it possibly in a more safe way. Its hard to know tho and who would ever think your spouse could harm you let alone kill you? If you see signs dont ignore them and take precautions for your safety. Narcissists can be very unpredictable and dangerous when they feel threatened. My heart goes out to her family.
I had to research, it has not been mentioned much in the UK. I only knew of it owing to US readers mentioning the case to me.
You make some good points Chihuahuamum.
I read a news article that mentioned Shanann had recently landed a well-paying job and was becoming successful in her business which involved selling health products. Her business was also the reason she posted some of the FB videos, so a perfect family image probably helped to promote the business and create a favourable marketing image. Her new job meant she needed to travel several times a year, leaving her husband at home to take care of the children.
When I read this, I thought that it would probably be wounding to Chris Watts and his somatic family man facade – causing jealousy and resentment – that his wife earned more than he did and that he was left at home with the kids while she enjoyed jetsetting to different locations. It probably meant a loss of power and control over her and their family life as well as a loss of superiority. They argued shortly after she returned from one of her trips, so it’s possible he was filled with rage that she had just returned and then started talking about a separation.
Great analysis HG. Thank you for this. Your observations are thought-provoking.
The points about Chris Watts being clearly somatic while at the same time being of low cognitive function made me think that his physical appearance and superficial persona helped him get away with his deceptions and sense of entitlement before his disastrous lack of control.
He was with his wife for eight years with two children and a new baby on the way, seen in many seemingly happy moments depicted on social media. This makes me think he was more successful at displaying a “happy”and successful affect, rather than a “sad” or pitiful one. His somatic masculine-image defence mechanism could have made it virtually impossible for him to shed a tear in public or appear sad and crestfallen, or weak, in order to feign a fake plea for his family’s return.
I also think Shanann Watts was totally unaware of what narcissism was and how she was being manipulated. I think she was trying to “fix” her situation in any way she thought would work. Her fate is very sad and undeserved. She and her two little girls were completely and utterly betrayed by the one man who should have cared for and protected them the most.
It makes me question what her experiences were to make her emotional thinking override her logical thinking and intuitive defences. Looking at her father and brother in court when her father was very obviously crying made me think that something there seemed a little questionable. Her father’s overt crying while covering his face with his hands seemed to me a ploy to seek attention. But who knows? The news media sometimes exaggerates things in ways that intensify the emotional impact of a news story. However, these situations do not happen in a vacuum. They manifest from what has been experienced and what they follow on from.
Oh I think she knew. You don’t live 8 years with one of these people and not start googling. Now she may have been in denial or had the fixer Codepebdent personality which evidence does suggest that but I believe after 8 years she had a good idea he was
Lori,
I’m sure she realised he was abusive, manipulative, self-centred and difficult to live with. However, I’m not so sure she was aware of the real truth behind it all. I don’t think she knew that the underlying cause was that he was a narcissist and the reasons for his behaviours. She probably knew he was cheating on her and was emotionally “not there”, but that’s different to knowing exactly why he was behaving that way.
From the things I’ve read, they had arguments, so this makes me think she was still in the “emotional thinking” stage where you think that talking to them and trying to make them see your point of view will work.
Also, it looked like she was focused on creating a better life for them all as a family. She was making videos for the health products job she had and was talking about all the trips that she and her family had planned for the near future. I think she was intent on increasing their wealth and creating a better life for her children. After being bankrupt and in debt, it seemed this was important to her. I’m not so sure that his personality issues were the main thing she was focused on.
There was information too about her being independent before she was married and that she owned her own house. Either her father or brother said that she enjoyed being independent and grew up not expecting that a man would provide for her or wanting to depend on a man, so I don’t know if she was co-dependent, but I do think she may have been a “fixer”, especially because of her children.
I am very independent yet Codependent. I think she had an idea. It doesn’t take too much googling to stumble upon Narcissism but I have always said awareness doesn’t lead to action. Many victims will spend time in a long period of denial
It’s possible she was aware Lori. It’s hard to tell for sure. We all have our own opinions on that. I think all of the various speculations in all of these comments are just that… speculations. Sadly, no-one will now know the full extent of what Shanann knew or didn’t know. If only she did know and had the chance to escape with her girls beforehand.
Whether she knew or not in no way makes her culpable. We all know breaking free of a narcissist is extremely difficult even when you know and comprehend all the facts. It’s a psychological mind fuck
I was living with my first one there was no internet so I didn’t know but this 2nd one I figured it out thought he presented entirely different due to different schools. It doesn’t take long to see behavior that sends you straight to google
I agree with you Lori. I don’t think she is culpable at all, in any way whatsoever for his violent and murderous loss of control. Whatever the emotional dynamics were between them as husband and wife, it may have been stressful and difficult, but it definitely cannot justify his actions and urge to kill.
Also, I agree that breaking free and going completely no contact is very difficult in some situations. It’s not clear cut and it is a mind fuck. The more knowledge there is about the subject and the more commonly understood it is, the better for everyone.
She seemed like a Carrier Empath, though this is just a guess. I am very curious about the red flags she must have seen early on in the relationship. But as we all know, I am sure she made excuses for whatever potential flags via her emotional thinking and just dismissing them.
HG made a good point about her likely wanting to appease whatever troubles she might have noticed in him by giving him constant attention and adoration, thinking if she is just the perfect wife, this will smooth out whatever issues. Because really and truly, I don’t know anyone who is THAT happy all the time.
To be honest, were I her FB friend, I likely might have hid her posts because there is only so much lovey-dovey gushing I can take.
Interesting notion on ‘crying’. It’s not one that I believe HG has addressed in his writings. I’ve only ever seen it before with one other N – my own father.
We would get these, what I can only call, ‘noisy’ sobs. Hands would go up etc etc. Over-exaggerated sounds. I’ve not even seen that interview but I really don’t need to. It’s not about attracting attention. Far from it. (Though there would be fuel as everyone rushes in to console him – oh, he’ll clock the ones that are most attentive on THAT one.) It’s displaying what he perceives in THAT moment to be the correct action. Trouble is, he’s not very good at it as it’s not a true empathic reaction.
Es will see it and go ‘Nah’. He will be further damned by this.
I’ve seen narcs pretend to cry. When you have the awareness to study them more closely, there are tell-tale signs that it’s fake and it’s done to evoke pity and sympathy. They will cover their face with their hands, or turn away from you or pause in silence for a few seconds. If you know their general “normal” day-to-day behaviours, it will seem a little odd or out of character. It also doesn’t seem real. Their eyes will be wet with tears, but there will be a lack of other physical body language of general despondency etc.
Another tell-tale sign is to listen to their tone of voice either while they’re crying or straight afterwards. When someone is genuinely crying, it involves their mood and generally takes a little while for the person to become composed again. If someone’s crying and then five seconds later is composed and continuing the conversation with a cool and detached tone of voice, it can be a tell-tale sign and it just seems strange.
Also, if they’re crying and simultaneously look at you pointedly for a quick second, they are looking to see your reaction and to see if you are responding the way they want you to. For a moment, they will uncover their face or stop sobbing etc, to steal a quick glance at who is looking at them.
Brava! Madam! 🙂 Indeed they do. Crying is a very difficult thing to fake. When I cry, I usually just find the tears are naturally rolling down my cheeks. I will subconsciously wipe them away. Usually, I don’t verbalise in any way shape or form. I can do. I have more than my fair share of ‘crying jags’ when I throw myself on the bed and truly weep.
For a moment, they will uncover their face or stop sobbing etc, to steal a quick glance at who is looking at them.
Yes. They do this. Have observed it. Many times.
i don’t thing it’s correct all narcissists don’t cry , mine cried on many different occasions , the tears were real enough but for himself as usual , he also would cry over a romantic break up , this is when he’s finally lost control and they leave as they have all done eventually, to him this feels like heart break , but it’s rejection and loss of control and pity for himself that brings on the tears , still no remorse or recognition for his part , just yet another evil woman has left him . He’s a victim always and a big baby, the very nature of the illness is arrested development mentally (in some) and emotionally in all , so your dealing with an adolescent in a mans body.
Mid Ranger Narcissists cry, especially MMR.
Yes I would agree, it’s how aware they are. But they definitely can fake it, even force tears themselves.
Yep my mmr would fake tears in his eyes and I bet my middle lesser hasn’t cried since 3 or 4 years old
My mid ranger did it. It was so fake. My lesser would never. I think he’d rather die than display that kind of weakness even faking it
Dad showed real grief and probably traumatised grief-stricken rage at being in proximity to him. The court’s high disciplinary setting is always at odds with big emotional display, but these intense emotions aren’t easy to hide, as they take over. You could say that Dad has entered a temporary borderline state (symptomatic of pstd), with cortisol shutting down pathways to the prefrontal cortex. Over the long term, that does some brain damage and then you get a ‘borderline’ type of person. Opposite to a psychopath, who has diminished activity in the amagdala. If Dad were able to attack Chris, he would, his conscience may or may not stop him, but these states can cause ‘crimes of passion’.
Hi iroll…. your post explains it so well. I think if her dad and moreover her brother met up with him hed be a dead man. I cant even imagine. Watts is under suicide watch right now.
wow this was great and very interesting
This could of been me. He’s a Navy Seal Sniper for a living for heaven sakes. He actually hoovered my sister last night, HG. He called looking for me 16 times @ 3am making verbal threats. You were right on with everything we discussed in our phone session. When she told me he tried to reach me, my heart started pounding out of my chest. I had the worst anxiety.
He said I will find you…….
Seriously……..
Stand by……..
what are u doing to escape? your narc was a low ranger? Thanks.
Be strong. pray.
Amanda Snap chat,
My ex is exactly what Chris Watts is; a somatic middle lesser psychopath. I went no contact. He abused me in every way possible as well. He also swung both ways. This article is my ex’s behavior to a T.
OMG mine too special ops sniper and he’s not lying I know people he served with and said he was an excellent sniper. I feel a lot of those seals are likely not narcissidtic many of them seem to be “off” in some manner
He is also known for being the best sniper on his Seal team. My brother is also a sniper on a different team and he is a narcissist psychopath.They are all crazy in the head. Fearless would be a good word to use.
Fearless is the reason they are good at what they do and shows a reason and a place for them. Just not in our homes and beds.
Mine a somatic middle lesser. I go by another name on here but using Linda cause I don’t want him connecting the dots. I think a whole lot of special ops guys are Narcs and or psychopaths. It seems very easy to be drawn in by them as they are a very sexy bunch with such an air of confidence and it didn’t help that I would constantly get messages like “you are fucking gorgeous ” in the middle of the night. I remember when I found out what he did I started backing away and he asked why? I said cause y’all are all crazy. He said no we aren’t we are just willing to what others aren’t. He would never discuss emotions though. He said he had difficulty expressing himself.
BUT
I realize that I have been involved with a very very dangerous man. I fell in love with him yet feared him at the same time. He said I’ve never given you any reason to fear me yet I was still fearful. I knew. I have been discarded and while I’m thankful he’s gone in many ways I still miss the golden period
Oh FUCK him lovely. I’ve managed to piss off most of the USMC. Like I give a damn knowing what I know. It would be all too easy.
They rely on the fact we are scared of them.
Bwah ha ha!
I feel like half the Marine Corp are Narcs especially the special ops guys and for some reason they are always attracted to me
You got that right Narcangel, not in our beds.
Excellent summary of events, along with your detailed conclusion. Your article read a lot like a case brief- very thorough and articulate. Have you considered being a criminal profiler/Jury profiler?? Forensic psychologist?? You have a knack for it. Excellent job!
Thank you. Maybe I do that already?!
(I don’t actually)
Haha
HG,
Nice deflection, ya tease!
You’re probably the guy who double checks Ops Plans for the generals (or whatever your bigwig muckrakes are called ) points out the holes/mistakes and corrects the course.
But you couldn’t even tell us if we guessed correctly, ?Verdad?
Dear Mr Tudor,
What made him a middle lesser rather than an upper lesser
I hope Dale Yeager doesn’t get to read this … he might take all the credit… haha
It’s a privilege and fascination to read your works
Thank you for all your time and effort you have put into this …. it is extremely appreciated
Luv Bubblesxx
Lack of success, not an out and out boaster and bragger, took the family man route rather than local boy done good.
Dear Mr Tudor,
Thank you for elaborating on the difference between the middle and upper lesser classification for Chris Watts….my radar was confused with his happy home family lifestyle portrayal
Thank you
Luv Bubblesxx
What are the odds that a Narcissist at the same level as Chris Watts will commit suicide?
Depends on circumstances with regard to fuel levels, exposure, available appliances.
Yes my middle lesser just like that ! Doesn’t brag but brags if you know what I mean. He’s very covert anout and hides behind looking like a family man. He couldn’t fake emotions not particularly successful. People tend to like him online but doesn’t seem to have a big circle in real life
My middle mid ranger: everyone in town loved him never married very successful and bragged all the time. Fake cried could me quite romantic faked emotions well
Very interesting read HG. Mind-blowing that he confessed because he convinced himself he did nothing wrong. The way you’ve explained it makes it very clear
Good, that’s the benefit of being knowledgeable and an excellent communicator.
That made my night… I love it when you toot your own trumpet shamelessly, HG
I certainly appreciate those qualities in you HG.
HG: “that’s the benefit of being knowledgeable and a good communicator.” So true HG. It’s one thing to have the knowledge, it’s another to be able to teach it to others. You have gift.
No false modesty here, great(er elite narcissist). You’re a very thorough person, and this article is just another example of that.
I never heard of this story, but now I know everything I need to know. Yet another proof that it’s not always the creepy looking old man in the neighborhood that you have to watch out for. Unbelievable.
Thank you.
I worked in a maximum prison in USA. Don’t fret ladies, Chris isn’t suicidal. He’s locked down because he’s a marked man. There is a hierarchy in prison. Men who kill children and a pregnant wife? Bottom dwellers. Notorious Jeffrey Dahmer? He only served 3 yrs cuz he ran into a flank in the shower as the guards looked away. 9.5 times out of 10 suicide watch is to protect the guest from other inmates.
Now you would think all I know about psychos I wouldn’t get ensnared. Ah, it was a Greater on the outside that took me down. Now I own it. X
I still don’t get why he buried the bodies though, Mercy
Merrymagenta, I assume he was aware he had to hide the bodies and never considered he would be caught. After the investigation started he realized he needed a story to cover his crime and was able to convince himself that his story is true (or convince himself that others would never question the story), therefore he did nothing wrong. He lived the lie and it became real.
Hi merry…i think this was an impulsive crime and he hid the bodies to buy himself time coming up with an explanation. Hes definitely not a good lier or covering up a crime. I dont think he thought he could get away with it otherwise hed never have hid them at his workplace. I dont know why he buried shnann in a shallow grave yet hid the girls in the oil tanks. Why not hide all 3 in the tanks. That part im unsure of. Im sure he had a reason tho. Its eerie watching his interview and hearing the dogs going crazy in the background picking up scents. I still am in disbelief he was able to pull off the interview with no sign of remorse or fear. He was probably still in a numb state from what hed done. I did see at one point he was asked about the children and it seemed to affect him but that couldve been shock over the realisation hed killed them.
It still amazes me there are people out there that will kill even family members and they only feel emotion relating to themselves not the ones theyve done away with 🙁
Chi, when I first read about this and saw the pictures of the oil tanks that he put the girls in, my immediate thought was that the wife was too heavy to get her up into the tanks so he had to find another place to dispose of her. The girls would have been easier to carry. I agree that it was impulsive.
Wiser now I also agree the confession wasn’t willingly. The police saw through his facade and we can see through the facade but as HG pointed out his defense mechanism causes him to believe he has done nothing wrong. I have dealt with a narcissist that is able to convince himself of anything as long as it fits his needs. obviously on a much smaller scale than this story but I have witnessed this behavior. They lack the ability to reason what what we see clearly. They convince themselves of anything (no matter how outlandish or weak) as long as it benifits themselves.
Simple. He was a fucking idiot.
That’s why HG is saying he’s a lesser. God this is awful but I will say it.
Someone of a greater intelligence would have ‘staged the scene’. But then someone working at that level wouldn’t have snapped the way they did. It was instinctive.
He couldn’t help himself so then he had to get rid of the evidence.
Awful. But he will get what’s coming to him.
Hi mercy…i was thinking that too that she was too heavy to carry up but hes quite strong so idk.
I agree i think the investigators had too much on him and he caved in but came up over the brief time with his outlandish story. Anything to cast doubt on the future jury. I do wonder with the autopsies if there are hand marks they may be able to tell it was him as far as his girls deaths. So sad 🙁
Maybe thats why he put the girls in oil to erase evidence.
I meant shank not flank. Haha
Mercy,
I don’t think he confessed willingly. Generally, in these family cases, the police investigators focus on the last person/s to see the victims alive, or other close family members as suspects.
I imagine the police would have gathered enough irrefutable and damning evidence against him and then he would have been forced to confess because the odds were stacked up against him.
Also, his low cognitive abilities and lack of a sophisticated facade would have meant he would have buckled fairly quickly under police scrutiny and questioning. That’s the feeling I get anyway.
Oh my gosh I was right, HG. I use to live with this. Wow. I didn’t get to finish reading the rest of the article until now.
Scary isn’t it? To think they could have killed you at any moment just like that
I would love for HG to have fame and fortune from this and give up his day job. However i think pointing out narcissism in Trump is pretty pointless as he’s been called everything under the sun and he still got voted in, plus it kind of promotes the idea that all narcissists are high flying successful grandiose assholes , which the media already promotes , which is the very thing in my opinion which is so misleading and why there is so little understanding of what an actual narcissist is and how many go under the radar because people associate it with people like Trump . Trump got voted in because enough people think like him , that’s what people don’t want to accept, i’m sure HG could write about many past presidents that were narcissists , I have my suspicions about JFK he fits the profile to me !!!
Lisa, It’s not about calling Trump a narcissist. It is about showing how his narcissism motivates the way he acts, just as HG did with Watts. It is about explaining what a narcissist actually is by illustrating it with examples – by connecting the dots. None of us knew what narcissism really truly was before we landed here. Lots of people in power are narcissists but they are not all at Trump’s level of dangerous.
Yes i understand that and of course if any of these blogs could reach a wider audience and explain the motivations of a narcissist that would be great , i just don’t think Trump is the first narcissist or psychopath to run a country and i think the way Trump is he’s almost a characature and i just think it’s important to get the message out there that they are not all this high profile or this obvious . Talking about celebrities , presidents and high profile murder cases are of great importance but only if it doesn’t move people even further away from recognising the ordinary narcissist . This Chris Watt was ordinary and look what’s happened to his family through his ordinariness , he’s not a Trump or an OJ or famous or royal . I’m just pointing out that the word narcissist has been used so much regarding Trump it’s almost ineffective . Trump would be proud to be one and the haters don’t see it as mental illness and the followers just take it as yet another insult , but if HG could get something published about Trump great !!! My ex has mentioned that he’s read in papers that Trump is a narcissist and when i say , yes so are you , his answer is how can i be like him. Of course this is a huge simplification of talking to someone who’s completely thick as a plank however it’s hard to put Trump and a completely dumb loser on minimum wage in the same mental illness category with one article ……….. to raise awareness, which is what i would really like . I think we have to think of a really great break through article to get people listening
Lisa, I had to laugh because the only time I wounded my MRN was when I told him he was a man-baby and just wanted attention. I sent a gif of Trump in a baby bonnet with the words ‘I just want attention.’I was teasing him, of course, and hadn’t thought it through (I did not realize at the time what he was – that was the moment that I fully believed it) but there are a lot of similarities. Different kinds of narcs but the fundamentals are the same. I said so many horrible things to him (including that he was a psychopath) but that was the only thing that resulted in anger and an ST.
You are right of course about raising awareness by since Trump is an immediate danger, and a global one at that, it would be good to get the word out in the right way. Not many actual narcissists have written about narcissism and HG does such a great job with the details and connecting the dots. Of course Trump’s supporters would follow him over a cliff – maybe they will! 🙂
Narcissist or not he’s going to be reelected despite what the media reports ALOT of Americans like him. They may not like some of the childish rants but they like what he’s doing and the economy and markets like him so….
Thank you Lisa. Appreciate the input!
A Very Brilliant Narcissist’s Excellent Analysis.
Thank you for this and the other new articles this month HG. Thoroughly enjoy being educated in the different formats you offer to keep us thinking and learning.
You are welcome.
So basically, ‘primary source’ plays a maternal-function role and he lacked psychological separation via his projection onto his mother-surrogate. He killed her and the children because they were an extention of himself that he was losing control of, because his sexuality—the part of him that represents autonomy, was threatening the security of his attachment. He lacks a developed self.
Thank you HG
Fascinating. I like attention to detail and clarity in observations in your writing.
Wow! A masterpiece!
The marriage situation reminds of two women I know who post like this on social media.
I always suspected their husbands were Ns but wondered why they declared love and facade in this way.
Thank you
Spot on. An interviewer said they casually discussed football before one of his interviews.
I recently watched a doctor/psychiatrist speak about this subject , HG may or may not agree. The doctor said, psychopaths are born PET scans show brain differences , sociopaths are made, upbringing / environment but both result in the same traits. Narcissists are made and do have some feelings that the above do not process , such as shame , a narcissist will feel shame and then blame shift or rage , they also do have an understanding of right and wrong but don’t care and have no remorse , it’s always because of what someone else did . So it seems that there is feelings with narcs as HG says but all negative and rage with the other 2 there is really nothing much at all. But then HG is supposed to be a sociopath so he would know better the exact differences as i’m sure not all greatest are sociopaths ?
Even people born with psychopathy are more likely to become criminals if they come from an abusive home environment.
Yes there are psychopaths that live perfectly normal lives and don’t do anything bad. There was that guy a scientist that tested his own brain in a scan and found that his matches that of a psychopath but he had a loving family and became a scientist and is married with children and unlikely to ever hurt anyone , however his wife and family commented in the documentary that they were not surprised as they were aware of some thing lacking emotionally and spoke about his almost robotic personality and his lack of empathy
HG – Succinct and articulate observations. Reinforces the idea that it takes one to know one. Good thing you are our friendly neighborhood narcissistic psychopath, I’d hate to meet you IRL. Or I’d love to meet you IRL so I could do a number on you. #narcolympics2018
Excellent analysis, HG, using your unique point of view to interpret his behaviour in a way many mainstream media outlets, psychologists and profilers seem unable to do in anything but the most general terms.
I have experience of the cheating fear from being in a relationship with a bisexual man. It is the fear of not being enough. If he strays I can lose weight, dye my hair and go on more date nights to attempt to compete with another woman – I can’t grow a cock to compete with a man.
Strapon?
Look at you with all of the answers!
Indeed!
HG, you is norty and you KNOW why bi men cheat!
Clearly a sore subject for me 😂🙄
Omg how do you put up with that I would freak out.
Honey you really need to get out of this wreck .
Bravo! Excellent article…We can not forget or forgive the red flags and the behaviors we witness… My very nature excuses way too much of what I see, but of course, my education with you has helped immensely!
This all to weird to me. My ex’s name is Evan.
So many signs to stay clear from the Somatic Middle Lesser Psychopath.
I’ve mentioned that I knew a guy like this. He looked a lot like Watts physically, even had a ‘chubby’ phase (the way Watts is in his 2012 vid–not ‘fat’ by any standards but you can see he is not ‘buff’ like now).
The guy I knew had a lot of street smarts and played the victim, said he had a horrible mother, ran away from home at 15, so of course I wanted to reassure and comfort him, etc.
For the longest time I could not figure what school and cadre he was. I knew he was somatic, but I kept going between Lesser and Mid-Range, largely b/c the image I had in my head of a Lower or Middle Lesser was ‘trailer trash’, not someone like Watts who ‘looked’ the ‘handsome’ part (I say this loosely, not that I find him attractive necessarily–he’s ok, but the toned arms coupled with tattoos is something I have seen a lot of and many find attractive).
Watts also gives off a bit of that ‘bad boy’ image with a ‘soft heart’ in that he does come across as not the brightest bulb–ha and his name is Watts–haha, alright, Bibi, enough with the puns–but back to what I was saying–he speaks in cliches and is not the most articulate so you want to go easy on him. Same with this other narc.
The other narc even worked for an oil company, doing field work like Watts, yet the ‘Golden’ Period was indeed more of a Bronze because he was clearly very cheap, started dating a 22 yr old when he was in his late 30s and took her bowling.
He was the kind of guy who would take you to Applebee’s for a ‘fancy dinner’ followed by hot tubbing, so he could show off his buff pecs and tattoos.
I never dated this guy, but I did find it odd why he pursued me, (not trying to denigrate myself but I am not a gym bunny–I work out to stay in healthy shape not to lift and compete in contests, I wasn’t into ‘extreme sports’ the way somatics are, but more the type to land an Elitist or Cerebral b/c of my artistic nerdisms and I am so not the party type).
But of course at the time I did not know what he was, I thought he must have seen something special about me, as I knew not a thing about fuel and that I was ever so willing to dump it into his lap.
HG, having a real world image helps so very much!
I am curious as to the differences between a sociopath and psychopath. Both are capable of killing and in many cases I’ve read about or come across narcissism is usually in conjunction with one or the other. Sociopaths are (from what I have read, again) less able to hold down a job, and more prone to impulsivity. Again, my knowledge is limited so hoping for some clarification.
Cant wait to read this on my break. Thx for writing this HG!!!
You are welcome.
This is brilliant, a comprehensive breakdown of information. The format makes it easy to read and clear, great flow. It is very clear as it was for the very royal narcissist, that you have put many hours of work into the research and writing of this article. I have no doubt in your opinion of this case, it makes so much sense when explained in this way.
Thank you.
Psychopath Lower Lesser Somatic Narcissist. Rotten Bastard
Brillant article by the way, HG.
Whoops my bad. I said lower lesser. My ex is a middle lesser somatic psychopath. This is my ex all the way. Sex with both male and females off of online dating sites like Tinder. This article brought back so many triggers.
He’s a Seal and BI ? Wow all those special ops guys are so macho is he in the closet with that?
Weird thing is mind said he would never engage in that but something tells me he has
As Watts has no insight or accountability, I wonder how he will react when found guilty on all charges? Denial, and explosive rage that he has been thwarted? It will be interesting to see if/how his family comment on proceedings. Why was he let go from his job? He must have a history, this didn’t happen in isolation. Great work HG; I’m looking at the world with my eyes wide open…
Truly fascinating and comprehensive. The BAU could certainly use someone with your talents in Quantico.
Thank you.
God this scares the shit out of me. I believe the Narc was a middle lesser somatic. Can you explain the psychopath piece what exactly made you make that differentiation?
Truly fascination and comprehensive. The BAU could certainly use your someone with your talents in Quantico.
Thank you.
Ha. I was right (except for the middle lesser part – I didn’t distinguish between the lesser levels). You are a fantastic teacher, HG!
I see a lot of my MRN in Watts – the dead behind the eyes bit, the flat affect, self-absorption, and IPPS presenting on social media as if everything is peachy keen. When I found the social media, what struck me most was a man who smiled but whose eyes did not crinkle at the edges. Dead give away. He is not violent, though, and he does have some cognitive empathy, so not a Lesser. I also do not think he is a somatic because he was conflicted about sex and not overly concerned with his body – well groomed and slim, but not obsessively fit. I do believe he is a psychopath however.
“I see a lot of my MRN in Watts – the dead behind the eyes bit, the flat affect, self-absorption, and IPPS presenting on social media as if everything is peachy keen.”
SMH….I have analyzed my MRN’s and his IPPS’s social media pages over and over again studying the facial expressions, smiles (whether real or fake), body position and body language.
I think HG should add a service to the menu bar on the website. Narc Picture Analysis. Send him pics of the Narc in question and have him interpret.
FOTS, great idea re: FB analysis. This may already be included in his Date Defender service?
Excellent idea, FOTS! Maybe he does that in consultations. I haven’t used that service.
Now it’s funny you should say that. I pretty much know my own brethren when I see pictures. He denied that he could. Liar liar pants on fire….
They all have the propensity for violence when pushed. My MRN (my first Narc) snapped a couple of times when I pushed him
I could sense that, with my MRN, Lori. I did experience his cold fury twice and it scared me. Also, violence comes in emotional forms as mid range passive aggression, which I think is one of the hallmarks of a mid-ranger. My Lesser (if I am right about him, and I think I am) was also passive aggressive but lashed out like a toddler. Very different ways of expressing anger.
They go between all forms of anger but one tends to be their main. Lessers seem to be more heated and mid ranger are more cold fury and passive agressive but my mid ranger did turn violent when pushed. I think he hated when he did it not because he had been aggressive with me but because he viewed it as a loss of control anc he didn’t like the way it made him feel. I misunderstood and thought he was displaying remorse
Excellent article! You really touched on the many things that could be easily overlooked when we use our “emotional thinking”. Out of all the numerous reports I’ve either read or listened to regarding this story nothing comes close to what you have surmised. I hope we ALL learn to rely more on our logical thinking, as we are sure to encounter these individuals in our daily lives.
Thank you.
What has Watts being bisexual have to do with his narcissism? There are het and gay narcissists. Being attracted to both sexes is not an indicator for having a “lack of identify.”
He is just a narcissist that happens to also be bi.
1. The bi-sexuality is an indicator, nothing more, it is not determinative in itself. Nowhere do I ever state that someone who is bi-sexual must be a narcissist nor does it automatically mean they have a lack of identity, it must be viewed in aggregate.
2. Narcissists lack a true self. We are chameleons and we adapt to our environment and be whatever we need to be to get what we need. This includes sexually because sex is a major weapon of seduction and fuel acquisition.
3. This flexibility, lack of true self and chameleon quality means that many narcissists (not all) are bi-sexual – it is essentially done on the basis of ‘whatever keeps the party going’.
4. We need fuel. If there is a way to optimise that we take it – thus if that means engaging sexually with men and women a narcissist will do so as this optimises the available appliances that will provide fuel. We are creatures of expedience.
I appreciate that in theory, but some things to consider is that most heterosexual women would reject a bisexual man as a partner. To optimise his dating pool, he would need to delete any social media evidence that he has dated men. Gay men are more open to dating bi men because they tend to not believe bisexuality exists and will assume he is a closeted gay man.
It may be more beneficial for a narcissist to“pick a side” at least publicly.
Most people are already wary that a bisexual will cheat on them.
I don’t think a sexual orientation is so much to do with sticking to an identity as it is instinctual… what stops some narcissists from dating a certain sex? could narcissists have an orientation just like the rest of us?
I agree with you about ‘picking a side’ it is usually the case that certain narcissists – usually Mid Range, opt for the heterosexual appearance and engage in closeted homosexual behaviour.
It is interesting you state that most people are already wary that a bisexual will cheat on them – why? The issue of infidelity is not one which is governed by gender or orientation, but rather narcissistic traits.
HG
This is just my opinion on why people are less trustful of a bisexual partner’s faithfulness. Most people I’ve met are less trusting of anyone they perceive as different from themselves – especially if they dont understand that difference well or have heard it denigrated. Certainly in my culture, bisexuality is viewed very negatively from unnatural to evil. I think it’s probably an evolutionary advantage to be distrustful of what is accepted in your society.
HG
Ha, ha!
I meant “an evolutionary advantage to be distrustful of what is NOT accepted in your society!”
HG
The sexual fluidity and whatever is needed to keep the party going you describe helps to explain why so many seemingly straight guys going into prison suddenly have no problem with the chocolate pocket during their stay, since there would be no shortage of narcs but altered fuel matrices.
Most people are wary bisexuals will cheat not because we are unique when it comes to cheating, but because they assume we fancy everyone. Us being attracted to both sexes does not mean we don’t have a type or we can’t think someone is unattractive or we don’t have sexual boundaries.
Most straight people have only experienced being cheated on by their own kind. So their preoccupation with bisexuals is very strange.. I would agrue that their belief in their own moral superiority is narcissistic and delusional.
I agree with you about ‘picking a side’ it is usually the case that certain narcissists – usually Mid Range, opt for the heterosexual appearance and engage in closeted homosexual behaviour.
Oh yes, they do indeed. The way they do it is utterly fascinating as well.
Literally, In. Out. 15 to 20 mins tops. IF that. (This is male on male)
It’s really not the same as when they (males) engage with women.
Yeah and to the commentator in the thread. Just because they are bi doesn’t necessarily follow they will automatically cheat. It’s far more complex than that and it involves who is in control if they are Ns.
This was brilliant HG and your homework is first-rate, as usual. Thank you. My instinct was lesser somatic, and psychopath is spot on, as well.
I wasn’t sure about Shannon but she did seem to display real empathy towards her daughters in the news clips. Midrange females can fake empathy very well (at least initially) and present the perfect facade on FB.
The paragraph that begins with the statement below evinces that it really is all about them even when the cameras are rolling.
“Watts’ language is all about what he wants “I want them back in the house”
And I understand this statement very well:
“to convince herself everything would work out and was unaware of what her husband is.”
After reading this article, I felt sadness for Shannon, Bella, Celeste, Nico (her unborn son) and her family. So many people are being abused by these personality types and the public has absolutely no idea what they are truly dealing with.
Indeed. Hope he rots in hell.
Slam dunk.
like I said in one of my comments before the analysis, he’s unlikely to See the Light of Day..
low grade narcissist sociopath..
potato…potarrrtoe..
I didn’t say psychopath.
Great! I am convinced that the prevalence of NPD this underestimated
This is brilliant HG and i really think this needs to be a lesson to us all. I am willing to bet that this lady saw many signs , everything from suspected or known infidelity, angry outbursts , ridiculous behaviour , controlling behaviour , self absorbed , jealousy , weirdness , everything that we’ve all seen in one way or another but she would never have thought him capable of killing her and her children i’m sure. Even if someone had actually said to her , He’s capable of strangling his kids and dumping them in oil containers and blaming you , she no doubt would have thought , That was ridiculous and he may be a lot of things but he’d never do that . I know i’ve made excuses for my ex narcissist or minimalised bad behaviour at times . We all should read this and think that could be any of us because we don’t really know what we’ve been dealing with. HG’s advice of GOSO really is the only way although if children involved i appreciate so much more difficult . That lady could have been a reader on this blog and this blog could have saved her life and her children’s . If she’d taken the advice as we need to do.
Valid observations. It is rare for a narcissist to kill, but it happens.
It’s not that rare for a psychopath though and i don’t think normal people can tell the difference . All psychopaths are narcs but not all narcs are psychopaths ? isn’t that the case ?
Correct.
Oh I’m learning!
It does.
HG – It’s just under two a week in the UK.
’nuff said.
Psychopaths are very narcissistic they aren’t necessarily narcissists.
I like to think of it this way – Narcissists essentially need people and the psychopath does not.
Some people believe that narcissism and psychopathy are one in the same disorder but um…on a spectrum.
I completely agree with this, Cluster B includes anti social personality disorder. I think it’s purely to what degree and since experts often have trouble diagnosing, we certainly can’t . Any signs of this shit to even a small degree should not be ignored or trivialised as we just don’t know . I’ve never read HG say Oh well they are not psychopaths they are only lessers or only mids or only …… whatever the spectrum his advice remains the same and i know i for one struggled to let go and it’s only now after 3 years that i actually have completely and there was no violence But there was something that was just not right even before i knew about any of this.
Lisa
Very true. There is so much denial and people think it will never go that far, or they have a line they wont allow to be crossed, or that they still have some control…Its all bullshit they tell themselves. How do they think they got into the situation to begin with? My mother would look you straight in the face and express disgust at something she would see on the news or in the paper and yet when I would bring it to her attention that there were similarities in the behaviour of the perpetrator and Stepnarc, she would say I was being ridiculous and that he would never go that far or she would not “allow” it to. I asked her if she had “allowed” the abuse we had suffered to that point. I’ll bet as you say, that there were glaring red flags in this case that were denied and explained away in hopes that things would improve or that it would prevent fracturing the family and facade. Yes, I wish that she could have found her way here, formulated a plan, and got out and stayed out. Sadly It is too late for them, but not for those who are here and now aware. G.O.S.O.
NarcAngel,
Well said. It’s not to late for us who are here now. G.O.S.O
HGT#1fan
I have read your posts and I fear for you. I hope you are now committed to GOSO.
Narc Angel
I can only speak for myself. I knew my husband would cross that line, it was why I stayed. What I am guilt of is putting my children in a situation because i didn’t want to face a chance of him murdering them.
Did I try and get help? Yes I did and this is where the system failed. They didn’t listen, they didn’t care because I didn’t have “proof”. They ignored me because I was 17 and didn’t know what abuse was. No different then when my child was born and the doctor said I didn’t need pain medication to teach me a lesson because of my age.
I made a choice to live with out my children or live with them. At that time I could not deal with feeling guilty if he murdered them because I left. Looking back now I have to live with the guilt of the environment they grew up in. I made a selfish decision to not take a chance with their lives.
I do believe awareness can change many options for the many caught up in any type of relationship with those of HGs kind.
Twilight,
“Did I try and get help? Yes I did and this is where the system failed. They didn’t listen, they didn’t care because I didn’t have “proof”. They ignored me because I was 17 and didn’t know what abuse was. No different then when my child was born and the doctor said I didn’t need pain medication to teach me a lesson because of my age.”
Twilight – I’m reading your words and I’m just floored. I know it was a long time ago – and maybe things like that wouldn’t pass now…but I feel such pain and grief for you. The system still fails some in many ways but you reached out and were denied – you did what you could. And being denied pain medication, during child birth, as *punishment* ? O.M.G…because you were 17…I’m so sorry…nobody *deserves* that – your 17 year-old self certainly didn’t.
“At that time I could not deal with feeling guilty if he murdered them because I left. Looking back now I have to live with the guilt of the environment they grew up in.”
I think many deal with the residual feelings as a result of having made a choice in our entanglement that was a lesser of two evils. On one hand I have trouble wrapping my mind around having to make a choice like that and but, if I reflect back on my situation I actually do understand how it could come to this.
We can beat ourselves up all we want about these past decisions but the reality is we were doing what we thought was best at the time…or sometimes we were so beaten down that we really truly didn’t have the clarity, recognition or the strength to act on an alternative choice.
Yes NA i totally understand this my mother is the same , my stepfather is a narcissist and i believe my mother is codependent , she has been minimilalizing his behaviour for years and making light of things regarding him , never ever really seeing or accepting his behaviour for what it is, i have been guilty of putting up with it all To Keep The Peace for my mothers sake , which i believe has led me to have poor boundaries in my life with relationships and why it’s taken me so long to recognise this and only through having a romantic relationship with a narcissist have i woken up to all this . Now i’m spotting them every where and my next challenge is going to be trying to avoid anymore of them , because they are every where 😱
I flunked! Back to class!
I’m curious why you added “psychopath” to your description?
Because he is one.
What were the factors for determining that he is a psychopath?
As detailed in the article through lack of emotive responses, flat affect, impulsive behaviour.
Thank you HG. I guess I just don’t understand what denotes a run of the mill narcissist vs a narcissistic psychopath. I will find something to read on the subject.
Let me know what you find please MB. This subject has raised my interest. I’m curious about this element.
A high functioning psychopath would know to mimic emotion in that situation, due to his lack of awareness he didn’t realize how he presented himself on television, I wonder if he realized this after viewing himself and why he changed tactics.
This made me think of your article cookie jar
https://narcsite.com/2016/04/28/cookie-jar/
My ex and I discuss facial expression and how many are not aware of how others view the person they are looking at. His point was one must be aware of how they are seen. I thought about this and it made sense both sides do this just for different reasons. I hide what I am feeling because I am emotional, he hid because he felt none.
Micro expressions are always a give away. I don’t care how good you are at hiding, those can not be controlled, one has only a split second to catch it thou. IMO
Hello MB,
I read your comment about wanting to read more about the differences between narcissists and psychopaths. I posted some comments with an analysis ( see links below) covering the differences between these groups (NPD/ASPD)as well as the explanation of why ( according to the latest research) some psychopaths are violent and others are not. This is based solely on own research done about these topics and are closely related to Epigenetics( Kevin Dutton).
I send you hereby some links. I hope you find them useful.
“SuperXena
JULY 3, 2018 AT 10:39
Hello Spiritual Warrior,
I believe that the main difference between a narcissist and a sociopath is not as simple as….”
https://narcsite.com/2018/07/01/exposed-5-further-ways-to-flush-out-the-narcissist/#comments
“SuperXena
JULY 5, 2018 AT 20:57
Hello Windstorm,
” …..What then are the characteristics of sociopaths and psychopaths that differentiate them from a nonsociopathic narcissist?”
https://narcsite.com/2018/07/21/does-the-narcissist-really-want-to-change/#comments
MB
Heres all you really need to know about the difference between a run of the mill narcissist and a narcissist psychopath
One means run and the other means run faster:
Brilliant NarcAngel !!!
Ha,ha NA! You really made me laugh with that one.
You are absolutely right: no need for complicated scientific explanations any more. At the end , once you know ,you know what is to be done: run,run,run,run…Why bother to continue digging? Actually, flying would be better( if you can)….Perhaps this will force us to develop wings with time…you never know….
SuperXena
Haha. Angels already have wings. We would just be better served sometimes to use them to fly away from danger instead of always using them to lift others up.
NA,
Agreed. Isn’t it part of our “nature”?
Unfortunately, even some bird species are flightless birds that through evolution have lost the ability to fly. Some of them as a result of i.ex. being held in captivity …
Then again, for us still a lesson to be learned… As long as there are predators( I am afraid there will always be) , the ability for “angels-empaths” to “fly away “ is crucial to maintain for survival: to learn to fly away from captivity and as you pointed out into the right direction.
NarcAngel,
On second thought, if the angel is a robust,strong,effective , multitasking angel, she/he can fly away from danger taking with him/her on the trip some other “ light-weighted “ones away from danger ?( no over-weighted admitted here!)
Thank you for the links SuperXena!
You are welcome MB. Rephrasing NA’s comment : perhaps no need to know more…just run….or even better if you can , just fly( whatever is faster).
Best wishes !
Wow… this was definitely worth the wait!
I’m still wondering why he changed his mind and confessed though. He must have initially been going to stick with the story that they had disappeared because he went to the trouble of burying the bodies?
I’m also surprised that more people from his past haven’t come forward to expose him.
Breathtaking in its scope and detailed analysis! Thank you, HG. I thought perhaps he was a Victim (pity plays, ultimately resulting in suicide watch), but I’ll certainly say his victim playing is not very skillful and less practiced.
I have a question that I have wanted to clarify. How do you, HG, understand the difference or differential characteristics between Ns and those with sociopathy (ASPD)? Do you chalk it up to low impulse control? Though surely a Greater (with much control) could also be ASPD, right? Which classes of Ns do you believe are more likely to possess many sociopathic traits? Your thoughts on this question are MUCH appreciated.
I’m so glad you wrote this. It’s so clear what he is just by watching his TV appearance. I unfortunately stumbled upon some comments in the “manosphere” describing Chris Watts as yet another “beta male” that had been swindled by a woman, who was probably carrying another man’s baby, and he simply “snapped.” In other words, blaming the evil woman Shannan for what happened to her and her children. Trying to elicit sympathy for Chris Watts as yet another male victim of feminism. It’s probably one of the most absurd things I’ve ever read. THIS describes what he is. THIS describes what anyone that has ever been involved with a narcissist knows immediately by looking at the facts. What happened to Shannan and her two daughters is nothing short of horrifying. Why the media refuse to describe him for what he is, is baffling to me. Thank you for being someone who will simply (and logically), tell it like it is.
So tired of the manosphere virus ruining men by perpetuating in and encouraging misinformation and gaslighting. It is the refutation of obvious intelligent thoughtful actual truth that angers most non-N women. Intelligent E women can see shades of gray and hues of color that are underestimated and healthy protective maternal instinct loses an outlet if you ask me. I see the genius empathic women around me (had a wonderful conversation with one last night) who step in for their narc ex-husbands and endeavor to raise truly masculine sons who live lives of freedom and choice that the N’s in their lives do everything they can to stifle and control as the children are mere extensions of their imagination. I know several of these. They give their sons far more independence of thought and action than the exes could consider (because the N parent wants to create divisions and believable projections). And of course we know the opposite happens as well where a father can provide a safe haven and solid reality in balance to a confusing N mother. I’ve seen that too, and good luck just trying to get people to understand.
I wish people could learn some differentiation. It can get complicated though, but it’s so nice to have a place to discuss the subtleties.
Sometimes it seems as if the world lives in fairy tales. In what place would murder (and of children too!) be an understandable reaction to anything. It seems like whirlpools of N’s collect steam and one thing N’s have a reliable talent and instinct for is destroying bonds and groups through divisions in order to create pockets of self-affirmation. One N who goes undetected for too long can take down a group before anyone figures out what happened or even begins to understand the source of dischord. I think the real problem is the lack of an *objectively* beneficial end goal. The personal vision of success cannot be in the interest of others by default in most cases and the truth goes by the wayside as a sacrifice to individual agenda and then influence congregates as people are drawn in to identifying with parts of that agenda that may suit them (umm…it probably doesn’t…circle back around to “objectively beneficial”).
Sorry, feeling irritated. Liked your comment. Plus the great blog post.
Vera, excellent points. The media also refuse to describe Trump for what he is. Instead, they get all caught up in his tweets. It baffles me too but most people do not understand what NPD is, which is why what HG does is so important. You could save the world, HG, by writing an anonymous article for the New York Times about Trump’s NPD – an analysis just like this.
Thank you. What you. my good readers, need to do is spread and post far and wide the links to the A Very articles to increase awareness. Go to the FB groups re Watts for instance, comment on the Below The Line sections for media outlets, share on your own platforms and your cumulative effort will impact. Brilliant as I am, I cannot do it alone.
Write one about Trump and I will post it all over the place. I also know many journalists (I am not one but several of my family are, as are many friends), so I could also scare up some connections for you that way. But in order to be believed and to have an impact and to be published in a reputable source, you would have to be willing to be vetted and I am not sure you would do that.
Already done. ‘A Very POTUS Narcissist’
Is it here somewhere? Did I miss it? Or not posted yet?
SMH
https://narcsite.com/2017/04/06/a-very-potus-narcissist-2/
Thanks, Twilight! It was before my time and while I have read some of the older pieces, I had not seen this one.
Your welcome SMH.
SMH
Think the POTUS article was from January 2016? You should be able to search it in the search bar.
Found it, Windstorm. Thanks!
SMH
Maybe January 2017. That sounds better.
K? Where are you?
Ah, HG, I found it. It was before my time. I think if you shortened it and updated it, it could go viral and even make it into a real news source if you are willing to take the steps for that, especially after that anonymous NYT piece. Not meant as criticism. Just advice.
Taken as such, thank you. I am contemplating updating it.
Alternatively, if you wanted to put the time into making it longer – maybe the updates will be sufficient — you could publish it in book format, timing it to come out with Michael Moore’s new film Fahrenheit 11/9 (clever). You could make it free and open access as a public service :-). That will really test you!
Free? Free? I do enough gratis thank you very much!
Just a shot in the dark, oh but with a nod to your better angels. I know you have them. Can’t fool me!
I would like to see you booked as a guest on Dr. Phil or similar. Large viewership is the key!
What forums shall i put it on and i will ?
Thank you. News and media outlets, relationship sites, any sites linked to the subject of the article.
HG, re: posting links: I have this thing about getting called down or getting into trouble. I don’t want to get noses disjointed or get you into any trouble. I know it’s an opinion but I always worry about backlash. And if I hear people make disparaging remarks about you, it makes me feel angry at them and protective of “my” HG. Am I a weirdo or what?
MB, writers are thick skinned anyway, whether they are narcs or not, and you know how to defend HG.
SMH, HG doesn’t need my defense for sure. I just have this protective feeling about him and his work. I take it kind of personally if he’s attacked. Like, “You have no right. You don’t know him like I do!” I’m not sure where that comes from. I’m like that if people attack my peeps that work with me too. I’ve got their back. HGs too even though he doesn’t need it.
LOL, MB. That’s sweet of you. I am sure HG appreciates it. I’d probably react like that too but it would be more my defense of what I deem stellar work than a defense of HG personally.
SMH, the reason why the media doesn’t really care so much about Trump’s diagnositic profile—although some do—is because he is part of a major social movement that is happening in the USA, due to the violence of that culture; police state racism, a growing extreme wealth gap and a lack of social security. The USA has major wealth, but it is overall, a poor country. Food deserts are the beginning of the end. Consumerist extreme capitalism is creating a ‘narcissistic epidemic’—but not a psychopathy epidemic.
Yes I agree to a point, iroll (I am American) but I also think a lot of journalists are confused and focused on the wrong things. There is a lot happening, granted, and I don’t even blame it all on Trump but Trump the person needs to be separated from policies that have gotten us into this mess. The UK is following in lockstep with xenophobia, extreme inequality, hostile immigration policies and a lack of security (I live there, though I am not there right now). The only thing that keeps people in check is no (or way fewer) guns.
SMH as an ex-Brit i agree with you. British class imperialism died out (at least, lost its global power position), and then ecomonically attached itself to American military imperialism in the 80s. The problem with the media is, i think, an over-polarisation between ‘left and right’ (American style, which is mostly all liberal conservative), and has lost critical analytic depth of current issues.
The reason why Trump? Is i think, because he’s entertaining. There’s a big disconnect from ‘reality’ going on, which is narcissistic and likely a result of the growing influence of social media—whatever grabs attention is more important than quality, etc.
WS
I am here! I forgot to hit the comment notification button on this thread. It looks Twilight provided the link to SMH.
K
It used to be a hassle to me to always have to hit the comment notification on all the threads with interesting comments. Then I discovered the setting in my WordPress account that just sends me every comment for the whole blog. Takes a lot of time to wade thru them all, but it’s worth it to not have to worry about missing anything.
Plus i never have to sit around with nothing to do anymore. Keeping up with everything is like a hobby that I can do whenever I have some time. Of course I am retired now….
WS
I am still giving WP the silent treatment. When I paint them white again, I will find the setting for the comments and set that up, thanks!
Just be warned that were HG’s Trump article to go viral, he will just say it is ‘Fake News’. That man is so, so, so very stupid.
Bibi, Yes Trump would be wounded. That is what is happening when he goes on about ‘fake news.’
OK I am going to have to disgree with the United States being a poor nation that simply isnt true. The poorest in the United States live in the lap of luxury compared to the rest of the world and that is substantiated by the sheer numbers of people willing to do anything including risking their lives and that of their children to get in there.