Narcissism is the shame-based fear of being ordinary.—Brené Brown.
We commonly toss the word narcissism to label those who seem annoyingly self centered. Usually we are describing someone we tire of easily due to their one-sided conversations.
There is a disorder listed in the psychologist’s diagnostic manual. Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a personality disorder characterized by a life-long pattern of exaggerated feelings of self-importance, an excessive need for admiration, and a diminished ability to empathize with other people’s feelings.
If you have met someone with the disorder and especially if you must work with this person, my suggestion is to run. Remove yourself from the situation.
Short of disorder, though, we should all reflect upon our own behaviors. How much do we wish to not appear ordinary such that our conversations tend to focus not only on ourselves but especially upon our exploits that make us appear extraordinary?
If as a follower of Jesus we incorporate his teachings into our lives to first love God and then also love those around us (our neighbor), then we are focusing our thoughts and lives on others. Sort of the opposite of common narcissism.
Perhaps in being ordinary followers, we actually wind up being extraordinary as a byproduct!
Faith Venture 
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