Karyl McBride

Substance abuse is an effective way to mask feelings.

The narcissistic family often resembles the proverbial shiny red apple with a worm inside. It looks great, until you bite into it and discover the worm. The rest of the apple may be just fine but you’ve lost your appetite.

Carmen’s father’s role as his wife’s protector is paramount. “In some ways, his needs don’t matter either. I used to worry about that, but now I see that is what keeps them together. They need each other to play out their dysfunctional roles and survive emotionally in the world. I don’t really care if that’s what works for them, but it did affect me. What about me? Do I matter?”