I've also realized that I have no patience with other Narcissists that I encounter.
Recently, at work, I was conducting a telephone intake for a young woman who is about to become homeless. Given the circumstances, and other possible factors that could determine eligibility for certain programs, there are certain questions that I am required to ask. One second, I'm talking to this woman, the next second a different voice comes on the line DEMANDING WHY I'M ASKING THESE QUESTION?!?
My initial response: "Who are you?"
New voice: "I'M HER MOTHER!"
Me: "I was speaking with your adult daughter. Please put her back on the phone."
The call resumes with the original young woman as I ask additional questions. Then......
New voice: "WHY DO YOU NEED ALL THIS?!?!?!?"
Me: "Ma'am, I was speaking with your adult daughter. I am not discussing her issues with you. Put her back on the phone."
By this point, I'm beginning to lose patience with intrusive mother. As I resume the conversation with the original caller, Nmother snatches the phone for a THIRD time and starts RANTING at me about how all of this is inconvenient to HER! By this point, my patience is GONE!
Me: "Ma'am, this phone call is between me and your adult daughter. I will not discuss her issues with you. If you continue to interfere with my interview with her, I will terminate this phone call immediately!"
New voice: "But she's only (daughter's age) and I KNOW EVERYTHING!"
Me: "This is NOT ABOUT YOU! GET OFF THE PHONE, PUT YOUR DAUGHTER BACK ON THE LINE OR I AM HANGING UP! I WILL NOT DISCUSS ANY OF HER BUSINESS WITH YOU!"
Nmother huffed but I was finally able to complete the intake with the original caller without any further interference. Sheesh!!!!!!
Bones