A compliment

Somebody called me a narcissistic asshole yesterday. It really wasn't supposed to be an insult but almost a term of endearment. The drift of the conversation was about self-obsession and how I supposedly constantly fish for compliments. A narcissistic asshole. An asshole who loves himself.

I was amused more than affronted by the remark. Maybe because it might be true to some extent. Here are some more things that people say I am.

Quite a lot of people have told me I'm intelligent. That is something I don't find too hard to believe. Probably because the general level of intelligence around is so low that anything can and does stand out.

I write well. Well. That's something I'd like to believe but honestly I think that is debatable. I feel real good writing comes from what one truly feels. It's not a question of using metaphors or choosing the mot juste. That is a function of intelligence more than writing ability.

I have also been termed as arrogant, cocky, thinks too much of himself, etc. Guilty as charged on that count. No justifications for that one.

Some claim I have a wall around me and I keep people out. I believe that everyone does that to some extent or other. Probably it's more noticeable in me considering I don't have a very effusive and ebullient personality.

Others say I'm a cave-dweller. Absolutely true.

Coming back to the narcissistic asshole bit. I still find the remark quite amusing and insightful. Amusing because I like to believe that I'm above such comments. Insightful because it is a succinct encapsulation of my personality and pretty efficiently put.

As always, a sucker for good analysis.