INPUT ARTICLE: Article: The bottom line about the narcissist is they care only about themselves. No offense, but they're not really concerned about you. If they’ve offended you, nurse your wounds elsewhere— they won’t be apologizing.  For example, if the narcissist in your life lied to you about something, they probably won't own up to the behavior. They are more likely to recall saying things differently or blame you in some way. You'll save yourself trouble by not expecting the narcissist to accept blame for any wrongdoing. The narcissist doesn't have to always get their way. Identify where your power lies with the narcissist and use it in negotiations. For example, if your narcissistic brother wants money in exchange for yard work, be sure the work gets done in advance before the cash changes hands. Otherwise, the narcissist is unlikely to follow through with their end of the bargain. Narcissists concentrate almost entirely on advancing themselves. So, if you want the narcissist to do something for you, it's best to frame it in terms of what's in it for them. For instance, say, “Hey, Sally, it'd be great if you could help out with the charity dinner. I know volunteer hours will look good on your resume.” Get on the same team with the narcissist in your life by changing the way you speak. Rather than saying “you” or “me,” say “we" to bring about a feeling of cooperation.  For example, instead of "I need to figure out a solution," say "We need to figure out a solution, Dave." Making this small change to your language will improve interactions with the narcissist by making it seem like you are on the same side. At the core of the narcissistic personality is a deep need to feel worthy. Recognize that when your narcissistic loved one acts out, it's not about you. These behaviors are driven by their innate insecurities. Try not to take them personally.  For example, if your narcissistic partner cheats, it doesn't mean you did anything wrong. They likely saw an opportunity and took it without considering the consequences. It wasn't done specifically to hurt you. If you must, try repeating something to yourself like, “Narcissism is about them, not me.”

SUMMARY: Don't expect an apology. Dust off your negotiation skills. Make what you want seem like what they want. Use “we" language. See bad behavior as being about them, not you.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: In your opening sentence, start with their name, where they lived, and when they passed away. You don’t need to provide the cause of death if you don’t want to. Keep the sentence brief and to the point so you can expand the obituary in other places.  For example, you may write, “On the morning of June 10, 2019, John Smith of Atlanta died at the age of 80.” If you don’t want to use the word “died” because it feels too blunt, try using phrases such as “passed away” or “went to be with the Lord” if they’re religious. List the city where they were born, their parents, and important events that happened in your loved one’s life. You can either list events chronologically or you can put them in order of what you feel is the most important. Try to use as few words as possible so the obituary is concise.  For example, you may write, “John was born to Tom and Jill Smith in 1950. He received his bachelor’s degree in 1976 and managed John’s Restaurant in Atlanta for 22 years. In July 1980, he married Jane Doe, and together raised two children, Anna and Benjamin.” Create a list of major points in your loved one’s life on a separate sheet of paper so you have options to choose from. Avoid listing their mother’s maiden name or your loved one’s birthdate in the biography since identity thieves could steal the information and commit fraud. Including personal details will capture the spirit of your loved one so others understand what their life was like. Create a list of hobbies or activities they actively participated in and how it affected other people.  For example, you may say, “John was an avid car collector in spare time. When he wasn’t working at his restaurant, he would restore classic cars and show them at car shows. He was known for his good sense of humor and his contagious laughter among his friends.” You don’t need to include this section if you don’t have the space for it in your obituary. Mention close family members, such as immediate family and parents, by name. When you want to list extended family, use a collective phrase or list the specific number. For others that have passed away before your loved one, use the phrase “preceded in death by,” and use “survived by” before listing any relatives still living. For example, you may write, “John is preceded in death by his father, Tom, and his mother, Jill. He is survived by his wife, Jane, his 2 children, Anna and Benjamin, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.” If you’re holding a public service, list the time and date along with the name of the funeral home. Make sure to list the specific details so others who were close to your loved one know where to go.  For example, you could write, “A public memorial service will be held at 11:30 AM on June 13th, 2019 at the Church of Christ.” You do not have to provide any information if there is not a public service.

SUMMARY:
Announce the name and time of death in the first sentence. Include a short summary of their life as the next paragraph. Add a short paragraph about hobbies, passions, or personal characteristics. List close family members in the third paragraph. Provide details about the memorial and funeral service if it’s public.