We live in a culture that lauds narcissism in the guise of assertiveness.

Let me say that again. We live in a culture that lauds narcissism in the guise of assertiveness.

Don’t misunderstand. To be assertive can be a very good thing, especially when one needs to be heard. Sometimes, it’s a grave mistake to keep silent when things need to be said.

But we can draw a fine line between healthy self-promotion, the kind of assertiveness that helps us look out for ourselves, and our desire to be and have “the best” seat in the house!

For some, having the “best” life can offer signals an obsession with status which in turn often signals some kind of emptiness within. People often attempt to inflate a poor self-image by immersing themselves in positions of glitter and grandeur.

The “sparkle” t…