with whom they associate. Individuals with th is disorder believe that their needs are spe-
cial and beyond the ken of ordinary people. Their own self-esteem is enhanced (i.e., “mir-
rored”) by the idealized value that they assign  to those with whom they associate. They are
likely to insist on having only the “top” pers on (doctor, lawyer, hair dresser, instructor) or
being affiliated with the “best” institutions but may devalue the credentials of those who dis-
appoint them.
Individuals with this disorder generally require excessiv e admiration (Criterion 4). Their
self-esteem is almost invariably very fragile.  They may be preoccupied with how well they
are doing and how favorably they are regarded by  others. This often takes the form of a need
for constant attention and admira tion. They may expect their arri val to be greeted with great
fanfare and are astonished if others do not c ovet their possessions. Th ey may constantly fish
for compliments, often with great charm. A sens e of entitlement is ev ident in these individ-
uals’ unreasonable expectation of especially fa vorable treatment (Criterion 5). They expect
to be catered to and are puzzled or furious when this does not happen. For example, they
may assume that they do not have to wait in line and that th eir priorities are so important
that others should defer to them, and then ge t irritated when others fail to assist “in their
very important work.” This sense of entitlement,  combined with a lack of sensitivity to the
wants and needs of others, may result in the conscious or unwitting exploitation of others
(Criterion 6). They expect to be given whatever they want or  feel they need, no matter what
it might mean to others. For example, these individuals may expect great dedication from