own reflection. This shows why many homosexual relationships do not last very long. They are in love/lust as long as the image of loving themself can be maintained, but the veneer can only last so long and when the other person becomes real with time, they too become real, and the mirror image becomes cracked and distorted. It is time to move on to seek a replacement to fulfill the fantasy with out the reality. The examples I have given so far helps to lead into my final thought, which is the detrimental effect narcissism had in the myth Echo and Narcissus and the effect they have today. Narcissus was unable to love anyone. He had many admirers, but he was too busy with his own self. The nymph Echo was in love with Narcissus and tried many times to get his attention, but he would belittle and ignore her, as is the case for many narcissistic people. When Echo was finally able to get him to notice her, Narcissus was so hurtful and mean that he shamed Echo into retreating to a tree to hide her blushes, where she finally died of lost love. Narcissus never thought of Echo again, but he did find love in a reflection in a fountain. Narcissus wanted the love of the reflection, unaware that it was himself that he was in love with. Narcissus died waiting for this love that could never come, he died because he was in love with an image. Joseph Page4 The same is true for narcissuses today. They are in love with an image; this image can be them in the mirror or the reflection of themselves in the eyes of another. It is not that they mean to love themselves, many times they are not aware that they have misplaced the love they should be giving to others onto themselves. It is their right to be given this attention and worship, sadly they end up going from relationship to relationship, and hurting endless people in the process....
