I've been researching and reading quite a lot on narcissism off and on over the past year or two. This subject can be tedious and seem laughably conflicted or cross-connected at times, but it seems to be improving - Improvement in my searching skills and perhaps improvement in the available online selections have made this seem more productive lately, so I'd like to share two of the most interesting papers to me that I have found. In case you too might find them interesting as useful perspectives.
I found the following book helpful, at least with dealing with my narcissistic ex.
Healing from a Narcissistic Relationship
A Caretaker's Guide to Recovery, Empowerment, and Transformation
By: Margalis Fjelstad
@EarnestEccentric Sometimes we are just too psychologically damaged to be in a healthy happy relationship, and better off resigning ourselves to that and learn to be happy on our own. At least I think that's where I am.
Though if the right person were to come along, that had all the ingredients of honesty, honor and respect to be a comfort to my fears, I'd entertain dating, or at least having an activity partner, besides my girlfriends.
However we end up narcissistic or untrusting or whatever, it's not usually our fault, and all we can do is try to overcome the problem, correct our reactions, and learn to recognize bad habits and patterns. First step is recognizing the problem. So good on you for that!