While in college, a friend called me on the way home from her Abnormal Psychology class. She was breathless and frantic. “I think I know what’s wrong with me!” she exclaimed. “I think I have Histrionic Personality Disorder!”

“No you don’t,” I replied simply. “Stop being dramatic.”

“SEE what I mean?!?!” she countered.

I tell this because I assume you can probably relate to her sentiment when reading through this chapter! Consider the personality disorders and their symptoms. Where do you see facets of your own personality in these symptoms? How can you separate “normal” behaviors from the ones that define personality disorders? Where might a personality disorder have its advantages (such as a narcissistic pageant contestant or an antisocial hockey player)?