Saturday, 30 August 2025

BEFRIENDING A NARCISSIST AMERICA

 



U.S Secretary of States of Nixon era once famously said "The word will go out to the nations of the world that it may be dangerous to be America's enemy, but to be America's friend is fatal." How true that is can be experienced by all allies of the U.S, E.U, Japan, South Korea and the Gulf countries like U.A.E, Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. This is a typical narcissist’s embrace, and India has kept herself miraculously out of it. Pressures are being mounted every day; we did not know that the Ukraine war was India’s war till the U.S told us. Though China, Europe and the U.S all keep doing business with Moscow, but it is India that is financing the war, and responsible for the killing of innocent Ukrainians!


According to Greek legend, a young man was so fascinated, awestruck, and enraptured by his own image reflected on the surface of a pool that he sat lovingly gazing at water’s edge for so long that he succumbed to his own vanity and eventually drowned and transformed into a flower that carries his name, “Narcissus.”


So, who is a narcissist? 

He or she is one who has

1.      A grandiose sense of self-importance
2.       A preoccupation with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love
3.       A belief that he or she is special and unique and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people or institutions
4.       A need for excessive admiration
5.       A sense of entitlement
6.       Interpersonally exploitative behavior
7.       A lack of empathy
8.       Envy of others or a belief that others are envious of him or her
9.       A demonstration of arrogant and haughty behaviors or attitudes.

Now that almost describes the current U.S. President.



There are phrases that narcissists use that can make you feel bad about yourself. These are not always obvious statements, because narcissists have an incredible ability to make a person feel completely worthless if they allow it and without you even noticing. The intention is that they are willing to go to particularly deep levels of negativity to do so and truly destroy you. These phrases are now often heard from U.S law makers and diplomats, and needless to say, they are hardly diplomatic.  


1. "I'm sorry you feel that way." This is not a genuine apology, even if it seems like one at first. When someone truly apologizes, they acknowledge what they did and don’t shift the blame. We told you to buy oil from Russia when it was convenient for us, but now it is not so you should stop. You think we are being unfair, "I'm sorry you feel that way." 


2. "You’re not worthy of our friendship." In a way, this statement is true – no one deserves a narcissist as a friend, and the largest democracy of the world most certainly not. When a narcissist uses this phrase, you should remember that the real intention is to diminish the other person’s / country’s value. Narcissists think they are above everyone else and deserve only the highest quality in everything and everyone. In their pursuit of perfection, they fail, succeeding only by manipulating people with self-esteem issues; remember the public humiliation of the Ukrainian President and then making him sign away the reserves of rare minerals of his country!


3. "If you didn’t upset me so much, I wouldn’t act this way." This is a familiar phrase that makes the other person feel guilty, even if they were just trying to protect themselves. Toxic people crave control because they are insecure. They also feel that every time they get angry, it’s because the person in front of them somehow provoked them. This is a manipulative pattern that serves only them. The only ones who manage to stay close to them are those willing to worship them and when they come across non-ass kissers like Modi they respond with 50% tariff. "If only India didn't upset me so much, I wouldn't put secondary sanctions against them."


4. "Why are you even friends with them?" This isn’t really a question but an insult toward your friends. Narcissists see themselves as the central figure in your life, and everyone else becomes insignificant in their eyes. Russia has been an all weather friend and always sided with India right from the days of liberation of Bangladesh, when the then U.S President had sent the USS Enterprise to the waters of Bay of Bengal to help a dictatorial Pakistan! And today they have the cheeks to tell us to dump Russia in a war that has nothing to do with us!! The best response is not to get dragged into explanations. Any attempt to justify your friendships with others will lead to further insults from them. So, it is best to ignore them.


5. "Be careful, you don’t want to lose me." This phrase is meant to evoke fear and anxiety. In the past, such a statement was indeed made reminding us of our difficult relations with China. India of the 21st. century can very well manage its affairs with China, without any Western help. The truth is that what is really lost in such relationships is the self respect – the sense of personal worth of the leader and the country, and Modi is far more mature to fall for this crap. America needs the large Indian market of 1.4 billion people just as much as we need access to theirs’. The best thing is to lose the toxic person, and his cheer leaders because life will be much better without them.


6. "I did it for you." It’s important to be grateful for what people do for you, but there’s no obligation to accept gifts or actions that don’t suit or don’t bring joy. Even if the narcissist invested a lot of effort or money, you have every right to say, “Thank you, but I don’t want this.” No, Trump had no role in the cease fire after Operation Sindoor and if he is suffering from delusion of grandiosity and importance he needs treatment. India will not oblige and not recommend him for the Nobel Peace Prize.  


7. "If you loved me, you would…" This is one of the most common manipulative phrases. When you say “no” to a certain request, the narcissist responds by claiming it is proof of a lack of trust. In reality, everyone has the right to refuse what doesn’t suit them. There’s no need to prove affinity by constantly sacrificing our self. We are not paupers. We do not need American aid. We do not beg for American arms free of cost, we purchase them. We don’t need periodic bail out packages to run our economy and free food grains to feed our citizens. We feel it is far better to love ourselves, and if the situation doesn’t improve – seriously consider abandoning the relationship till better senses prevail in Washington.


The United States has long been past the point in our history where making direct connections between the policies of Hitler and his Nazis and those of Trump and his MAGA White supremist supporters are as clear and as relevant. These are two historical eras that were and are led by men with clear Sociopathic and Narcissistic Personality Disorders.


Hitler did and Trump is destined to drown by their narcissism. Hitler did not and Trump will not transform into a fragrant flower. The Indian response to his narcissist attack is the best response. The allies are bending far too much for his comfort. History will not pardon them and they will soon pay a heavy price when they go to the polls the next time. The war in Ukraine will be stopped by diplomacy and dialogue and not by threats, ultimatums and sanctions.

 



 

Monday, 25 August 2025

PRAISES AND COMPLIMENTS – EASY TO GIVE, DELIGHTFUL TO RECEIVE


I am back after enjoying a lovely conference in Cidade de Goa. Besides learning newer things, acquiring newer knowledge and familiarizing with newer technologies, these conferences are great occasions for reestablishing camaraderie and rekindling old friendship, as well as making exciting new ones too. It charges my batteries and I am all prepared to work with new vigor and excitement. But unfortunately, that is not the case with everyone! Some keep on complaining about easily ignorable problems, some are always concerned about imagined inter-personal issues, and they invariably are easily exhausted and in a hurry to leave. These people find it very difficult to see the good in anything and anyone ad they are a big miser when it comes to complimenting people.

 

We all love receiving compliments, even those of us who feel shy when we hear one. A compliment tells us that someone sees us, notices us, and finds good things in us. It signifies a strong connection, boosts self-confidence if we truly let it sink into our hearts, and accept it without resistance. We usually want to make our spouse or our friend or colleague feel this way, so we choose to compliment them when the opportunity arises. However, not everyone does it correctly. A compliment that proves you truly see the person in front of you, beyond their external appearance, is the best gift you can give them.

 

Why is it important to compliment non-external traits?

Compliment can improve mood and create a positive relationship, and focusing on non-external traits rather than physical appearance is always better. Of course, it's appropriate to compliment physical beauty as well, but the best compliments show appreciation for energy, passion, determination, strength, and kindness, traits that truly make the person special in our eyes. Here are some reasons why these compliments are more beneficial and important:

It highlights the person's qualities:  We often cannot significantly influence our physical appearance, and it doesn't truly define who we are. In contrast, traits like humor, empathy, determination, or intelligence shape our behavior and reflect our values, so they are more connected to who we really are.

It creates a deep connection: A compliment is a gift that's easy to give and delightful to receive. When you compliment someone on their character or abilities, you're essentially telling them that you're paying attention to them and not overlooking them. This helps strengthen your bond and encourages a relationship that's not superficial.

It lasts longer: Our appearance changes over time, especially how we look in certain clothes or hairstyles. But our character often remains the same throughout life, and as mentioned, it represents who we are much more. Therefore, such a compliment lasts longer in the recipient's mind, along with the positive feeling it generates.

It boosts self-esteem: Of course, compliments like "You look beautiful today" or "This beard looks great on you" boost confidence in our appearance. However, compliments that touch on character or abilities can do so on a much deeper level. They affirm who we are and what we're good at, truly helping to raise our self-confidence in everything we choose to do.

It encourages personal growth: When you compliment someone on the effort they've put in, their creativity, or problem-solving abilities, they will want to use those skills more and even develop them until they become an integral part of who they are, even if they don't feel these traits define them. Consistent compliments like these can be a significant source of motivation.

It is from the heart and it touches the heart: When you tell someone that “You are always smiling” or “You invariably look contended and at peace with life” it establishes a heart to heart hotline and the affection is unmistakable. Even if you meet once a year or even less frequently, it immediately reestablishes your friendship.

 

How to give unique and genuine compliments?

Try to figure out what you appreciate about the person. When you think of them, what is the first thing that comes to mind? How do they change the atmosphere in a room when they enter? How does their energy affect you? What about their personality makes your day? So, the best compliment shows appreciation for the unique things about the person you're complimenting.   Your compliments should be as focused as possible. Instead of giving a general compliment like 'You're so good' or 'You're amazing,' focus on specific actions or qualities you truly value and admire. Generalized appreciation often sounds hollow. For example, if your partner has an incredible ability to stay calm in stressful situations, you can say: "I really appreciate how you handled that today. You stayed calm, and it helped everyone else relax too." Such a statement highlights your partner's special ability, shows that you noticed it, and demonstrates your appreciation for its impact on you and others

 

Examples

If you need a bit more help coming up with ideas for non-appearance-based compliments, here are a few compliments you can use, tweaking them as needed to match your partner's unique personality:

1. You are so thoughtful—that's one of my favorite things about you.

2. You have such a calming effect on me.

3. Your joy is contagious.

4. You're so calm amidst all the chaos—it's amazing!

5. Your positivity is like sunshine on a rainy day.

6. You bring out the best in me.

7. You're the only person I can fully trust.

8. You're the glue that holds our family together.

9. You inspire me to give my 100% effort.

10. You have a way of explaining things that makes everything clearer.

11. You know how to tell every story in a captivating way.

12. You're so good at ____________

13. With you, even the most boring thing in the world can be fun.

14. You always know what to say to make people feel better.

15. You're such a great listener—that's why you understand me.

16. With you, I feel comfortable being myself. 17. You have a way of making everyone feel included.

18. Your creativity always amazes me.

19. Your passion for the things you love is incredible.

20. You are the kindest person I know, and I'm so lucky to have you in my life.

 

Compliment and Flattery are two different things alltogether

Flattery often contains excessive or insincere praise, aimed at winning someone's favor or attention. Compliment, in contrast, is an honest expression of admiration or approval regarding someone's quality or accomplishment. Flattery can sometimes be with ulterior motive and be seen as manipulative, as it can be utilized to sway someone's opinion or decision. A Compliment, in its genuine form, does not seek to manipulate but simply acknowledges something positively. It lacks hidden agendas, being an authentic appreciation. That is the reason why flattery might sound over-the-top or overly effusive, while a compliment sounds heartfelt and sincere.

 

 

In today's world, many people place too much emphasis on physical appearance, while what we often lack are internal sources of positive feelings. You can provide such a source for your spouse by saying, "I notice who you are, your true self, and I think you're amazing!" Whether it's their sense of humor, kindness, or the way they handle stressful situations, a compliment on such a character trait can truly impact their inner feelings and your relationship. So, don't hesitate to give a compliment—it doesn't cost you anything, but its value is priceless.

Saturday, 9 August 2025

RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY IN LIMB TRAUMA


On June 30, 2025 I had the opportunity to share my experience with the students and teachers of Balaji Medical College in Chennai. Dr. Manimaran had organized the meeting and the audience hd MBBS and M.S General Surgery students. 

We divided the topic of Reconstructive Surgery in Limb Trauma into:

1. Limb Salvage surgery

2. Like for Like Tissue Reconstructions

3. Funstional Muscle transfers

4. Replants and Revascularizations

5. Dermal Substitutes

6. Documentation

7. Physiotherapy

As we were addressing the students and not our peers, at times we indulged in over-simplification. If you would like to see the presentation please click the following hyperlink / icon:

surajit batacharya 2.mp4