kleptomaniac friend....HELP!!! - Family & Friends of the Mentally Ill Message Board

caligurl7 · 01-07-2003, 01:03 PM

i do not know how to help my friend. he is a great friend, but often "borrows" things from his friends whithout asking and then hides them, because we know when things are missing they will turn up in his apartment. Usually he will take shirts from his male friends and often will go through others wallets to take any spare change or single dollars. I love spending time with him but am nervous when he comes over to my house because I dont know if he will take stuff from me or not. He is also very narcissistic and constantly tries to get complements on his appearance and often comments about how his abs or arms or whatever are better than the other guys. Weve tried to help him but he insists nothing is wrong. what can I do?

Kaitie · 01-07-2003, 01:19 PM

I'm treading on this subject VERY carefully. I have Borderline Personality Disorder. I'm not using this as an excuse - and I'm reluctant to write anything here for fear of looking horrible. I am a total klepto. I draw the line at friends and family - never ever. But commercial businesses get it from me all the time - nothing major and I've never been caught. It's horrible. I need help, your friend needs help. See, the problem is though - neither of us will get it because WE don't want it. I can honestly say that I find NOTHING wrong with what I do (the problem). I don't feel guilty afterwards or anything. Morally I know its wrong - sure, but that never plays a part because somehow I've seperated ME from the action. Your friend probably doesn't feel a tad of guilt and you need to show him HOW. You - or a professional need to teach him the difference - and then, once you've learned - tell me too.

Kaitie *sigh*