Personally, I feel that the increase in the words "I" and "me" in song lyrics over the past 30 years is necessarily a reflection of narcissism, but more a reflection of self-absorbence, be it positive or negative. Looking back on the times when I felt loneliest and most depressed, I have to admit that those were the times I was most self-absorbed. I spent much of my time thinking about how ugly I was, how much I suck, how people had wronged me in the past, how I sounded in a particular conversation, wondering how other people perceived me, why don't people come and talk to me, why does no-one care about me, etc. etc.
If I compare those sad times to my current, generally happy lifestyle, I notice that I am now much more interested in many specific other peoples' lives. I care more about my family and friends and am not worried about how they view me.
However, I do feel I am still self-absorbed so I am trying to apply these tips to become a less self-absorbed person:
1. Actively talk to people and start conversations (instead of waiting for people to come talk to me).
2. Converse without talking about myself or what I've done/I'll be doing at all. (this one is hard for me)
3. Reach out and talk to my family and friends more often; keep in touch often and see how they're doing.
4. Help people I don't know without them asking.
5. Help people I DO know without them asking.
6. Ask people more questions about their lives and opinions.
7. Not worry about how people perceive me. (this one is really hard for me)
