How to Deal With a Narcissistic?

It’s crucial to remember that there is a difference between someone self-centered and unsympathetic and someone with a narcissistic personality disorder, even though some individuals can be eager to use the term “narcissist” in this context. Many people may exhibit what medical professionals call narcissistic traits, such as feeling entitled or possessing a lofty sense of self. 

Dealing with those who have narcissistic personality disorder can be difficult.

What narcissism is, how to deal with someone who exhibits frequent narcissistic tendencies, how their conduct may influence you, and what you can do to look after your mental well-being are all topics covered in this article.

What Is a Narcissist?

A narcissist is someone who has an exaggerated sense of who they are. A person with this trait frequently shows an extreme preoccupation with their image and appearance to the point that they show little care or empathy for others.

A narcissist is extremely self-centered to the point where it negatively affects those around them. Because of this, it’s critical to spot the warning signs so that you can develop a strategy for dealing with the narcissist in your life.

Also Read: Types of Mental Health Problems

Why Is It Important to Protect Yourself From Narcissists Proactively?

Your self-esteem will suffer if you have a close relationship with a narcissist, whether they be a narcissistic family member, partner, friend, or workplace. Narcissists will use any manipulative technique to seize control of the situation and maintain their fragile egos. They will gradually reduce your sense of worth and make you dependent on them.

The following are some typical outcomes of having a close relationship with a narcissist:

• Decreased self-assurance and respect

• Isolation

• Identity loss

• Being wary of conflict and too watchful.

• Your boundaries start eroding as you put their demands before your own.

• You attribute all of your problems to yourself.

• You start to rely too much on the narcissist, either financially or socially, or you give them an Excessive amount of your money.

• Difficulties with anxiety, depression, and mental health

• Self-doubt

• Reduced aims, goals, and ambitions

• People who leave an abusive, narcissistic relationship frequently struggle with PTSD3. They could become too sensitive or numb after the relationship.

• Your relationship with a narcissistic partner, friend, coworker, or family member may significantly impact you. You must act as quickly as possible if this is the case.

4 Advice on How to Deal With a Narcissist

A narcissist can be demanding and hard to deal with. It might be tough to feel at ease at your home or place of employment, and harm your mental health.

Finding coping mechanisms is crucial. You can handle your connection with the narcissist while maintaining your mental health if you know what makes narcissists tick and explore some of the most effective coping mechanisms. This advice can be helpful whether you have to deal with a narcissist at home, at work, or in a social situation.

1. Don’t personalize their actions.

Recognize that the person you interact with may have narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). Although the exact cause of NPD is unknown, it is frequently connected to elements including heredity, childhood abuse, trauma, personality, and upbringing.

People with NPD require professional help, but they rarely look for it. They are unable to alter their behavior on their own and may not be able to realize that there is a problem. You might suggest they speak with a therapist, but they will probably refuse or react badly.

While you know that narcissistic actions like manipulation and lack of attention aren’t personal attacks against you, the problem is that these behaviors often feel that way. Keep in mind that it is not personal.

They did not cause their behaviors, and neither are you to blame. You can urge them to seek assistance but are not obligated to stand by them or correct their errors.

2. Set boundaries

• Setting clear boundaries is one of the most crucial things you can do while dealing with a narcissist at home or in business. In a relationship, boundaries define what you are and are not ready to accept. They are unwavering boundaries that define what constitutes appropriate and permissible behavior.

• For instance, you may state unequivocally that you will not tolerate actions like rudeness or name-calling when you communicate with one another. The discourse will end if they continue acting in this manner.

• Setting limits does not involve attempting to influence the other person. Instead, these restrictions make it clear which actions won’t be accepted. It’s crucial to uphold your boundaries after you’ve established them. If the other person breaks it, the repercussions should be immediately applied. 

• As in the scenario mentioned above, stop talking as soon as possible and go. Please don’t fight with them or wait for a response. Put an end to it.

• Likewise, don’t issue empty threats or make demands you won’t keep. The other person won’t take your boundaries seriously if you don’t enforce them. However, they’ll be more likely to believe you when you say you won’t accept a behavior if you follow through with the repercussions. 

Example: “This conversation is over if you keep speaking to me in that manner.” As soon as they exhibit the behavior you warned them about, get out of there as quickly (and safely) as possible.

It’s also critical to understand that establishing and upholding limits is continuous. Keep establishing your boundaries and reminding people of them.

Also Read: 8 Top Tips For A Happier Relationship

3. Recognize gaslighting

You may have observed narcissists engaging in a practice known as gaslighting. This manipulation defies reality in a way that makes you question your perceptions and experiences.

For instance:

• They may dispute what they said or claim they were kidding and you are being overly sensitive.

• They could doubt your knowledge of what occurred, accuse you of reading events incorrectly or overreacting, undermining your confidence.

• In other situations, they may merely refute what they have done or said.

• Dealing with gaslighting is difficult, especially when your word is being used against theirs. Keeping written recordings of occurrences, keeping physical records that support your experiences, or asking others to observe your discussions with the other person are all ways to cope. This is crucial in the job, where a selfish competitor could accuse you of acting badly or incompetently to win over your coworkers and superiors.

• When they attempt to gaslight you, set a boundary by being explicit that you know what you are doing and won’t put up with it again.

4. Find Assistance

Dealing with a narcissist’s dysfunctional and occasionally abusive conduct can be tiring when you are in a relationship with a narcissist, whether a roommate, family member, love partner, or coworker, it is crucial to maintain healthy relationships with others who are kind and supportive. 

An approach to receive emotional support and perspective is to have other individuals you can chat with about how you are doing. Look for healthy relationships with other individuals and allow for mutual listening. You should feel comfortable being authentically around them since they embrace you for who you are.

Refrain from venting and gossiping at work; the narcissist is skilled at using your words against you. However, to counteract the narcissist’s attempts to discredit you, let your superior know about the narcissist’s actions in private.

Conclusion

It’s difficult to coexist with a narcissist. There are things you can do to keep strong, supported, and psychologically healthy, even if it might be exhausting and tough. Remember that you are not the issue; try not to take their actions personally. Establish clear boundaries, safeguard your self-worth, and look for supportive relationships with others who can relate to your situation.

Last, remember that you don’t need to wait until a relationship becomes poisonous to quit. The best thing you can do for your mental health is frequently to leave the circumstance. 

Also Read: Why Relationship Counseling Will Elevate Your Intimacy