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What are the Best Way to Deal with a Narcissist

Dealing with someone who constantly puts themselves first and seems to lack care for others can drain your energy and test your patience.

Maybe you’ve noticed how they turn every talk back to themselves, brush off your feelings, or make you doubt your own worth.

This can be tough. That’s why here are some real, practical ways to handle these challenging relationships while keeping your peace of mind.

This guide will walk you through effective strategies that actually work in day-to-day life.

What is Narcissism

Narcissism is when someone sees themselves as more important than everyone else and needs lots of attention to feel good.

They have a hard time seeing or caring about other people’s feelings, tend to take advantage of others, and expect constant praise.

When they don’t get what they want, they might get very upset or try to make others feel bad.

They often blame others for their problems and rarely say sorry for their mistakes.

While everyone can be self-focused sometimes, people with narcissism show these behaviors so often that it hurts their relationships and makes it hard for others to be around them.

Types of Narcissistic People

Type	Description
Grandiose Narcissist	Overestimates their importance. Seeks admiration and validation.
Vulnerable Narcissist	Appears shy or reserved but feels entitled. May show insecurity and sensitivity to criticism.
Malignant Narcissist	Combines narcissism with aggression. Often manipulative, deceitful, and lacks empathy.
Covert Narcissist	Less obvious in their narcissism. May present as introverted or shy while seeking validation.

Best Ways to Deal with a Narcissist

Here are some useful ways that can be used while dealing with a narcissistic person in your life:

1. Set Clear Boundaries

Narcissists often try to push limits and manipulate others.

Setting clear, firm boundaries helps protect your emotional and mental well-being. Be direct and consistent in communicating what you will and won’t tolerate.

2. Avoid Arguing

Narcissists often thrive on conflict and can twist conversations to make you feel guilty or wrong.

Avoid engaging in arguments and redirect the conversation or calmly exit the situation when necessary. This helps avoid unnecessary drama.

3. Don’t Take It Personally

Narcissists may belittle or criticize others to boost their own self-esteem.

Remember, their behavior is a reflection of them, not of you. Don’t internalize their actions, as their goal is often to manipulate or control others.

4. Stay Calm and Detached

Narcissists can be emotionally intense and may try to provoke a reaction.

Stay calm and avoid getting drawn into emotional outbursts. Detach yourself from their drama to keep your peace.

5. Limit Personal Sharing

Narcissists often use information against others. It’s best to keep personal details to yourself.

By limiting what you share, you can avoid giving them ammunition to manipulate you.

6. Seek Support from Trusted Individuals

Dealing with a narcissist can be draining. It’s important to have a support system.

Speak with friends, family, or a therapist who can offer perspective and emotional support when you feel overwhelmed.

7. Recognize Manipulation Tactics

Narcissists use different tactics like gaslighting, guilt-tripping, or love bombing to control others.

Recognizing these behaviors helps you avoid falling for their tricks and maintains your emotional stability.

8. Focus on Self-Care

Dealing with a narcissist can take a toll on your mental and physical health.

Prioritize self-care, engage in activities that help you relax, and ensure you take time for yourself to recharge.

9. Know When to Walk Away

If the relationship is toxic and causing harm, it may be necessary to walk away.

Don’t hesitate to leave if the narcissist’s behavior is consistently damaging to your well-being.

It’s important to protect yourself.

10. Set Realistic Expectations

Narcissists may not be capable of genuine empathy or long-term change.

Set realistic expectations and understand that their behavior is unlikely to change without professional help.

Don’t hold onto false hope for change if the behavior continues.

How is Narcissism Developed

Research suggests that narcissism often takes root in early childhood.
When children grow up either being praised too much or too little, it can shape how they see themselves.
Some kids might hear they’re special and better than others all the time, leading them to believe it deeply.
Others might get very little attention or face harsh criticism, making them build a false sense of being special to protect themselves from feeling hurt.
Children who never learn about limits, or whose parents either ignore them or put them on a pedestal, might grow up struggling to understand their real place in the world.

Narcissism Vs. Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Aspect	Narcissism	Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)
Definition	A personality trait of self-centeredness.	A mental health disorder with persistent patterns of grandiosity and lack of empathy.
Impact	Mild, occasional issues in relationships.	Severe affects daily functioning and relationships.
Treatment	Can improve with self-awareness.	Requires professional therapy.

Ways to Move On from a Narcissistic Person

Accept the Reality: Acknowledge that the relationship was unhealthy and that moving on is necessary for your well-being.
Set Boundaries: Establish clear, firm boundaries to protect yourself from further manipulation or emotional harm.
Limit Contact: Reduce or cut off communication to prevent getting drawn back into their control.
Seek Support: Reach out to friends, family, or a therapist to get emotional support during the healing process.
Focus on Self-Care: Take care of your physical and emotional health by practicing self-care routines that restore your strength.
Forgive Yourself: Let go of any guilt or self-blame for staying in the relationship longer than you should have.
Reflect and Learn: Reflect on the relationship to learn from it and avoid making similar mistakes in the future.
Find Closure: If possible, gain closure by confronting your feelings, either by speaking with the narcissist or through personal reflection.
Engage in New Activities: Keep busy with hobbies, activities, or interests to distract and help you reclaim your sense of self.
Rebuild Your Confidence: Take small steps to rebuild your self-esteem and remind yourself of your worth.

Conclusion

Living or working with someone who always puts themselves first can feel overwhelming. Keep in mind – you cannot change how they act, but you can change how you respond.

Take care of yourself first.