Tips for How to Deal With a Narcissist

Last updated: Sep 19, 2022
Tips for How to Deal With a Narcissist

Tips for establishing boundaries so that you can safeguard yourself from some of the negative actions that narcissists take.

Are you involved in a relationship with a narcissist? If so, you should establish boundaries so that you can safeguard yourself from some of the negative actions that narcissists take.

Narcissistic personality disorder: what is it?

When a person adopts a "fake personality" to hide significant childhood traumas and hurt from others, we refer to that person as a narcissist or someone who has narcissistic characteristics.

Being too charming and having a "big" personality are two ways narcissists may display themselves to others (very extroverted, wanting to be the center of attention at all times).

When a person has an excessive amount of love for himself, narcissism becomes a personality disorder. A person with this syndrome behaves strangely, and their attitude and behavior cannot be regarded as normal.

Because they are always comparing themselves to those around them and discovering (secretly; they would never acknowledge this publicly) that they fall short, people with NPD (narcissistic personality disorder) struggle with feelings of emptiness and never feel "good enough."

Tips for How to Deal with a Narcissist

How can you identify a narcissist?

They are self-absorbed, self-centered, and frequently egotistical, believing they are superior to and more knowledgeable than everyone else. When speaking with them, they typically take the lead and give no chance for anyone else to contribute. Everything is for the narcissist, for them.

If you can recognize certain behaviors that these people exhibit, you can deal with narcissists more effectively.

8 Signs that a person is narcissistic

Here are some actions that a narcissist would take, which are then discussed. Continue reading if you want to learn how to deal with a narcissist:

1.They demand praise all the time.

They are insatiably hungry for compliments. Most importantly, they want no one to hold them to the same standard because this adulation is exclusively for them.

In fact, people become irate and dissatisfied if they don't always receive the same heartfelt comments.

In addition, studies have shown that giving youngsters too much praise might actually make them narcissistic.

2. A strong sense of self-worth

They fail to comprehend that everyone has value and that others too have hearts. Narcissists have little empathy for others and actually like to be treated better than everyone else.

3. superiority complex

Whether or whether they have accomplished anything, they have a sense of superiority that permeates everything they do.

They aspire to be seen as being in a more prominent position than other people.

4. They embellish their accomplishments

Furthermore, if they possess a gift for anything that has even enabled them to realize their goals, narcissists will always overstate these achievements.

5. They center on strength and beauty

Another notable trait of such people is their fixation with ideals of beauty, power, intellect, and a life mate. Many people are drawn to these things, making it sometimes difficult to detect, but those who have dealt with narcissists know that their concentration is on an entirely different level.

6. Creative by nature

They use devious strategies and manipulative tactics to achieve their goals.

In addition, they could exploit others and act really kindly and politely to get their way. In fact, a University of Alabama study revealed that such individuals could purposefully try to even make their relationships envious.

7. A jealous nature

They always feel jealous of others and believe that others feel the same way because they are wonderful beings who combine intelligence and attractiveness. As a result, it can be challenging to interact with narcissists since they believe that others who bring out their narcissistic qualities are out to get them.

8. They are not able to take criticism

Finally, they respond to any criticism of them by being incredibly arrogant (check out this interesting study that talks about the relation of criticism with narcissism).

8. suggestions for dealing with narcissists

Here are some actions to take while dealing with a narcissist if you're wondering how to handle one:

Establish your limits in a relaxed approach.

It will be quite difficult to discuss limits with a narcissistic spouse or partner. Telling narcissists what they can and cannot do can infuriate them more than anything, especially if it is done in a hostile manner.

Being courteous while still being tough is the best approach to taking on a narcissist. Set a boundary by saying in a calm voice, "I find it difficult to listen to you when you talk like this," if your narcissist is verbally abusing you.

I'm going to go (or, if you're on the phone, hang up), but I'm willing to talk to you when you can speak in a decent tone.

then get up and leave or hang up. Do not hold out for the response. By doing this, you are teaching the narcissist that changing their attitude will let you back into the conversation and shielding yourself from the abuse that comes with dealing with them.

Recognize that their behaviors are motivated by nothingness.

When dealing with a narcissist, especially, try not to become angry or blame yourself. It is the disease that is manifesting; they are not doing this on purpose.

Let it go when they criticize you in order to bolster themselves.

When dealing with a narcissist, don't wait for them to apologize for your own peace of mind. In addition, you need to be aware that the narcissist's remorse for the abuse is not genuine. They are merely positioning you for future harm.

Tips for How to Deal with a Narcissist

Let go of them

Due to the fact that you have kids together, you might need to continue communicating with the narcissist. Now, in this circumstance, how to deal with a narcissistic spouse.

Practice detached communication with them to keep your sanity. Avoiding lengthy, in-depth conversations with a narcissistic spouse is the best course of action.

When conversing via email, skim for the important details (skipping all of their narcissistic rants) and react to those points in a professional manner. Stay out of their deceptive actions, keep your remarks succinct, and remain impartial.

Think about your own happiness.

You shouldn't rely on narcissists to fulfill their promises to you. Promises are only a ruse to keep you involved in the relationship. Don't rely on others to make you happy; go out and make it yourself. They will not.

Only issues like "how to cope with a narcissistic husband or wife" and "how to deal with a narcissistic boyfriend or girlfriend" need to be on your mind. Instead of trying to find a "happily-ever-after" with a narcissist, your attention should be on how to deal with them.

Never let narcissists see how their actions are affecting you.

Narcissists enjoy knowing that they have an emotional impact on other people. Most people experience guilt when they are aware of the harm they are causing.

This is why divorced narcissists occasionally try to harm their ex-wife by not abiding by rules like obeying the terms of the divorce agreement, paying child support on time, or visiting their ex-house spouses without permission (and sometimes even breaking in!).

Don't let them see how you are responding to these actions. Ignoring these circumstances is the wisest course of action.

Be prepared to reaffirm your boundaries with them frequently.

The narcissists typically respect them for a while before repeatedly pushing their boundaries. They are looking for a weakness to allow them to undermine you once more.

You will find it difficult to have to continually "drawing the line in the sand," but you must do it in order to convince the narcissist that you are serious.