Anyone who has dealt with a narcissist knows that they can be difficult to deal with. They’re aggressive, self-centered, and unconcerned about other people’s feelings unless it affects them.
If you are close to a narcissist or have narcissistic tendencies yourself, you may find it useful to understand how others perceive you when you act in this manner and how you can effectively deal with your own (or someone else’s) narcissism in order to reach out and connect with others in healthy ways.
How To Handle A Narcissist
1. Take a step back
Dealing with a narcissist can be frustrating, but keep in mind that they have their own insecurities and motivations. Recognize that you are not the only one who has had negative experiences with them, and take as much care of yourself as possible.
This is frequently easier said than done, but it is critical! You must set limits for yourself and your time.
For example, if someone says something rude to you at work, respond honestly but then leave before things escalate.
You don’t have to put up with anything just because they’re telling you what you want to hear; setting boundaries will help you maintain your sanity.
When dealing with a narcissist, the more confident and self-assured you are, the better off you will be.
It takes time to figure out how to deal with them effectively while also feeling good about yourself, which is why this post may come in handy later on. Best wishes!
2. Establish Boundaries
Narcissists are aware that they are not good people, but they want you to believe otherwise. They will do anything for their ego, and once you realize this, setting boundaries becomes easier.
Once the boundary has been established and the narcissist has crossed it again, inform them that if they continue to do so, they will be removed from your life. Please explain why.
If they violate the boundary again, go ahead and remove them from your life.
3. Recognize Their Behavior
Narcissists have no empathy for others. They are unable to see the world through the eyes of others. Their own wants and needs are all that matters.
This means they will do whatever it takes to get what they want, without regard for shame or guilt.
They have the ability to be charming and charismatic, which they use to manipulate others into giving them what they want.
This is frequently due to a sense of entitlement. Once you understand how narcissists behave, you’ll be able to spot them from a mile away and deal with them accordingly.
4. Do Not Participate
The first rule of dealing with narcissistic behavior is to not engage. This means you should avoid fueling their behavior by arguing with them.
A narcissist will never change their behavior because they are too preoccupied with themselves to care about others. They crave attention and will go to any length to obtain it, including manipulating others.
It doesn’t matter what your response is or how many times you’ve tried before; as soon as you try to talk about their feelings, emotions, or behaviors – even if you mean well – this person will find a reason why your opinion is irrelevant. Don’t give them an opportunity to feel superior or victimized.
5. Pardon Yourself
You can’t change someone else no matter how hard you try. It’s true that you were duped and lied to, but it’s not your fault. It is critical that you forgive yourself in order to move on and heal.
Instead of living in the present, think of the situation as something that happened in the past. If you don’t stop thinking about what happened, a piece of your life will always be missing.
Dwelling on what happened will not benefit anything or anyone, especially you. Instead, consider what you’re going to do next. You can go out and socialize with people who aren’t toxic, such as narcissists.
Doing things that make you happy will boost your self-esteem, leaving you with less time to deal with the narcissist and more time to enjoy life!
6. Stay away from them If at all possible, narcissists are toxic individuals.
They will employ you and then discard you when they are done with you. Keep your distance from them if at all possible. If that isn’t an option, here are some other options for dealing with their behavior:
Maintain your cool and avoid losing your cool. When dealing with narcissists, it is best to take a deep breath and avoid engaging. You’ll avoid putting yourself in dangerous situations that could lead to abuse or worse.
It also gives the person the impression that what they’re doing is having an effect on you—and there goes your reputation!
Take Yourself Out of the Situation Immediately: It may be necessary for someone else, such as a friend or coworker, to step in for you.
However, act quickly before the situation spirals out of control. DO NOT LET THIS KIND OF PERSON GET UNDER YOUR SKIN BY FIGHTING BACK. Remember that these people thrive on attention and drama, so whatever reaction you give them will be exactly what they desire!
7. Refuse to Accept Apologies
Don’t accept a narcissist’s apologies. It’s nothing more than an attempt to make them feel better about themselves. The only way they will ever truly change is if they accept their behavior and seek the necessary assistance. Meanwhile, you must prioritize your own well-being by establishing boundaries and limits. You’ve earned it!
8. Take Care of Yourself
- You can start practicing self-care with the following guides.
- Make time for yourself every day, even if it’s only 5 minutes.
- Spend some time journaling about how you’re feeling and your current needs.
- If a narcissist is making you feel bad about yourself or taking up too much of your time, take a break from the conversation.
- Set and enforce boundaries.
- Trust your instincts.
- Practice self-compassion and kindness to yourself by avoiding self-destructive behaviors such as eating junk food, staying on social media for longer than necessary, and so on.
- Find support outside of your relationship with a narcissist so you can talk about how you’re feeling without fear of them thinking less of you or leaving you.
9. Recognize the distinction betwee
n assertiveness and aggression.
Narcissists are manipulative at best and abusive at worst. They can be difficult to deal with because they frequently don’t care how their actions affect others and will do whatever it takes to get what they want.
When dealing with a narcissist, it’s critical not to become aggressive; otherwise, you’ll just add fuel to the fire. If you need to set a boundary or confront them about something, use assertiveness rather than aggression.
Be truthful while remaining gentle. Take a deep breath before responding so you don’t say anything in rage that you later regret. This may be sufficient to defuse the situation or give you time to plan your next move.
10. Pay attention to your body language and what you say.
Narcissists are horrible people, but they’re also very good at making you feel terrible. They want to be noticed, and they want it when and how they want it. Here are some suggestions for dealing with them:
Be aware of your body language and what you say, as the narcissist will take it personally and will seek an argument. If the narcissist becomes angry or makes accusations, don’t argue back because it will only escalate their rage.
You’re best off ignoring them, walking away, or changing the subject. One method that works well for me is to pretend I’m on the phone while walking away from them so they can’t see my face. It allows me to relax and avoid getting into a fight in which I will most likely lose my cool. Also, keep in mind that narcissists can be very manipulative and may use guilt trips as leverage.
11. Move your gaze away from them so they don’t continue to give you orders or make decisions for you.
Turn away from them so
they don’t continue to give you orders or make decisions on your behalf. If you are currently being ordered around by the narcissist, this is the best way to get out of the situation and regain your composure. If you’re in a relationship with one, do this when they’re trying to push you into something that goes against what you want or need.
12. Never apologize for anything.
Narcissists have an exaggerated sense of self-importance and entitlement. They believe they are entitled to preferential treatment, privileges, and honors. They can be destructive because they lack empathy and use other people to get what they want.
When dealing with a narcissist, it’s critical not to apologize for anything because they don’t understand apologizing as an acknowledgement of their own wrongdoing; instead, it’s interpreted as a sign of weakness or fear.
13. Do not display any emotion.
When dealing with a narcissist, you must learn to suppress your emotions. If you tell them they’re getting under your skin, they’ll exploit it and use it against you to get their way.
If you want to come out on top of the situation, you must keep your cool and maintain a neutral expression. Allowing yourself to be provoked into an argument will only feed the narcissistic ego.
To avoid inciting narcissistic rage, never make him or her feel as if he or she does not matter or is unimportant.
14. Give as much good as you receive
Narcissists have an overinflated sense of self-importance and believe they are superior to others. They have no empathy for other people’s feelings, so when they hurt others, they feel no guilt or remorse.
The best way to deal with a narcissist is to give them what they deserve. This will give the narcissist the same treatment they are receiving and make them think twice before attacking someone else.
Always keep in mind that they lack empathy and guilt.
When dealing with narcissistic people, it is critical to remember that they lack empathy and guilt. It’s also important not to get caught up in their emotional storm. They are masters of manipulation, so don’t make yourself appear vulnerable by reacting emotionally.
Avoid getting into an argument with them because they will do anything to win, even if it means resorting to rage or name-calling.
Conclusion
The best way to avoid a narcissist is to avoid having one in your life. However, if you must interact with a narcissist, the methods outlined above will undoubtedly be beneficial.
If everything else fails, keep in mind that the only person who can change how a narcissist treats you is you!
Continue to love yourself. Your happiness is unchangeable.