Dealing with a narcissist can be a real challenge, especially when you’re trying to stay calm.

It’s about dealing with their inflated egos, dealing with their sense of entitlement, and ignoring their constant need for admiration. I know it’s hard to walk a tightrope.

But hey, it’s not impossible. In fact, there are some smart strategies that can help you deal with a narcissist without losing your patience or sanity.

Here are 9 tips to help you deal with a narcissistic person while maintaining your calm. So let’s dive in, shall we?

1) Be calm and collected

Navigating a conversation with a narcissist can feel like walking through a minefield. Their need for constant admiration and their inflated sense of self can quickly escalate in even the most casual interactions.

In these moments, when a narcissist is pressuring you, it is important to remain calm. The emotional reaction gives them the upper hand, and they thrive on this control.

Maintaining your composure doesn’t mean swallowing your feelings. Instead, it’s about responding rather than reacting. Take a deep breath, collect your thoughts, and respond in a calm, thoughtful way.

This approach not only helps you maintain your sanity, but it also prevents the narcissist from fueling your emotional reactions. It’s not always easy, I’ll give you that. But with practice, you’ll find it becomes second nature.

2) Set clear boundaries

I cannot stress enough how important it is to set clear boundaries when dealing with a narcissist. It’s a lesson I learned the hard way.

A few years ago, I had a colleague who was a classic narcissist. She was constantly seeking validation, and would often belittle others to make herself look better. At first, I tried to accommodate her, thinking it was just her way of dealing with her insecurities. But as time went on, it started to drain me emotionally.

That’s when I decided to set some strict boundaries. I started by limiting unnecessary interactions and made it clear that negative comments about others were not acceptable in our conversations.

It wasn’t easy, but standing my ground made a big difference. She gradually realized that her usual tactics wouldn’t work on me.

Setting boundaries didn’t magically change her narcissistic behavior, but it certainly helped me manage our interactions better and saved my sanity in the process. Believe me, setting these boundaries can be a real game changer.

3) Practice empathy

It may seem strange, but practicing empathy can be a useful tool when dealing with a narcissist. While it is true that narcissists are often self-absorbed and lack empathy for others, this does not mean that they are devoid of feelings.

In fact, beneath their tough exterior, many narcissists often harbor deep feelings of insecurity and inadequacy. These feelings are usually hidden by their pompous behavior and constant need for admiration.

By understanding this, you become better equipped to interact with them without becoming emotionally drained. Remember, empathy does not mean condoning their behavior, but rather understanding the source of that behavior.

This understanding can help you handle your interactions with a narcissist more effectively. It gives you the ability to respond in a way that doesn’t fuel your negative behavior but rather spreads it.

This is a win-win, don’t you think?

4) Don’t take it personally

One of the most challenging aspects of dealing with a narcissist is not taking their behavior personally. Their constant need for admiration, lack of empathy, and tendency to belittle others can make you feel like you’re the problem.

But here’s the thing – it’s not about you. It’s about them and their insecurities. Their behavior is a reflection of their internal conflicts, not their value or abilities.

So, the next time a narcissist tries to belittle you or seeks constant validation of your identity, remind yourself that it’s not personal. It’s just their way of dealing with their issues.

5) Avoid the temptation to “fix it.”

When dealing with a narcissist, it’s natural to want to help him see the error of his ways. You may believe that with the right words or actions, you can “fix” their narcissistic behavior.

But here’s the harsh truth – you can’t. Narcissism is deeply ingrained and is often linked to past traumas and behavior patterns developed over a lifetime.

Trying to change a narcissist not only sets you up for disappointment but also adds unnecessary stress and frustration to your life.

So, instead of trying to “fix” them, focus on managing your interactions with them. Set boundaries, practice empathy, and most importantly, protect your emotional health. It’s not about giving up on them, it’s about understanding what you can and cannot control.

6) Show kindness, but be firm

In the face of narcissistic behavior, it can be difficult to remember that everyone deserves kindness. But extending empathy, even to a narcissist, does not mean allowing them to control you.

Remember that kindness is not weakness. It is a strength that requires courage and resilience. It’s about showing understanding and patience, even when it’s hard.

But while you show kindness, don’t forget to remain consistent. Maintain your boundaries and stand your ground when necessary. The narcissist may not always reciprocate your kindness, but by showing it, you maintain your integrity and peace of mind.

Because ultimately, the way you treat others is a reflection of your personality, not theirs. That’s something worth holding on to, don’t you think?

7) Ask for support when needed

Dealing with a narcissist often leaves you feeling drained and isolated. During one of the most difficult periods of my life, when I was constantly interacting with a narcissist, I felt like I was losing myself.

That’s when I realized the importance of asking for support. It could be a trusted friend, family member, or professional therapist. Someone who understands what you’re going through and can offer perspective and advice.

Having this support system not only helped me regain my sense of self but also gave me the strength to continue dealing with the narcissistic person in my life.

8) Know when to walk away

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the best way to deal with a narcissist is to distance yourself from them. This may not always be possible, especially if the narcissist is a family member or co-worker, but it is worth considering.

Walking away doesn’t mean you failed. Instead, it is an acknowledgment of the fact that you cannot control how others act, but you can control how you respond.

Sometimes, maintaining your mental and emotional health may require keeping your distance. And that’s fine. After all, your first responsibility is to yourself and your well-being.

9) Take care of yourself

While dealing with a narcissist, you mustn’t forget your own needs. Make sure you make time for self-care – whether that’s a walk in the park, a quiet cup of coffee, or just spending some time alone with your thoughts.

A healthy mind and body will provide you with the resilience you need to deal effectively with a narcissist.