I love to travel, don’t you?

One of the best things about traveling is seeing new places, learning a new language, or even just getting away for a while and enjoying a different view.

When you think of traveling with a narcissist, what thoughts or memories come to mind? Are they funny? Painful, or even shocking?

I get it.

And I want to repeat it to you right now.

Call it validation if you will. I aim to make you visible by exposing every odd behavior I can.

1 Turn Every Trip into a Photoshoot

Let’s go. You’ve barely gotten into the car, and it’s already starting. Your horrible photos are next to their more flattering, retouched photos. Don’t worry—they’ll all be all over social media.

Related : Why Victims of Narcissistic Abuse Aren’t Believed

It’s a photo shoot, isn’t it? From the flight, to the train, to the plans involved—everything will be captured and never forgotten.

As painful as it may be, this is exactly what happens when you go anywhere with a narcissist: they’re always the center of attention in every shot.

They have to remind themselves and everyone they know of the memories and adventures they create.

Their lives have to have meaning!

2 Spoil the mood if they’re not the center of attention

I can’t believe we’re here. Look at the view.

I’ve always wanted to come here, I’m so excited.

I can’t wait to explore it.

This is the best time of my life.

I’m so lucky and happy to be here.

Listen to that tiny, miserable voice…

…but what about me?

The narcissist is sad that they had to step aside for you to go on this vacation.

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They’re jealous of the place. They’re jealous that your focus, enthusiasm, and passion combined are becoming stronger than your love and admiration for them.

It’s tragic, isn’t it?

However, will they survive while you threaten to flee somewhere?

Oh my God.

Get excited too. Have fun together.

Oh my God, wait, I’m talking about a narcissist here. This will never happen.

3 Act like a celebrity at the airport

Sunglasses? Okay.

The bigger the better? Okay.

A huge aura of self-importance? Okay.

They pass through customs like they just won a Grammy. They look around as if invisible photographers are taking their picture, checking who’s looking.

It’s pretty sad, isn’t it?

Actually, they head to the line like everyone else. They’ll make their way to their aisle economy seats, where they’ll undoubtedly be served questionable chicken a few hours later at 40,000 feet.

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What part of reality doesn’t touch a narcissist?

Isn’t that the weirdest thing you’ve ever witnessed?

Or funny—I’ll take that too.

4 Pretend to Know Everything About the Destination

Oh, I know exactly where to go.

I know there’s a restaurant nearby with great reviews.

Did you know that the city was actually a big part of the Civil Rights Movement?

I know more than you think, trust me.

Okay, cool.

Asking your Alexa device in your home a few questions about your destination before you head out the door doesn’t count as “knowing.”

It’s really awkward, but that’s how narcissists are everywhere, isn’t it?

Related : How Narcissists Erase Your Identity

Roll your eyes, let them say whatever they want, and then get on with your travels.

5 Use Travel as a Leverage

They should be in charge of passports. They dictate where you go, what you do, and when you do it.

They want to be the one checking in so they can use flattery to try to get a free upgrade.

Doesn’t that drive you crazy? It’s weird that they want to put so much power into an experience that was supposed to be so enjoyable.

But no. The map pops up. Then you hear the familiar refrain:

Look, I know what I’m doing.

Just let me get started.

Trust me. You don’t want to travel to that country.

I know it sounds nice online, but it’s not.

I don’t want to go there.

And so on.

And many people throw up their hands and say, “Well, you organize everything, then.” Big mistake.

The narcissist is seizing power, and by saying this, you’re handing it to them on a silver platter.

6 Starting an Argument Right Before the Flight

I hear this a lot from people who have experienced narcissism.

This applies to anyone—a parent, a sibling, a friend—it doesn’t matter.

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Argument doesn’t discriminate!

You’ve probably been there before.

What was supposed to be an exciting prelude to an adventure turns into a terrifying time trying to survive.

Narcissists start, and do start, arguments for no reason. They’ll hide their passport and ask where you put it. They’ll take on extra work just to complain about how busy they are and how they’re not enjoying the trip.

They’ll lash out if you ask them if they’ve started packing.

It’s a vicious cycle they create to make you fear any good thing. What kind of person does that?

The odd narcissist out, that’s who!

7 Asking for Compliments for the Smallest Things

What do you think? You managed to get us seats at the restaurant!

You should be thanking me for being able to take that last train.

I know you clearly don’t appreciate me getting a room with a beach view.

It’s constant. It’s like trying to watch your favorite show on a streaming device that irritatingly slows down every 7 seconds.

It’ll ruin the experience, and you’ll undoubtedly be left with that self-reflection question:

Why didn’t I do this on my own?

Related : Narcissist Accusations Are Their Confessions

Traveling with narcissists is awful. No matter how great your experience is, they’ll always wish it was even greater.

8 Always Compare the Trip to Past Trips

Well, it’s not as hot as it was the last time I came here.

Oh my god. My favorite coffee shop closed. It’s not the same.

I never experienced this much rudeness when I visited this place back in my junior year.

Or worse, they’ll compare my trip to past trips with my ex.

When I came with my ex, we had a blast watching the dolphins.

Why not try the cave tour? My ex did.

Well, a round of applause for my ex!

Comparisons like this will only make you feel like you’re not good enough, which is obviously how they want you to feel.

Any excuse to ruin what was supposed to be a unique and unforgettable experience.

Suddenly, you’re thrown into the narcissist’s past, as if it was the best time I’ve ever had without you.

Narcissists are strange creatures!