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 : 7 Things That Instantly Make a Narcissist Weak

It’s a photoshoot, 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.

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

Related : 6 Proofs You Have Made The Narcissist Suffer

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.

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 isn’t “knowing.”

It’s really embarrassing, but that’s what narcissists do everywhere, isn’t it?

Keep your eyes up, let them say what they want, and enjoy your travels.

5 Use Travel as a Tool of Power

They should be in charge of passports. They have the right to decide where you’re going, what you’re doing, and when you’re going to do it.

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

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

Related : 7 Times When Narcissists Accidentally Speak The Truth

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

Look, I know what I’m doing.

Just let me go.

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 so on. And many throw up their hands, saying, “Okay, get everything sorted then.”

Big mistake.

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

6 Create Conflict Right Before the Trip

I hear this a lot from people who experience narcissism.

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

Conflict 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 of trying to survive.

Narcissists can and will start arguments for no reason. They’ll hide their passport and ask you where you put it. They’ll take on extra work just so they can complain about how busy they are and can’t imagine themselves enjoying the trip.

They’ll yell at you if you ask them if they’ve started packing yet.

It’s a vicious cycle they create to make you fear anything good.

What kind of person does that?

The odd narcissist out, that’s him!

7 Ask for praise for the smallest things

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

You should be thanking me for making 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 nagging question:

Why didn’t I do this on my own?

Related : The One Question That Makes Every Narcissist Reveal Their True Self

Traveling with narcissists is awful, because no matter how great your experience is, they’ll always want it to be even greater.

8 Constantly compare your trip to previous trips

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

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

I didn’t experience this much rudeness when I visited this place during my junior year.

Or worse, they’ll compare the trip to previous 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 had without you.

Narcissists are strange creatures!