We meet them every day. They could be your boss, a dating partner, or even a family member.
I’m talking about people who are completely self-centered and full of themselves – narcissists.
They seem to be everywhere these days. There is not much we can do about the widespread prevalence of narcissists.
The real question is: How the hell can we deal with narcissists? How can we protect our emotional health?
In this article, we’ll talk about what narcissism means and how you can deal with it effectively…even when you can’t avoid it in your daily life.
1) Forgive yourself.
For many victims, their first response upon learning and accepting that they have fallen into an exploitative and exploitative relationship with a narcissist is shame and self-loathing.
This is especially the case now that I’m stuck with them.
So the first step is to forgive yourself. Say to yourself: This happened to me because I have a positive, kind, and self-sacrificing personality, all of which are positive traits.
It’s time to rebuild your identity and when all this is over, you’ll finally be able to escape.
2) Don’t think you can help.
The common mistake: “I can help.”
People who get trapped in professional, casual, or romantic relationships with narcissists make the same first mistake: believing that they can be influential enough in the narcissist’s life to effect a change in their personality.
After determining that a person is a narcissist, they believe they can force that person to change through positive reinforcement, encouragement, and other good behavior.
The unfortunate truth: According to licensed clinical psychologist Diane Grande, Ph. D., a narcissist “will only change if it serves their purpose.”
While this suggests that a narcissist can change, what exactly does that mean?
Narcissists exist in their own ecosystems. Everything around them is designed to meet their selfish needs: the need for power, the need for affirmation, the need to feel special.
They have an extreme inability to see the world the way non-narcissists do, which is why they simply cannot change the way other people might grow or develop.
Personal growth generally comes through hardship, reflection, and a genuine desire for change.
It requires an individual to look within themselves, recognize their weaknesses or flaws, and demand the best from themselves.
But these are all actions narcissists can’t do. Their entire lives are designed around ignoring self-reflection and self-criticism, and forcing them to change by ordinary means requires forcing them to act against their nature.
Instead, if you find yourself involved with a narcissist, your first response (if applicable) should be an immediate retreat.
Save yourself the hassle and prioritize your happiness and sanity. In many cases, you may not have a choice, so when you do – get out now.
