Do you think a narcissist can change?

That’s a tough question, I think. But the answer isn’t always no. Narcissists have deep flaws, to be sure.

However, with the right approach, it is possible to help them address their toxic behavior.

I don’t promise a smooth journey! It takes patience, firm boundaries, and a willingness to face difficult truths.

Remember: you can’t force anyone to change. And they won’t change unless they see a problem in the first place.

Let’s see what it really takes…

Can Narcissism Really Be Changed?

Forget everything you’ve read about narcissists and their inability to change—and start here, today, with me.

Related : DO THIS To Get Under The Skin Of a Narcissist

I never imagined I’d write something like this, but it seems to me that many of you are eager to get to the bottom of things:

Can Narcissism Really Be Changed?

I’m here to confirm that in some cases, yes, it can be changed. I don’t promise to completely eradicate narcissistic traits, but I do offer hope to the narcissist in finding a fresh perspective on their behavior…

…especially how it affects you.

There are many ways in which narcissism is difficult to completely erase. It’s a large part of other people’s personalities, and much of it stems from deep-rooted self-loathing and insecurity.

Asking someone to “change” is difficult at best. Asking a narcissist to recognize how what they truly believe about themselves affects others is difficult, but it’s still possible with the right approach.

Personal_Personal_Experiences

A large part of a person’s personality is innate, but much of it is developed through their environment.

How they were treated by those who were supposed to love them. Things that happened to them beyond their control.

Narcissism usually develops in childhood due to a parent or caregiver who has unusual expectations of their child.

By this, I mean either excessive or insufficient expectations. A parent may pressure a child to be perfect, and the child uses this as a platform for the rest of their life.

They may also be severely neglected, and the child struggles for attention, using it as a form of resentment that fuels self-loathing.

Then, the child will bury that self-loathing and become obsessed with the perfect image.

Encouraging Self Awareness: The First Step to Growth

So, would you like to help a narcissist overcome most of the reasons why they fall into the toxic category?

I don’t promise it’s easy, but I do promise you’ll discover how much they are willing or unwilling to change for the better.

Related : 8 Reasons Why Good People Fall For Narcissists

The first step is encouraging self-awareness. Narcissists typically don’t like intimate, direct looks at themselves at first, so they always make sure the mirror is facing outwards, not at them.

When you think about self-awareness, you might think of all the ways you can:

Think about how your actions and words affect others.

Ask yourself if you’re overstepping your bounds in certain situations.

Ignite some compassion within yourself when talking to people who may need support or a friend.

How might your values ​​affect others?

What are your passions in life that you want to share with people?

The list goes on.

The most important thing is to be aware of all of this and more. The way we think affects our growth, and if we don’t reflect on important topics like self-awareness, nothing will happen.

Narcissists are not good at anything that requires introspection or putting themselves in someone else’s shoes.

Encouraging them to open up a little to the possibility of self-awareness and its potential may give them a deeper understanding of how they navigate this contradiction.

HealthIs Key: Guiding the Narcissist to Professional Help

I’m not speaking here as a therapist, but rather as someone who appreciates the importance of finding a safe space to talk with someone qualified and experienced with Narcissistic Personality Disorder.

I would say that it’s not common for someone to enter a therapist’s room as a narcissist actively seeking to improve themselves, but it does happen.

Related : 9 Ways Narcissists Take Advantage Of You

Therapy provides an opportunity to reflect and delve into the narcissist’s past in hopes of uncovering the roots of their personality.

Professional help should never be underestimated here.

Setting Boundaries: Teaching Respect Through Boundaries

Boundaries aren’t a narcissist’s best friend, but if you want to help them, you’ll need to set them.

For example, you might want to consider:

Stating clearly that you won’t get involved in any conflict if it arises.

Emphasizing that “no” means “no.”

Using the offer of help as a tool that respects them and doesn’t exploit them.

Communicating clearly and effectively.

The ability to share expectations or feelings without repercussions.

Realizing you can help, and realizing that the narcissist willingly accepts this, means you are embarking on a journey together.

Not when they feel like it.

Support Without Enabling

It’s time to stop making excuses for narcissists. They’ve lived their lives being covered up by others—and it’s time to stop.

The same goes for completely ignoring their narcissism, if that’s what you’ve done in the past.

Holding them accountable doesn’t have to be confrontational, and setting aside time each day or week to talk about these issues will go a long way toward improving them.

When To Back: Knowing When You Can’t Help Anymore

I hate even bringing this up, but I’d be really irresponsible if I didn’t.

Yes, it’s entirely possible to try your best to help a narcissist, but nothing will work.

Nothing will give them a chance to even slightly improve themselves.

Related : 7 Dark Desires Driving Narcissists

So what?

What choice do you have?

The only choice is to learn to step back and see the situation for what it is:

Impossible.

And don’t blame yourself for trying. You wanted to see them overcome their toxicity and help them start over.

But you can’t fix everything.

Some things are bigger than you, and this might be one of them.

If that’s the case, I have some powerful advice for you:

Save yourself.

Fighting a losing battle isn’t worth your mental or emotional well-being.