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A narcissist is someone who has an excessive sense of self-importance, a deep need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. They often exploit others for their own gain and can be manipulative, charming, and charismatic. Dealing with a narcissist can be challenging, but there are ways to starve them of the attention and admiration they crave.
Understand Their Behavior
Image Source: bing.comThe first step in dealing with a narcissist is to understand their behavior. They have an inflated sense of self-importance and believe they are superior to others. They seek attention and admiration and will go to great lengths to get it. They have a sense of entitlement and lack empathy for others.
Don’t Feed Their Ego
Image Source: bing.comA narcissist thrives on attention and admiration. They want to be the center of attention and will do whatever it takes to get it. Don’t feed their ego by giving them the attention and admiration they crave. Instead, focus on yourself and your own needs.
Set Boundaries
Image Source: bing.comA narcissist will often try to push your boundaries and get you to do things for them. It’s important to set boundaries and stick to them. Let them know what you are and are not willing to do and don’t let them push you around.
Avoid Arguing
Image Source: bing.comA narcissist loves to argue and will often try to get you to engage in arguments with them. Don’t take the bait. Instead, calmly state your position and refuse to engage in any further argument.
Don’t Take Their Behavior Personally
Image Source: bing.comA narcissist’s behavior is not about you. It’s about them and their need for attention and admiration. Don’t take their behavior personally and don’t let it affect your self-esteem.
Don’t Enable Their Behavior
Image Source: bing.comAvoid enabling a narcissist’s behavior by trying to please them or giving them what they want. This will only reinforce their belief that they are entitled to everything they want.
Be Assertive
Image Source: bing.comBe assertive in dealing with a narcissist. Stand up for yourself and don’t let them push you around. Use “I” statements to express how their behavior is affecting you and what you need from them.
Don’t Expect Them To Change
Image Source: bing.comDon’t expect a narcissist to change. They are unlikely to see anything wrong with their behavior and will resist any attempts to change them. Focus on changing your own behavior and reactions to them instead.
Surround Yourself with Supportive People
Image Source: bing.comSurround yourself with supportive people who understand what you are going through. Talk to friends, family, or a therapist about your experiences with a narcissist.
Avoid Trying to Change Them
Image Source: bing.comDon’t waste your time trying to change a narcissist. They are unlikely to change and will only become defensive and resist any attempts to change them. Instead, focus on changing your own behavior and reactions to them.
Don’t Be Afraid to Walk Away
Image Source: bing.comIf dealing with a narcissist becomes too much, don’t be afraid to walk away. You deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. If a narcissist is unable or unwilling to do so, it’s time to move on.
Don’t Play into Their Games
Image Source: bing.comA narcissist loves to play games and manipulate others. Don’t play into their games. Stay true to yourself and your values and don’t let them manipulate you into doing something you don’t want to do.
Be Realistic
Image Source: bing.comBe realistic in your expectations of a narcissist. They are unlikely to change and will continue to behave in the same way. Don’t expect them to suddenly become empathetic or caring.
Don’t Let Them Gaslight You
Image Source: bing.comA narcissist may try to gaslight you by denying things they have said or done or by making you doubt your own memory or perception. Don’t let them gaslight you. Trust your own instincts and don’t let them make you doubt yourself.
Don’t Try to Rescue Them
Image Source: bing.comDon’t try to rescue a narcissist. They are unlikely to change and will only continue to behave in the same way. Focus on taking care of yourself instead.
Don’t Engage in Drama
Image Source: bing.comA narcissist loves drama and will often create it wherever they go. Don’t engage in drama with them. Stay calm and focused and avoid getting sucked into their drama.
Don’t Let Them Intimidate You
Image Source: bing.comA narcissist may try to intimidate you by using their power or status to get what they want. Don’t let them intimidate you. Stand up for yourself and don’t let them push you around.
Don’t Take Their Criticism Personally
Image Source: bing.comA narcissist may criticize you or put you down to make themselves feel better. Don’t take their criticism personally. It’s not about you, it’s about them.
Don’t Let Them Control You
Image Source: bing.comA narcissist may try to control you by manipulating or threatening you. Don’t let them control you. Stay true to yourself and your values and don’t let them make decisions for you.
Don’t Give Them Emotional Power
Image Source: bing.comDon’t give a narcissist emotional power over you. Don’t let their behavior affect your mood or self-esteem. Stay calm and focused and don’t let them get under your skin.
Don’t Let Them Divide and Conquer
Image Source: bing.comA narcissist may try to divide and conquer by turning people against each other. Don’t let them do this. Stay united with others and don’t let a narcissist come between you.
Don’t Let Them Make You Feel Guilty
Image Source: bing.comA narcissist may try to make you feel guilty for not doing what they want or for standing up to them. Don’t let them make you feel guilty. Stay true to yourself and your values and don’t let them manipulate you.
Don’t Let Them Play the Victim
Image Source: bing.comA narcissist may try to play the victim to get sympathy or attention. Don’t let them do this. Stay focused on the facts and don’t let them manipulate you with their emotional displays.
Don’t Let Them Make You Doubt Yourself
Image Source: bing.comA narcissist may try to make you doubt yourself or your abilities. Don’t let them do this. Trust in yourself and your abilities and don’t let a narcissist make you doubt yourself.
Don’t Let Them Make You Feel Crazy
Image Source: bing.comA narcissist may try to make you feel crazy or like you are losing your mind. Don’t let them do this. Trust in yourself and your perceptions and don’t let a narcissist make you doubt yourself.
Don’t Let Them Make You Feel Inadequate
Image Source: bing.comA narcissist may try to make you feel inadequate or like you are not good enough. Don’t let them do this. Stay true to yourself and your values and don’t let a narcissist make you doubt yourself.
Don’t Let Them Make You Feel Small
Image Source: bing.comA narcissist may try to make you feel small or inferior. Don’t let them do this. Stay true to yourself and your values and don’t let a narcissist make you doubt yourself.
Don’t Let Them Make You Feel Powerless
Image Source: bing.comA narcissist may try to make you feel powerless or like you have no control. Don’t let them do this. Stay true to yourself and your values and don’t let a narcissist make you doubt yourself.
Don’t Let Them Make You Feel Worthless
Image Source: bing.comA narcissist may try to make you feel worthless or like you have no value. Don’t let them do this. Stay true to yourself and your values and don’t let a narcissist make you doubt yourself.
Conclusion
Dealing with a narcissist can be challenging, but it’s important to remember that you have the power to starve them of the attention and admiration they crave. By setting boundaries, being assertive, and focusing on yourself, you can protect yourself from their toxic behavior. Remember that you are worthy of respect and don’t let a narcissist make you doubt that.
