It can be difficult to live with a narcissist, whether they are a romantic partner, housemate, or family member. You may feel more capable of coping if you have a better awareness of narcissistic traits and some of the techniques to deal with them.
It can be frustrating and emotionally taxing to be around narcissists. Your connection can be centered on them. They may make you feel judged and worn out.
Identifying a narcissist
You might label someone a narcissist if they post an excessive amount of selfies on social media or talk about themselves nonstop on a first date. But a person with a narcissistic personality disorder is a true narcissist (NPD). People with NPD believe they are unique and superior in comparison to others, and they anticipate being acknowledged and treated accordingly. They frequently fail to acknowledge the needs and opinions of others and are dismissive of their concerns.
Signs and symptoms of narcissistic
- They are egoistic (they frequently feel superior to others and have high degrees of self-worth, self-importance, and self-confidence)
- Are arrogant and use others to further their own interests
- They think they’re special or unique or they feel superior to others.
- Exaggerate their skills and accomplishments
- Need constant appreciation, envy of others, and belief that others are envious of them
- Absence of empathy
- Are obsessed with illusions of power, dominance, or success?
- The feeling of entitlement
- Cannot bear criticism
- They cannot apologize
- Exaggeration of what they have achieved so far
Narcissists and Relationships
Narcissists will go to any lengths to achieve their goals. In general, they lack empathy and are unable to form close connections with others, not even those closest to them.
A narcissist may crave praise at work, even if it harms other people. They might mistreat coworkers, take credit for other people’s work, or alter their behavior to win the approval of superiors. There is frequently more to them than meets the eye, even though they may appear to be amiable and diligent.
A narcissist can have an effect on the entire family at home. A narcissist who is in an intimate relationship with you could be very critical of you, distant from you, and contemptuous of you. You might feel alone, disrespected, and invisible. If your parent is a narcissist, you might have experienced neglect or abuse as a youngster.
What you can do when you are with a narcissist
The following steps will help:
- Learn more about the condition. You can learn how to deal with the narcissist’s strengths and shortcomings by better understanding them. Knowing who they are could also help you have realistic expectations and accept the situation for what it is.
- Setting proper boundaries will help. Although when you form boundaries it may hurt the narcissist but that totally fine.
- Speaking for yourself in a clear and concise way so that they may get what you are requesting for.
- Narcissists are not good at accepting honest feedback. Make an effort to remark thoughtfully and positively.
- If they try to argue with you or gaslight you, try not to respond.
- Living with a narcissist can make you feel uncertain, confused, and self-conscious.
- Although therapy won’t make your partner less narcissistic, it might help you resolve some issues. You can learn how to approach problem-solving with the narcissist from a Counselor.
- People with narcissistic tendencies frequently put down others to boost their own self-esteem. This can be especially harmful if you share a home with someone who constantly puts you down in both subtle and overt ways.
What you should not do when you are with a narcissist
- Manly believes it’s best to avoid direct confrontation with narcissists. Even if it would be challenging to avoid them at all costs, it might be preferable to accommodate their demand to be in charge.
- Narcissists enjoy being in charge and frequently worry about losing it. Giving them instruction will gradually fail.
- Making narcissists see things your way might not work since they don’t want to confess when they’re wrong or that they’re unlovable.
- Since narcissists lack empathy, genuine, heartfelt communication frequently falls on deaf ears and may even result in a furious outburst or a shut-down reaction.
- Avoid attempting to show them a pattern of behavior that goes back a long way.
When you should leave
People who deal with narcissism could take a while to alter. You don’t have to stay in a relationship that is toxic, risky, or abusive before ending it.
Choose what to do next if you:
- Feel distant from family
- Doubt your sense of reality
- Use the same justifications for their actions over and over
- Believe in false promises.
Finding help
It can be helpful to speak with a mental health professional whether you are still sharing a home with a narcissist or have ended your relationship. Seek out a Therapist with training and experience in narcissistic disorders. Your Therapist can provide advice and help in your understanding of your circumstances and past experiences.
They can help you with some coping mechanisms and recognizing the signs of a narcissistic person like gas lighting and standing up for themselves.
Once you have been completely removed from the situation, a Therapist can also assist you in coping with the emotional damage from having lived with a narcissist. Your Therapist can suggest helpful treatments that can help if you are exhibiting signs of anxiety, sadness, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These treatments may involve psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of the two.
