Night Runs – chapter 20 – The End
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― People with NPD often don’t see a problem — at least not with themselves. As a result, it’s unlikely they’ll ever seek professional counseling.
Now that you have read the first piece on identifying a narcissist, it is just as important that we have a clear thought on how to handle and deal with them.
Typically, this would take a deliberate effort from anyone to get a grip of their life back from the firm clutches of that friend and buddie who is an NPD.
Start with the following guides;
Set clear boundaries
A person with a narcissistic personality is often quite self-absorbed.
They might think they’re entitled to go where they want, snoop through your personal things, or tell you how you should feel. Maybe they give you unsolicited advice and take credit for things you’ve done. Or pressure you to talk about private things in a public setting.
They may also have little sense of personal space, so they tend to cross a lot of boundaries. More often than not, they don’t even see them. You need to establish a clear boundary and make it clear that you do not appreciate their involvement in parts of your personal space or private life. This is one sure fire step to handle that person.
Expect them to push back
If you stand up to someone with a narcissistic personality, you can expect them to respond.
Once you speak up and set boundaries, they may come back with some demands of their own. They may also try to manipulate you into feeling guilty or believing that you’re the one being unreasonable and controlling. They might make a play for sympathy. You will have to stand firm. Stand your ground and enforce your stance. This way you get to manage their overbearing attitude and get some space as they are likely to respond by turning away from you or “defriending” you.
Remember that you’re not at fault
A person with narcissistic personality disorder isn’t likely to admit a mistake or take responsibility for hurting you. Instead, they tend to project their own negative behaviors onto you or someone else.
You might be tempted to keep the peace by accepting blame, but you don’t have to belittle yourself to salvage their ego.
You know the truth. Don’t let anyone take that away from you.
Find a support system
If you can’t avoid the person, try to build up your healthy relationships and support network of people. Spending too much time in a dysfunctional relationship with someone who has a narcissistic personality can leave you emotionally drained.
Rekindle old friendships and try to nurture new ones. Get together with family more often. If your social circle is smaller than you’d prefer, try taking a class to explore a new hobby. Get active in your community or volunteer for a local charity. Do something that allows you to meet more people you feel comfortable with.
Insist on immediate action, not promises
People with narcissistic personalities are good at making promises. They promise to do what you want and not to do that thing you hate. They promise to generally do better.
And they might even be sincere about these promises. But make no mistake about it: The promise is a means to an end for someone with a narcissistic personality.
Once they get what they want, the motivation is gone. You can’t count on their actions matching their words.
Ask for what you want and stand your ground. Insist that you’ll only fulfill their requests after they’ve fulfilled yours.
Don’t give in on this point. Consistency will help drive it home.
Encourage them to seek medical help.
People with NPD often don’t see a problem — at least not with themselves. As a result, it’s unlikely they’ll ever seek professional counseling.
But people with NPD frequently have other disorders, such as substance abuse, or other mental health or personality disorders. Having another disorder may be what prompts someone to seek help.
You can suggest that they reach out for professional help, but you can’t make them do it. It’s absolutely their responsibility, not yours.
Break the spell and stop focusing on them
When there’s a narcissistic personality in your orbit, attention seems to gravitate their way. That’s by design — whether it’s negative or positive attention, those with narcissistic personalities work hard to keep themselves in the spotlight.
You might soon find yourself buying into this tactic, pushing aside your own needs to keep them satisfied.
If you’re waiting for a break in their attention-seeking behavior, it may never come. No matter how much you adjust your life to suit to their needs, it’s never going to be enough.
If you must deal with a narcissistic personality, don’t allow them to infiltrate your sense of self or define your world. You matter, too. Regularly remind yourself of your strengths, desires, and goals.
Take charge and carve out some “me time.” Take care of yourself first and remember that it’s not your job to fix them.
See them for who they really are
When they want to, those with narcissistic personalities are pretty good at turning on the charm. You might find yourself drawn to their grand ideas and promises. This can also make them particularly popular in work settings.
But before you get drawn in, watch how they treat people when they’re not “on stage.” If you catch them lying, manipulating, or blatantly disrespecting others, there’s no reason to believe they won’t do the same to you.
Despite what someone with a narcissistic personality may say, your wants and needs are likely unimportant to them. And if you try to bring up this issue, you may be met with resistance.
The first step in dealing with someone who has a narcissistic personality is simply accepting that this is who they are — there’s not much you can do to change that.
Speak up for yourself
There are times when ignoring something or simply walking away is an appropriate response — pick your battles, right?
But a lot depends on the relationship. For example, dealing with a boss, parent, or spouse may call for different strategies than dealing with a co-worker, sibling, or child.
Some people with narcissistic personalities enjoy making others squirm. If that’s the case, try not to get visibly flustered or show annoyance, as that will only urge them to continue.
If it’s someone you’d like to keep close in your life, then you owe it to yourself to speak up. Try to do this in a calm, gentle manner.
You must tell them how their words and conduct impact your life. Be specific and consistent about what’s not acceptable and how you expect to be treated. But prepare yourself for the fact that they may simply not understand — or care.
Thanks I hope this made for a good and edifying read.
Please post comments on how you dealt with someone you know who is an unrepentant narcissist.
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18 thoughts on “Narcissist! -Dead end? How to handle”
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Sometimes its good to accept them Narcissistic,and also to speak up. When dealing with them its best to remains calm and well focused. So that its won’t be like you are adding up more folds and try let him know you are paying attention to him.
Nice one bro …….
Absolutely Akin. Handling them requires you to be deliberate.
Insightful one Akin….most time its difficult to change such people…you either manage or stay away …but don’t allow your well-being be impacted..
So concise and clear. I really appreciate this write up a lot. Keep up the good work sir
I have one living with me and we are very close. We are really very close. I have stood up to him but I need God’s help to finally surmount him. I am trying.
I empathize with you. I really do. I am sure you have a lot of lessons and stories to share on dealing with one.
I think accepting a Narcissistic person is just the best. With time and proper correction, there will be positive change of attitude. Well-done for this lovely piece. Nice one sir
Thank you boss for sharing.
A dear sis, friend and former colleague some years ago got married to such person without knowing it.
Advice from different people including her family and spiritual leaders in church not to go on with the marriage adding that “he is not her husband” did not change her opinion and decision.
The marriage made her resign from her job in Lagos and relocated to Abuja to join her husband. This was the begining of her ordeals. According to her, the only moment of happiness was their wedding and honey moon in Tanzania.
They had a baby girl. She couldn’t secure another Job. The husband could not take care of her and the baby. Everywhere was screwed up due to financial constraints. Threats from the husband to leave marriage over little arguments were uncountable.
Her home became a living hell. To cut it short, she became very ill but no money to get medical attention at the hospital. And no airtime to even call out to out for help. what saved her was God’s intervention through a phone call from a close just to check up on her.
She was diagnosed with with a heart problem. It dawned on her that she either remained in the marriage and die or quit and live.
Thanks be to God she took the better option.
Now she’s back to Lagos and living in a self contained apartment with her child (4yrs old now). Managing with a little paid job.
I am glad she took the right and decisive steps!
Thank Akin for what you’re doing. You may not know how many lives you’re touching positively. Please keep it up.
Thanks for the kind words of encouragement. I appreciate it.
Thanks Akin, I do agree totally with your recommendations. Nice one brother.
Thanks blad
Good piece
Never had to deal with such a person per se … or it just goes over my head.
Life is too full with its own troubles and having to deal with such ppl is a trouble one should avoid… except where you can’t where they are ppl you must love… ie family
Positive change of attitude is certain . Lovely piece
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