Keepin’ It Real: Your Guide to Staying Cool Around a Narcissist This Year.

When someone thinks they’re all that and a bag of chips? Like, they believe they’re the most important person in the room and expect everyone to treat them like a VIP? Yep! That’s a narcissist.

For those who have it, it can be tough. They might find it hard to get along with others, whether it’s friends, family, or coworkers. They might not even understand why they act the way they do or how it affects people around them.

Dealing with someone who’s got this vibe is super draining. If you know, you know. But don’t worry, we’ve got some super, cool, solid advice on how to handle these situations without losing your cool.

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The Key Takeaway.

The reasons behind it are so fuzzy but talking it out with a therapist can really help you get better at relationships.

Narcissist Personality Disorder Traits.

So, not everyone who shows off a bit has full-blown NPD. Some might just have a few of those show-offy traits, like:

• They act like they’re the main character of every story.
• They want all eyes and high-fives on them, all the time.
• They don’t really get or care about what you’re feeling.
• They’ll play you like a game if it gets them what they want.
• They think they’re the smartest person ever. No kidding.
• They’ll spot your weak spot and use it to their advantage. Fast!
• If they mess up, they’ll make sure someone else takes the fall.
• They can’t stand it when someone else wins or has cool stuff.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder and Relationships.

Clear and quick, people with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) think they’re the bomb and need everyone to adore them. They don’t really get how others feel, which can make relationships super rocky. They start off all charming, but soon, it’s all about them, and that messes up the relationship big time.

They can get jealous if their partner shines or doesn’t make them the center of almost everything (if not everything), leading to some sneaky moves to keep their partner just for themselves. It’s not just the romantic ones though. Friendships and family ties get shaky too.

But hey, it doesn’t mean they can’t change. It’s tough, but they can learn to play nice. Look after yourself first, set those boundaries, get some support, and if things get toxic, it’s okay to walk away. You got this!

What Not to do to Deal with Narcissistic Tendencies.

1. Don’t play their game: If you keep giving in to what they want, they’ll think they’re the boss and you’ll end up totally drained.
2. Don’t go head-to-head: Trying to confront them will just make them put up walls and point fingers back at you.
3. Don’t try to fix them: Changing a narcissist is like trying to teach a fish to walk. They’ve got to want to change, and that’s rare.
4. Don’t be their cheerleader: Covering for them or making excuses just makes them think they can do no wrong.
5. And don’t give them the cold shoulder: Ignoring them might seem easy, but it can make them feel even more ignored and do worse things.

Know When to Move on.

So, thinking about whether to stay or leave a relationship with a narcissist? Here’s the quick lowdown:

• If your feelings are always on the back burner and they just don’t get you, bounce.
• If they’re messing with your head using guilt trips or mind games, that’s a red flag.
• If you’re the only one putting in the effort and they’re just taking, that’s not cool. Bounce.
• If the relationship’s got you stressed or sad more than happy, you deserve better.
• If they won’t admit there’s a problem or get some help, it’s probably not going to get better.

Look, you’re awesome and deserve someone who gets that. If it’s not working, it’s okay to put yourself first and peace out.