Last week I wrote an article on “What Happens When You Work With a Narcissist?” Click Here if you did not read it or want to review the ideas. A few of you sent me private emails with questions on how to handle this personality disorder. This post gives you strategies. I can’t guarantee that they will work. That’s right, you read this correctly. Narcissists range from selfish to borderline disorders. At times I have been very frustrated with narcissists in my own life. I did research on this subject and am happy to report that I know how to handle myself MOST of the time. Are you ready to find out?
Coping Guidelines
Recognize when you are with someone who repeatedly evokes shame, anger, and idealizes others. You can then figure out your next step
- Try not to personalize since they act the same with others
- Detach yourself while functioning either at work/home to have peace of mind
- Think of the narcissist as a 2 year old on the inside
- Resist retaliation, confrontation, or open communication because they will show rage and feel assaulted
- You won’t change the narcissist since they don’t have compassion for others
- Plan ahead on how to set boundaries since they excel at the control game
- Find others who can support you
- Be prepared for changes in the relationship if you decide to speak with them
- They will distance themselves from you and find others to control
- Limit your involvement with them if possible
- Document abuses and excuses for your own record to protect yourself since narcissists don’t recognize their boundary issues
- Set your own priorities without being manipulated and stop adapting to them
- Awareness will not change the reality but it changes your perspective
- Don’t feel guilty for taking care of your health
