Living with a Narcissist and Insights into Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Do you know somebody who believes they’re superior to everyone else but loses their cool at the littlest suggestion that they’re wrong? Identifying and coping with a narcissist will be easier with these guidelines in hand.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is Described as Follows

In today’s celebrity-obsessed culture, where people are constantly posting photos of themselves online, the term “narcissism” is often used to describe those who appear to be overly self-absorbed. However, in the realm of psychology, narcissism does not equate to genuine feelings of love for oneself. In reality, those who suffer from NPD are hopelessly smitten with a fictitious, inflated version of themselves. Furthermore, they adore their inflated sense of self because it protects them from confronting their true insecurities. Their grandiose fantasies require constant maintenance, however, and this is where their corrupt and inefficient attitudes and actions come in.

A narcissistic personality disorder is defined by an absence of compassion and concern for others as well as an unhealthy obsession with receiving praise and approval from others. Confident, deceitful, egoistic, condescending, and demanding are common traits cited by those who know someone with NPD. This self-centred mindset and behaviour permeate all aspects of the narcissist’s life, from professional interactions to social gatherings to romantic partnerships.

Individuals who suffer from this disorder are notoriously refractory to altering their problematic patterns of behavior. Their default position is to place blame on others. In addition, they are hypersensitive, reacting negatively to even the most innocuous of objections, disputes, or perceived injustices as if they were targeted attacks on themselves. People close to a narcissist may be more inclined to give in to their requirements to prevent the narcissist’s coldness and rage. Nonetheless, you can safeguard yourself from the narcissistic people in your life, recognize their behavior, and set healthy limits if you know further about the disorder. So let’s look at the types of narcissism that can be placed into 2 main categories.

Characteristics of Various Narcissisms

Narcissistic behaviour can be categorised into two subtypes, both of which have their unique characteristics. Both types can share characteristics, but they develop in different ways. Different relationship behaviours are also indicative of the two personality types.

Exaggerated Self-Absorption

People who act in this way were probably made to feel superior to other kids when they were younger. They may continue to face these standards even after becoming adults. They are conceited and superior. Those who suffer from grandiose narcissism tend to be self-centered, arrogant, and dominant. They have a high opinion of themselves and aren’t easily offended.

Fragile Narcissism

Abandonment or abuse in early life is a common cause of such behavior. These individuals tend to be extremely delicate. Narcissists often engage in self-centered behavior as a means of shielding themselves from feelings of inferiority. Despite their inconsistent sense of self-worth (which swings between feelings of inferiority and superiority), they take offense or experience anxiety when others fail to treat them like they’re unique.

Narcissism’s Telltale Signs

Because many narcissists and individuals with NPD don’t undergo help, a lot is still unknown about the disorder, and researchers are working hard to fill in the gaps. You may be capable of identifying narcissistic behavior in others if you know to look for certain telltale signs.

A Feeling of Deservingness

Narcissists frequently have the self-centered view that they are better than other people and deserving of special treatment. Others, in their view, should simply do as they say, and they are exempt from the law.

Abusive Manners

Manipulative and controlling behavior is another hallmark of narcissism. Despite their initial efforts to convince and please you, a narcissist will probably put their wants and needs ahead of yours. Narcissists attempt to keep others at arm’s length so they can keep their power over them. They might also take advantage of people for their benefit.

A Complete Lack of Empathy

Lacking empathy means you either don’t care or can’t be bothered to notice when other people are suffering or expressing emotion. You are highly attuned to how other people respond to you and your needs and emotions, but you lack the capacity for empathy and cannot understand how other people feel. To boost your self-esteem, you may resort to demeaning or bullying others. The fact that you never “go deep” in any relationship isn’t something that bothers you very much, either.

Requirements of Constant Adulation

Without constant praise and admiration, a narcissist’s notion of supremacy deflates like a balloon. Random praise isn’t sufficient. Narcissists have an insatiable need for praise, so they gravitate toward those who will lavish it on them constantly. Relationships like this are extremely unbalanced. The narcissist only cares about what their supporter can do for him or her. In addition, the narcissist interprets any reduction or cessation of the admirer’s focus and adulation as a personal attack.

Has No Remorse or Guilt When Exploiting Others

Narcissists lack empathy because they can never acquire the ability to place themselves in the shoes of those who are different from themselves. What this means is that they are emotionally distant from others. The people around them are treated as commodities, their sole purpose is to satisfy their desires. Because of this, they have no compunction about using others as stepping stones to their own goals. Interpersonal exploitation can be motivated by malice but is more commonly the result of ignorance. Narcissists are completely unaware of the impact they have on those around them. Even if you try to explain it to them, they won’t get it. Only their wants and needs matter to them.

Consistently Puts Others Down, Intimidates, Bullies, or Diminishes Them

Narcissists are threatened by anyone who seems to have what they covet most: self-assurance and social standing. Individuals who don’t bow down to them or pose any kind of challenge to their authority are also a danger to them. Their method of self-defense is to treat others with disdain. Putting down those individuals serves as the sole way to make them feel better about themselves and eliminate the threat. It could be done in a condescending or dismissive tone as if to show how little value they place on the other individual. To bring the other person back to reality, they may resort to name-calling, intimidation, or threats.

When Dealing With a Narcissist, the Reality is Not What It Seems

Narcissists have the potential to captivate and charm others. They are experts at portraying an enticing, idealized version of themselves. We’re drawn to their assuredness and big goals, and the more insecure we are, the more alluring they seem. It’s simple to get sucked into their web and believe that they are the key to finally experiencing the fulfillment of our deepest desires to feel significant and vital. However, this is nothing more than a costly pipe dream.

Establish Appropriate Limits

Respect and care for one another are the cornerstones of a healthy relationship. However, narcissists aren’t able to sustain genuine two-way relationships. They can’t do it, and it’s not just a matter of willpower. No one can see you. They can’t even hear you. You aren’t a person to them; you’re just a resource for meeting their needs. For this reason, narcissists frequently cross the lines into others’ personal space. Moreover, they do so with an indescribable sense of entitlement.

Narcissists have no problem going through your things or borrowing them without asking, reading your email and private correspondence, listening in on your conversations, crashing your party when they aren’t invited, stealing your ideas, or giving you unsolicited advice. They might go so far as to dictate your internal state. By naming the problem for what it is, you can take steps toward establishing more secure boundaries in which your needs are met.

Formulate a Strategy

It’s not simple to regain control after a prolonged period of allowing others to cross your boundaries. Prepare yourself for achievement by thinking through both your end goals and any challenges you might face. What are some of the most significant alterations you anticipate making? Is there something you’ve tried before that was successful in dealing with the narcissist? Is there anything that hasn’t happened yet? How does the power imbalance between you two influence your strategy? What strategies do you have in place to ensure your new limits are respected? You can better assess your options and create a workable strategy by answering the following questions.

Think About Taking It Slow and Easy

You should proceed cautiously if maintaining contact with the narcissist is a priority. If you call attention to their harmful or counterproductive behavior, you are chipping away at their idealized sense of perfection. Your message should be delivered with composure, respect, and as little force as possible. Look at how their actions make you feel instead of trying to figure out why they’re acting that way. Despite their angry and defensive reaction, you should try to maintain your composure. If you need some space to think, you can always come back to the discussion later.

You shouldn’t establish a limit unless you’re prepared to uphold it. The narcissist will push back against any limits you set, so you should do the same. Apply the repercussions that were outlined.

You Should Also Expect Some Other Relationship Shifts

If you try to assert your independence from the narcissist, they will become defensive and angry. Having always been in charge, they know what to do. They might attempt to make up for it by increasing their requests in other areas of the relationship, withdrawing emotionally as a form of punishment, or trying to entice or deceive you into abandoning the new boundaries.

Avoid Taking Things to Heart

Narcissists must constantly deny their shortcomings, cruelty, and mistakes to prevent themselves from feeling inadequate and ashamed. It’s common for people to do this by blaming others for their shortcomings. It’s distressing to be wrongly accused of something or portrayed as having negative qualities you don’t have. And I know how hard that is, but please refrain from taking it personally. It has nothing to do with you.

Don’t Believe the Narcissist’s False Claims About You

Narcissists’ perceptions of others reflect their inability to deal with reality. They are trying to bring you down by playing the blame and shame game, but you can’t let that happen. You shouldn’t take the blame for things that aren’t your fault. The narcissist is free to keep their bad feelings.

You Shouldn’t Debate With a Narcissist

Defending oneself and proving the narcissist wrong is an instinctive response to being attacked. However, they are not likely to listen to you, no matter how reasonable or convincing your argument may be. Further, debating the issue could make an already tense situation even more so. Put your energy elsewhere. Just let the narcissist know that you don’t concur with their appraisal and move on.

The First Step is Self-awareness

A firm grasp on one’s own identity is the best weapon against the narcissist’s barrage of put-downs and projections. Recognising your capabilities and limitations equips you to better dismiss unjustified criticism.

Give Up Your Need to Be Accepted

Separate yourself from the narcissist’s viewpoint and the urge to satisfy or please them at the cost of oneself. Irrespective of whether the narcissist has a separate take on things, you must be comfortable with knowing what is true about yourself.