How to Deal with Narcissists

At one time in your life, you may have met or even worked with a narcissist. Narcissism is a personality disorder in which a person feels important, wants to be adored, and lacks empathy for others.

According to Sigmund Freud, narcissism is a normal development of an individual, because this trait can shape one’s personality and helps in setting goals in life.

However, if it exceeds the limit, it can hinder the person’s ability to have healthy relationships with the surrounding environment, as well as develop into a narcissistic personality disorder.

The word narcissism is often synonymous with a lack of empathy and excessive selfishness. Not only that, they usually ‘thirst’ for praise from their surroundings, exploit other people without feeling it’s wrong, often belittle and intimidate others, and are selfish above the interests of others.

Here are ways to deal with narcissistic people that you can try:

1. Divert Attention to Other Topics

Usually, the characteristics of narcissistic people are that they really dominate the conversation. They tend to talk about themselves and exaggerate their achievements.

If you meet this person, turn their attention to something else. Because, if a narcissist tells himself in an ideal version continuously, this will actually have an impact that is not good for you.

2. Stay positive

In the eyes of a narcissist, the world is filled with winners and losers. And narcissists usually always want to be a winner. They must make themselves superior to others.

In addition, their narcissistic nature makes them want to dominate others. But don’t rush into the fire. If you seem annoyed at him, he will actually be more aggressive towards the other person. Therefore, even if you are maddened to death, maintain a relaxed and positive attitude.

3. Don’t Disturb His Stance

If you have a narcissistic partner, don’t even think about changing that behavior to be less narcissistic. This can actually be bad and trigger a negative reaction.

Having lots of haters makes them feel popular and superior. Be patient, narcissistic traits will disappear with the process of self-maturity.

4. Face it with Humor

A narcissist is usually satisfied when other people are lulled by the things he shows off. To deal with a narcissist like this, try to be relaxed and humorous. Humor makes the atmosphere more fluid and more fun. Avoid negative responses such as sarcasm because narcissists are very sensitive to themselves.

5. Align with the Game

Narcissists believe that they are more special than other people. Therefore, they tend not to want to know the shortcomings that exist in him. What if you were working with someone like this?

Sometimes you need to occasionally cradle their ego especially if you need something from them. It may sound uncomfortable to some, but if that’s the only way to get them to cooperate, then so be it.

6. Accept Them As They Are

When they are proud of themselves, don’t take it to heart and accept them as they are and be tolerant as long as they don’t interfere with your personal life.

7. Set Clear Boundaries

If a person with narcissistic disorder is interfering with your personal life, talk to them immediately. However, you have the right to set clear boundaries that this has exceeded the limit.

8. Suggest Asking a Psychologist for Help

If you feel that a narcissist has crossed the line, you should advise them to consult a psychologist, especially if this is someone close to you or family. This is important so that their condition can be treated immediately and not harm others.

Narcissism is certainly present in everyone, it’s just how do you overcome it so you don’t develop and forget the existence of other people around you. One thing is for sure, don’t let other people’s narcissism make you ‘infected’ with this narcissistic disorder or get carried away by your emotions. Hope it is useful!