Have you ever met someone who showers fathomless love upon you and makes you feel like the most special and extraordinary person in the whole universe? But, when you try to give your opinion or criticize them, they cannot handle it and make you feel worthless and inferior immediately. Likewise, if they try to give you an opinion, you have to accept it at any rate. Why is that so? Well…such persons are suffering from narcissistic personality disorder.
Or simply put, they are narcissists.
Here, in this article, we will look into the toxic characteristics of narcissistic behavior, its signs and symptoms, its impacts, and how to deal with narcissistic persons.
So, take a deep breath and stick to the screen.
What is Narcissistic Personality disorder (NDP)?
Narcissistic personality disorder or narcissism is a mental condition that is characterized by self-centeredness, grandiosity, and lack of empathy for others. Narcissism is commonly referred to as self-love but it is much more than that. In psychological terms, narcissistic are self-idealized to such an extreme level that they consider themselves the most important and celebrated personality. They entitle themselves to all the admiration and appreciation of people around them. Moreover, they cannot bear it if you get any attention.
They believe that they are The Best and that everyone should praise them. Each person should validate their behaviors. But, deep down they are insecure. To hide their insecurity, they become extremely selfish, manipulative, patronizing, and demanding.
Merriam-Webster defines a narcissistic person as:
“Extremely self-centered with an exaggerated sense of self-importance: marked by or characteristic of excessive admiration of or infatuation with oneself.”
People suffering from NDP become the cause of numerous problems in all walks of life, such as workplace, relationships, school, and public affairs. These ego-centric people always think highly of themselves and it is nearly impossible to change their mindset related to any kind of decision.
They become defensive and cocky when someone tries to intervene in their choices and recommendations.
This raises the questions:
How to spot NDP?
Here is a list of common signs and symptoms to spot whether a person is a narcissist or not:
Grandiosity
Narcissist people exaggerate their talents and achievements. They want to recognize themselves as superior without giving due credit to others who helped them. For example, if you helped with a project, they will forget that part and will preach, “I achieved this milestone alone after facing many challenges.”
Narcissists believe that they are the most special people and always associate themselves with grand things that make them more proud and arrogant about their achievements. They never spare a chance to boost their achievements and talents.
Fantasies of Success, Power, or Beauty
They always fantasize about their success, power, beauty, and love which further fuels their sense of self-importance. Such people love to live in delusions that are strengthened by deception and irrational thinking. Whosoever tries to burst this bubble will face even extreme rage. For instance, if you tell them to believe that they made an error, they will start a fight with you.
Need for Admiration
People with NDP consistently need admiration and validation that gives them a sense of pride and gratification. Otherwise, they become aggressive and hostile which further damages their mental health as well as their relationships.
Sense of Entitlement
Narcissists consider it their right to feel special and unique. They never hesitate to crush other people’s feelings and wishes that go against their selfish nature. They treat other people as robots and become hostile in times of resentment or disapproval.
Arrogance and Haughty Behavior
Such self-obsessed and egoistic persons envy others and harbor the strong belief that everyone is jealous of them. They are merciless people who lack empathy and compassion for others. A narcissistic person will never hesitate to bully demean, intimidate, bully, or belittle others. Furthermore, they ruthlessly exploit other’s rights when someone or something goes against them.
In our daily lives, we come across such people who suffer from this kind of personality disorder. To be honest, we do not like such personalities yet we find ourselves trapped in their web of deceit.
If you have been in such a trap, you can employ these tips and strategies to deal with such persons.
How can we deal with people suffering from narcissistic personality disorder?
Dealing with people suffering from narcissistic Personality Disorder (NDP) can be tricky and challenging for you. Here are some ways to protect yourself from the damaging and manipulative behavior of narcissistic people.
- Set Boundaries: Mutual understanding and respect serve as the basis for healthy relationships. However, narcissists never treat persons outside of their own needs. Sometimes, you do not even exist when they are making decisions. Therefore, you must keep them within their limits. Setting and maintaining boundaries will help you a lot to deal with NDP.
Be consistent while planning and executing limitations with egomaniac people as they never spare a chance to manipulate your actions and thoughts. For example, assertively say no when they ask you to help them.
- Manage Expectations and Don’t Fall for Fantasy: At first sight, narcissists will appear very alluring, and this helps them set a trap for others. They, artistically show that side of personality that is flattering, fantastical, and magnetic. Beware of falling prey to their magnanimous personality. For example, they might wear what you like and speak as you like. But, once you fall for them, they will decide what are you going to wear, what hairstyle would suit you, and where should you go.
Always keep in mind that narcissistic persons are not looking for relationships. Rather, they want admirers who think and act according to their wishes. The best way to avoid narcissistic behavior is to focus on your real and achievable dreams and pay attention to those things that make you feel content and fulfilled.
Communication is the Key.
- Communicate Assertively: Assertive communication is a key strategy for dealing with narcissists and arrogant individuals. Try to be clear, direct, and confident while talking to a narcissist. For instance, if they insist you go somewhere you do not feel comfortable, you can say, “No, I do not want to go there as I do not feel comfortable. If you want to go, you have my sport.”
- Seek Support and Purpose Elsewhere: Be honest with yourself and seek help and guidance from other family members if you are living with a narcissistic partner. Instead of wasting your time and energy in a worthless and disrespectful relationship, you can opt for many other healthier options, like volunteering yourself for some sublime purpose. Moreover, you can make friends with someone who makes you feel elevated and alive.
But how is it possible to achieve this while living with a toxic partner?
So, the best thing you can do is leave the narcissist person and move on. Know that you cannot change them. If you could change them, you already would have. You will lose your true inner self while competing with an egocentric person. But it is not always easy to leave such a self-obsessed person, they can gaslight you by manipulating the situation in such a manner that you cannot get out of their spell.
Is this a curable disorder?
What about those people who want to get rid of this disorder?
Obviously, like all other diseases, this disorder has its cure. Although it is really challenging, it is not impossible if you want to get rid of it. Talking to a skilled psychotherapist can help you develop a better and more balanced personality.
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