5 strategies to protect yourself from a narcissistic person
People with a marked narcissism not only stand out for that feeling of omnipotence and that highly inflated and unrealistic self-image. In addition, another of the most striking aspects of his personality is the way in which they relate to others, and how easily and spontaneously they generate discomfort in those around them.
And the belief strongly rooted in the narcissist that stands out above other human beings is not something that is limited to remain isolated in your mind, without real consequences, but predisposes you to act in a manner consistent with that vision of the world. That is why it is very common for narcissists to try to make others feel insecure, doubtful and eclipsed by their real or imagined presence.
Considering that, next we'll see what we can do to protect us from an extremely narcissistic person .
- Related article: "The (subtle) difference between self-esteem and narcissism"
How to protect yourself psychologically from a narcissistic person?
These simple strategies can help you mitigate the discomfort generated by certain comments frequent in people with a high narcissism. However, keep in mind that these should be done in a way that maintains a balance between your well-being and that of the other person.
You must bear in mind that being a narcissist is not an option; it is not, of course, for people with Narcissistic Personality Disorder, nor for those who, without reaching such clear extremes, have become accustomed to behaving in this way due to their past experiences and their socialization.
1. Cut the conversation
This is the most radical option but also the simplest one. There are situations that become so violent that a withdrawal is a logical reaction. If you have the option, do it, and in many cases this will have the effect of a kind of passive punishment like the "time out" technique, in which the one who has behaved badly loses access to something that was stimulating or entertaining.
2. Learn to recognize your feelings
In the face of offensive or contemptuous comments, it is useful to have a good Emotional Intelligence. Experiencing a treatment characterized by the typical disdain of narcissistic people is not the same as going through that experience taking into account that this situation is explained by the extreme personality trait of the one who utters those words.
Thus, the possible harmful thoughts for self-esteem caused by the behavior of the other are relativized by the situation. What is happening does not talk about what one is , but on the highly skewed thinking of the other person.
3. Remember that every human being has dignity
By default, every person has all the same rights and all people are worthy. Who puts in question this principle is simply acting unilaterally, something that in fact has no merit, since in any case shows inability to socialize .
Despises and ridicule do not make you worth less, they are a simple excuse to maintain that behavior and are not based on the truth about what you are: anyone can be mocked, but not everyone sees the need to articulate their social life through a feeling of superiority that has to be artificially fed .
4. Do not replicate in the same tone
Replicate in a way similar to how the narcissistic person does when trying to be hurtful it will only make the situation worse and prolonged . It is much better to contradict his speech (which usually consists of portraying the other person as immature or not capable) through integrity, calmness and generally ignoring the presence of that person.
Once again, the key here is to eliminate the "reward" that would mean giving importance to the words of the narcissist and, by extension, to her as well.
5. Turn over criticism
If you reflect aloud on the criticisms of the other person showing that you have already thought about them for a long time and found a way to "deactivate them", you will show unwavering security in you and that will dissuade the other person from continuing. You do not have to explain why you think they are misguided (that would give them too much importance), just react in a way that shows that you do not mind hearing those things.
