Do you have a sneaking suspicion that your new love interest might be a little bit self-absorbed? A little bit self-important? Or just a tad too proud of their own meagre accomplishments? You could be dating a narcissist.
And depending how much of a narcissist you’re dating, you might want to run very fast in the opposite direction. Or, if you think the relationship could work out anyway, you might need to set firm boundaries to protect yourself from the worst effects of their narcissism.
Understanding what narcissism is, how to recognise it and how to deal with it is the topic for today. Read on to find out more.
How to spot a narcissist
The first lesson to learn is how to spot a narcissist. Because this behaviour can be very well disguised as charm, self-confidence, high self-esteem. But there are some giveaway “tells” you can’t ignore.
Narcissists can be very charming and attractive when you first meet them
Narcissists can be very charming and attractive when you first meet them. They are often excellent at making conversation, and they may seem like genuinely nice people. However, narcissists are actually quite self-centred and lack empathy for others.
Over time, their true colours will start to show, and they can become manipulative and controlling. If you are in a relationship with a narcissist, it is important to be honest with yourself about what you are dealing with. They can be very difficult to be in a relationship with, but if you know what to expect, you can be better prepared to deal with their behaviour.
They often have a high opinion of themselves and like to brag about their accomplishments
The stereotype of the arrogant rich person is often accurate. They tend to have a high opinion of themselves and like to brag about their accomplishments. They may act like they are better than other people and look down on those who are not as wealthy as they are.
Often, their sense of entitlement comes from the fact that they have always had money and have never had to struggle financially. As a result, they may not be very empathetic towards others and can be quite selfish.
Of course, not all rich people are arrogant and entitled. Some are actually quite humble and generous. It is important to remember that people are individuals and should not be judged based on their wealth.
They can be manipulative and may use guilt trips or threats to get what they want
Narcissists can be very childish and even act like toddlers when they don’t get what they want. And, just as toddlers can be little masterminds when it comes to getting what they want, narcissists quickly learn that crying, tantrums or guilt trips are effective ways to manipulation you into giving in to their demands.
And they often use these tactics at the most inconvenient times, like when you’re trying to get out the door or when you’re trying to have a conversation with someone important such as a friend or colleague.
If you’re not careful, you may find yourself constantly giving in to your partner’s demands just to avoid a scene. But don’t worry, there are ways to deal with manipulative people like this.
With a little patience and some clever strategies, you can stay one step ahead of their manipulation tactics and keep your sanity intact.
They often have difficulty taking criticism or dealing with disappointment
There’s no denying that some people are just thin-skinned. They often have difficulty taking criticism or dealing with disappointment. In some cases, this can be a positive trait. After all, it’s important to be sensitive to others’ feelings. But in other cases, it can be a major downside. People who are thin-skinned may have trouble dealing with constructive criticism, for instance. They may also be quick to take offense, even when none was intended.
So, what’s the best way to deal with thin-skinned people? First, try to be as tactful as possible when giving criticism. If you’re not sure how they’ll react, it might be best to avoid critiquing them altogether.
Second, keep your own reactions in check. Remember that they’re probably hypersensitive to your response, so try not to do anything that will make them feel even more defensive.
Finally, try to show empathy and understanding. After all, everyone has their own vulnerabilities. If you can show that you understand and respect their sensitivity, they may start to open up more and become less defensive around you.
If you’re in a relationship with a narcissist, it can be very difficult to make them happy
If you’re in a relationship with a narcissist, it can be very difficult to make them happy. It’s not that they’re impossible to please, it’s just that their idea of happiness is often different from ours. For example, they might believe that happiness is having complete control over their partner and always getting what they want.
Or, they might believe that happiness is being the center of attention and always being adored.
Whatever their definition of happiness may be, it’s important to remember that it’s often different from our own. As such, trying to make a narcissist happy by doing things that we think will please them is often futile. If we really want to make them happy, we need to understand their definition of happiness and try to meet it.
Otherwise, we’ll just be chasing our tails.
The best way to deal with a narcissist is to set boundaries and stand up for yourself
Narcissists are often difficult people to deal with. They tend to be selfish, manipulative, and demanding. They may also have a sense of entitlement and a need for attention.
If you find yourself in a relationship with a narcissist, it is important to set boundaries and stand up for yourself.
Narcissists often try to control their partners and may become abusive if they don’t get their way. By setting firm boundaries, you can help to protect yourself from their manipulative behaviour.
It is also important to be assertive and stand up for yourself when dealing with a narcissist. Narcissists often react negatively to criticism, so it is important to be direct and honest when communicating with them.
However, it is also important to maintain a sense of detachment and keep your own best interests in mind. By doing this, you will be better able to deal with a narcissist and protect yourself from their negative impact.
So, what have we learned?
1. Narcissists can be turn on the charm, which they know is an attractive trait. They may be full of flattery and complements – at first!
2. They often have an overinflated opinion of themselves. Humblebragging and outright boasting are common traits.
3. They can be manipulative, like children, have tantrums, or embarrass you in public as a way to get what they want.
4. They often have difficulty taking reasonable criticism or dealing with disappointment.
5. If you’re in a relationship with a narcissist, it can be very difficult to make them happy. You may want to consider leaving, if you think you will never make them happy.
6. The best way to deal with a narcissist is to set boundaries and stand up for yourself.
If you’ve ever been charmed by a narcissist, you’re not alone. These charm-machines can be quite manipulative. They know how to get what they want from you. They have difficulty taking criticism or dealing with disappointment. However, there are ways to deal with them. You will definitely need to set boundaries and stand up for yourself.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to protect yourself from their harmful behaviour and hopefully have a happier relationship.
Happy dating!