LANIE STEVENS

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Surviving a Narcissist: Tips and Tricks for Keeping Your Sanity and Setting Boundaries

Hey girlfriends, have you ever dealt with a narcissist? It's a tough and emotionally draining experience. Narcissists have this grandiose sense of self-importance, a need for constant admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. And let's not forget how manipulative and controlling they can be! But don't worry, in this blog post, we're going to explore some ways to deal with a narcissist and keep your emotional well-being in check.

First things first, it's crucial to recognize the signs of narcissistic behavior. When they don't get what they want, they might become defensive or even angry. And to get what they want, they might manipulate and control others. They don't care about other people's feelings or needs, only their own.

That said, one of the best things you can do is to set clear boundaries. Let the narcissist know what you're comfortable with and what's not okay. Be firm and assertive when doing so, and don't let them push you into something you don't want to do. And once you've established those boundaries, stick to them!

Another important thing to remember is to prioritize your own well-being. Dealing with a narcissist can be incredibly draining, so make sure you're taking care of yourself. That might mean going for a run, meditating, or hanging out with people who lift you up. Don't let the narcissist control your emotions or make you feel guilty for taking care of yourself.

Now, here's the thing - narcissists thrive on drama and conflict. So, it's best to avoid getting into arguments or power struggles with them. If you do find yourself in a disagreement, stay calm and stick to the facts. Don't let the narcissist twist the conversation to fit their own agenda.

In summary, dealing with a narcissist can be tough. But by recognizing their behavior, setting clear boundaries, prioritizing your own well-being, and avoiding arguments, you can protect yourself and maintain your emotional health. Remember, if you need professional support, there's no shame in seeking it out. You got this!

HOW TO TELL IF A GUY IS A NARCISSIST

  1. The person who takes so many selfies, they start to think they're related to Kim Kardashian.

  2. He can turn any conversation into a story about themselves, even if it's completely unrelated to the topic.

  3. The guy is so obsessed with their appearance that they spend more time in front of the mirror than a teenage girl.

  4. He thinks he’s the smartest, most talented, and most attractive person in the room -- and isn't afraid to tell you so.

  5. They think they're always right, even when they're clearly wrong. It's like arguing with a brick wall, only less fun.

TRUE STORY

Meet Alex — the textbook narcissist. With his good looks, charm, and high opinion of himself, Alex had always been a magnet for attention. His girlfriend Emily was no exception. She found him incredibly attractive and exciting, but his constant self-centeredness was starting to take a toll on their relationship.

Alex's conversations mostly revolved around him and his accomplishments. He barely showed any interest in Emily's life or feelings. He criticized her appearance and even her intelligence, leaving her feeling small and insecure. Emily felt like she was walking on eggshells around him, always careful not to upset him.

One day, Emily had enough. She confronted Alex about his dismissive behavior and told him how she felt. But Alex being Alex, he became defensive and dismissive. He blamed Emily for being too sensitive and couldn't understand why she couldn't see how amazing he was.

Emily realized that she deserved better and decided to end the relationship, leaving Alex in shock. He couldn't believe that someone as amazing as him could be dumped by someone like her. He even said that to her face!

But after a few months of being alone, Alex started to realize that his narcissistic behavior had pushed Emily away. He knew that he needed to work on himself and change his ways if he ever wanted to have a healthy relationship. He sought therapy to work on his issues, not for Emily, but for himself.

Alex regretted losing Emily and realized that she was, in his words, the “love of his life”. He begged for her forgiveness and after a lot of effort, they reconnected and started dating again. This time around, Alex was a changed man. He learned to be more empathetic and considerate of Emily's feelings, and he let her be the center of attention occasionally. Though he still had his moments of self-absorption, he was committed to being a better partner and making the relationship work.

The moral of the story? Dealing with a narcissist can be tough, but it's important to set clear boundaries and prioritize your emotional well-being. Emily did just that and it turned out to be the best thing for Alex as well. After all, even a textbook narcissist can change with a little bit of self-reflection, effort and a few “secret” techniques thrown in. ;-)