Dealing with Narcissistic Family

If know someone who is: married to a narcissist, the parent of a narcissist, the child of a narcissist, a sibling, or a cousin; then you know how emotionally tiresome this can be. It can get exhausting, bring down your own self-esteem and take up your already limited time without providing any benefit in return.

Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental condition. Some characterized traits might be: 

  • Inflated sense of their own importance 
  • A deep need for admiration 
  • Crave excessive attention from others  
  • Attracted to trouble relationships
  • Lack of empathy for others
  • Generally unhappy and disappointed when they are not given the acknowledgement they believe they deserve

A narcissist may project extreme confidence but underneath it all is a person who has a fragile self-esteem and is vulnerable to the slightest criticism. People with narcissistic personality disorder can cause quite the chaos in life; at work, schooling, relationships and finances. 

Life with a narcissistic family member can be a tiring journey and almost seems endless. You may find yourself constantly feeling drained and questioning yourself if you are at fault for the narcissist’s unhappiness. You might even end up questioning your own self-worth.

The next time you have to deal with your narcissist family member(s), focus on yourself rather than them. As well, here are some coping tips to consider by Bill Eddy LCSW, JD, from Psychology Today 

  1. Don’t call them a narcissist.
  2. Don’t argue with them.
  3. Do focus on choices, yours and theirs.
  4. Do set limits on what you will do for them.
  5. Do get support and consultation.

Know that dealing with narcissists is never easy but you are not alone. Here are some reading recommendation to learn how to deal with them and find coping resources; 

Narcissistic family members, we can't avoid them

There is a chance you may know someone you know may be married to such a narcissist, the parent of a narcissist, the child of a narcissist, a sibling, or a cousin. Then you know how emotionally tiresome this can be. It can get exhausting, bring down your own self-esteem and taking up your already limited time without providing any benefit in return.






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