Skip to main content Skip to bottom nav

Lessons on dealing with a Narcissistic person

User Profile: pamharley003
pamharley003 October 21st, 2025

Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is a mental health condition characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance. Individuals with this disorder often place their own needs and beliefs above all else, expecting those around them to do the same.


Living with someone who has NPD can be challenging, as they may belittle your opinions, beliefs, and feelings. A narcissist tends to create problems in various areas of life, including work, family dynamics, school, and financial situations. They often become unhappy when the focus is not on them.


Narcissistic Personality Disorder affects men more frequently than women and can manifest in adolescence or early adulthood. It can even be observed in children, often through jealousy of siblings as they seek attention through different means.


Some common symptoms of Narcissistic Personality Disorder include:


- An exaggerated sense of self-importance.

- A belief that they deserve special treatment and privileges.

- Exaggerating achievements and talents, sometimes lying to feel exceptional.

- Criticizing others and belittling them to undermine their self-esteem.

- Taking advantage of others to achieve their own goals.


Individuals displaying narcissistic traits often struggle with handling criticism. They may:


- Find it difficult to interact positively with others.

- Become angry and belittle those with low self-esteem to boost their own feelings of worth.

- Have trouble managing their emotions and behavior.

- Withdraw and experience stress.

- Secretly feel exposed for who they truly are.


There are several effective strategies for coping with the behavior of a narcissist:


1. Do not blame yourself—understand that their behavior is a result of their disorder, and focus on your own healing.

2. Show compassion—help them realize they can be accepted for who they are instead of feeling the need to pretend. Make it clear how their words and actions have affected you.

3. Set firm boundaries—establish clear limits that can help protect you from further harm.

4. Educate yourself about Narcissistic Personality Disorder—the more you know, the better equipped you will be to handle such situations.

5. Remember that if someone puts you down, it often reflects their issues rather than anything you did wrong.


Narcissistic behavior should neither be excused nor dismissed; it's crucial to protect yourself from being mistreated because of someone else's insecurities.

How do you deal with a narcissitic person?

Taglist 10/13/2025

@00WHY00 @1Marg1 @24963534 @24Help1 @4Rainbow42 @5catsandme @7EggsADay @8Khaleesi8 @allen99 @ArinDee @Actuallynobody017 @adaptableOcean4193 @adventurousBranch3786 @adventurousSugar1991 @affableowl5126 @affectionateCat9553 @affectionatePear7889 @agreeablestrawberries1285 @ahaller @ahds2k @ahel58 @akbj @AKmarshmallow @Aksabode @alan254 @alanapiana1970 @alleywood13 @amanda @ambitiousNectarine1482 @Amelia763 @Amelia2324 @amiablePeace77 @amiableTortoise2797 @AmiYumi @amusingcranberry1537 @AmusingJet302 @anderly @andy @Angelface50 @AnnieIsMe @aquaCake3636 @ARIBA5 @Artemis13579 @AshcloudMac @Aspace4u @Audy916 @Awesomesummer1628 @ayeyaeyaaaaaaaa @azureAcres1605 @azureblueheron @azuladragon34 @Baby1120 @ballooningSloth @BaltimoreSpring @bamafan96 @Barltik2065 @Beanno @beautifulsoul @becausepuppies @Beck @becknit @beachyone @believing777 @berta0322 @Bestmaple2045 @bestplum1189 @betheileen @better2Bbrave @beverlianne @bigalt21 @Billyjoe9717 @bimmernizer @BirdsWhoWrite @bisketties @bklnstar @BlackApple6420 @BLSD2021 @bluebell34 @BlueEyes1819 @blueOrange6725 @BlueSky0708 @Blueskye24 @Bluesky1964 @bluevelvet3 @Blugreg @Bodhichicka  @bogartfan @bouncyBeach42 @BookishWendy @bouncyVoice4149 @breezyoctopus @brightChestnut3152 @brightShip8753 @BrightSugar1923 @brightZebra 8925 @bubblePomegranate7179 @Bumblebee41 @BurdensDown @cafelatte46 @cal1860 @CaliforniaViv @calmblueocean @calmVase7032 @Cammiecat @CandyBubblegumSprinkles @carefreeheart57 @CarefulGrapes590 @carefulsailboat231 @carelady @caringone1004 @CaringPanda45 @caringPumpkin64 @CaringSharon @CaringSoftly @CaringSub @carscarey @casey90 @cathy @catlady @catmandu @caughtinthemiddle @Cazzy8752 @Cheerie @chickadee123 @Chro411924 @CHT @CintaBali @classylady521 @Cliffg747 @Clio9876 @coach411 @Communicativepenny8383 @compassionteHuman5626 @CompassionateLand2815 @Confused7461 @conscientiousCoconut8216 @convivialCake8989 @ConvivialFriend9402 @Cookiecrumbles7079 @coolvibes @CoriF @courageousCoconut7282 @CourageousDaisy1111 @courageousLemon182 @CourageousSpring2022  @courteousLime9432 @Creamyyy  @CreativeYard1702 @ crimsonRaspberries1486     @crimsonShade6782 @CtownMimi @ctw1237 @Cubby2020 @curiousbutterfly77 @currentwise @cyanBirch4288 @CyclingThroughLife @Damaris62 @DanaMH @DancingJoy811 @dapperPond2037 @Dave94305 @debbiehun @decisivetangerine2856 @decisiveBanana1981 @DDPaintsStuff @DeeGold @DELTA0112 @Den2542 @determinedNectarine9383 @dillon8524 @DinaElwy @diofono @diplomaticoak9588 @discreetMelon5938 @discreettriangle87 @DiscretOcean7936 @doginashirt @dolphinlver @Doodles7 @duces @ecstaticlght @einarsgirl @elderfarm @Electric100 @ElizabethGiovi @EmbStitcher33 @empathicForest15 @Emptynest2020 @emotional232023 @enigmaticOcean8813 @endearingLion70 @Enthusiasticnest1089 @equinox56 @eternalHero77 @Eva66 @Every1ahome @ExDesertScapegoat @exuberantAvocado5095 @fairmindedStrawberries7429 @Faithfulapple2400 @faithlove1111 @Favor2020 @favour @fearlessSouth4632 @FlowerLily23 @FoolsSelf @forcefulFriend4768 @forcefulStrings1005 @forcefulWriter32 @forko23 @Freeskier @FriendlyAnju777 @friendly10 @friendlyCat50 @fromthetent81 @frothyMagic6772 @FusionX33 @GabbyGee @Gabriellegahnsuksah @Gale1032 @galfromaway @gardenyarn @generousBalloon786 @gentleEast4230 @gentleLand5245 @GiftedEmpath3 @goldilocks1041 @goodmelon8247 @goodYard1477 @goodStrawberries7059 @GothamRam @gracefulDay3692 @GrammatoBoys @Grandma1 @GrandmaLolly @Gramma2FnM @Grammy23 @Grammy23 @Gr8ful1974 @Greenpear036 @greenSummer1236 @gregariousKiwi9594 @gregariousZebra21 @guitarman087 @Gwen1963 @GypsyRed @HaloCompany88 @hoppa12 @HealingGriz @Heather2020 @helloBike4402 @hellopusher @helloTalker8798 @honestPeach5447 @Hotaru419 @hounddog2021 @HY00 @iamroni @icanremember @icedcoffee211109 @IHDW1982 @ihtak @impartialDrum1848 @impartialRaspberries1389 @indigolilly1500 @indigoFriend7851 @indigoMoon1246 @innerLove @intelligentSail5966 @introvertedextrovert2122 @intuitiveBunny8426 @intuitiveFriend1097 @Ivy229 @Irene2552 @IWuzADuck @JackKost @jackrock @japanesegardengirl @jazzgtr @Jim @Jinx012014 @jlmouranet @jillwings7@JolivetteListens @JoniGirl @Judecat42W1370 @junem @justbecause @Justbreathingx9 @JustExisting1027 @JustMe1225 @justpassingthrough10 @K8tjee @kala @karyn0601  @Katbtrying552 @Kathy1212 @kathy3667 @Kavajava @kcollier6517 @Kevin0291 @kickiree @kickan75 @Kimberley555 @KindblueEyes @kindCloud141 @Kira09 @kit4228 @kitty2018 @kittycat15 @klemen @koyaanisqatse8 @Kurt789 @LadySnowcat @LakeGirl819 @Lara @lateasusual @Lauren63 @LavenderDaily @lesjon @lelahni @Lifer @lightBalsam5585 @LightSoul108 @lilaj3796 @LimegreenNorth1124 @LindaWinNJ @lisamac724 @ListeningKaty @livefreely04 @LivingLovingLifeRecovery @livingwithbpdx2 @lledmonds1969 @Lolowise475 @lonea @Lonelybeth @LoneShade @lookingforpeace @lookoutOwl8 @LostanLonely @Lostinlove50 @love @Love2Boat65 @LovecraftianHorror @lovingTangerine2547 @LoveResearcher @lrsmith9636 @LucianX @luv2shop @mabelanne20 @madhu @Maebyb@Maka10 @mamamel @mamapants @MariaLands @Marspock @meforexample @Melayla @Melissa22320 @Mellieme l1971 @mellisendis @metta2u @mettagirl @MidwesternCalmSeeker @Mindy @ministermichelle @Mishka1599 @MissPen @Mla69 @mm2022 @modestOcean7984 @modestwatermelon2938 @moi2016 @mommabear0562 @MondoRalph @Mooboxer @mooboxer @moocher @morecake @Motherofcats1955 @MrKindness @MsVee2021 @MusicCandy @Musicman50 @musicwithbrass @mutter3 @myer @MysticSoul88 @Nanci @navyAcai7149 @neatandtidy72 @neverendingtime23 @NightListener3262 @nippycat @NotAllHere713 @No1Angel68 @nobodyimportantmn @Nogift @NormaAnne @Oddball76779 @oel @OffMyTrack @OliveCamp8456 @omez125 @OmWeAreOne @Open12 @OptimisticAcres4817 @optimisticRaspberries5247 @outofspace7 @PatienceImpatiens @PaytonGlover @Peace1221 @peaceandlove65 @peachy53 @PepperBunny  @pgreen6840 @phantomsmilesphilosophicalacai7803 @PitbullMom9 @philosophicalAcres8914 @philosophicalKiwi4956 @pianocat @PigfaceMcGee513 @placidplum3193 @pluckystrings4696 @plumPapaya7147 @plumSkies6526 @politePear3867 @positiveriver9935 @potatoxcrispztrish @powerfulOak2587 @powerfulMaple1852 @practicalbalsam @PracticalCat2637 @proactiveCup703 @Proudme @Puddinpen @PurpledPeach @purpleNorth4637 @purplefan5510 @purplepansies8591 @purpletangerine87 @purpletree4652 @PurpleWater74 @pxidis @Qooo @quietbeach575 @purpleCircle8013 @quietFlower25 @QuietLightning  @quietSail6485 @quietStrawberries9260 @Ran3707 @RainbowRosie @rationalWater7635 @RavingTiger @readytolisten7799 @RebelliousMirror @redOrange9587@redCococnut7440 @redPenny @Redpeppers @Redrhapsody @reliableHickory3670 @reliablemoon26 @reliablemoon6376 @repen13 @ReservedHickory86 @reservedOwl321 @Resourceful2021 @rhoda @richyShiny39 @RideaRainbow @River416 @Roger57 @RogueOne1983 @Rose1324 @Ross63 @roxymar @ruffneckred @Ruthanny1243 @sabeyesofblue3535 @sailinsunshine @SallyMoore @sallymander36 @samSympa3 @Sandidegeer @SarahKind @sb805 @ScarletLand3247 @ScarletPear1945 @SeaLady @Seasidelady61 @secretMap2091 @Sedtzl1 @seeker1898 @SeekerSher @seekinghappy55 @selfdisciplinedPenny281 @seniorlady @sensibleBunny2134 @sensiblePal7535 @ShadowFaerie @Shycat542 @shycranberry2308 @sillyrabbit7 @sincereGrapefruit4682 @sincerelandsincereOak6832 @SKHK @SkillfullMeans @Skyglider @SleeplessVet @SloRollin62 @smead85 @Smilintru67 @smokescrunch @sngrlittle @snugglyLight2001 @sonerii @soothingArrow47 @sophiaaiello @SoulfulCat22 @soulsings @spielmanjr @spongbobishappy @SpreadAloha @StartExploring @stayingsafe @SteampunkOkc @stilltrying126 @sthompso @StormyTimes @straightforwardKiwi7811 @stressBear @strugglingtocope99 @stampy853 @StillSurvivingThriving @Sue1111 @Sue88 @sunnyplum5193 @SunnySpruce3523 @sunnyZebra2336 @Sunshine4691 @SunShineAlwaysGrateful @SusyKaploosy @SuzieQ1 @swammi01 @SweetSami @swim215 @swinston222 @swordpsalm @sympatheticCat267 @Tabbysflower @Tailormade1 @tanimaya @Tanq2u @Tawanda526 @tealCranberry7379 @tealDog6333 @tealPlace1858 @Teresa416 @terrig996 @TexasTabby @thecaringone @thoughtfulRaspberries8714 @ThreeFires @Tish1982 @tranquilheart @Treat @Tri2BHappy @Trying5555 @turquoiseJar411 @twidget @twm @Tyedyedbutterfly @understandingSea8000 @unicornbarb @Vadras @versatileHickory1709 @Vintagelung @VioletVeritas @vouberto @Walker7957 @WarmWool @waterdragon81 @weatherphoto @WharfRat @Whisper292 @whisperingfairy7 @whispersrlonely @whitewingeddove1107 @Wicket51 @willow3836 @wittyNest2941 @WonnderWoman @Woodlandwalk42 @wordnerd @worstpossibleusername @WorkingitThrough2 @worthystruggle @WrenegadeWen @Yashoda108 @xe14 @xinero @xrosez @Yashoda108 @yzzil @Yushix @youcancallmeLili @zaramerch @Zengrl @ZeeshanZahir


28
User Profile: toughTiger6481
toughTiger6481 October 21st, 2025

@pamharley003

How do you deal with a narcissitic person?   

Hard to say because I have never had someone in life who..Actually had a  real diagnosis. from a professional. 

Narcissist is IMO probably the most used and misused amateur diagnosis. too many place that name  on others without real reason to...... Many  people decide every difficult or self centered person they come across is one.    

 Not a one size fits all situation many I might suspect I avoid....... others I set a boundary and do not let them cross it.   


1 reply
User Profile: QuietLightning
QuietLightning November 7th, 2025

I agree. The best way to deal with a truly narcissistic person is to minimize your interaction with them.

load more
User Profile: soulsings
soulsings October 21st, 2025

@pamharley003 How do you deal with a narcissitic person?

I try to avoid conflict by not arguing with them and setting internal boundaries that keep anything I do according to their standards out of our conversations.

1 reply
User Profile: SparkyGizmo
SparkyGizmo October 25th, 2025

@soulsings

❤️ 💡 ❤️

load more
User Profile: AffyAvo
AffyAvo October 21st, 2025

How do you deal with a narcissitic person?

The same way I would deal with anyone else. I have never gone into an interaction with a person thinking they had NPD so decided to treat them differently.

There's a small number of people where I have guessed they may have NPD after many interactions. Even then though, my interactions that occurred afterwards (if any, sometimes contact with people we know ends) were based on my experiences. I have never been like oh, they are a narcissitic person so I'm going to do a, b and c.

I certainly can understand if someone has an ongoing relationship (any type of relationship) with someone and needs some strategies to make things go more smoothly. I've just never been in a situation where I have assumed a label like this for a close friend/family member and struggled to have healthy interactions.

User Profile: amiablePeace77
amiablePeace77 October 21st, 2025

@pamharley003

Thank you for this post pam!

How do you deal with a narcissistic person? I have a narcissistic friend, and it can be very exhausting to deal with her but setting firm boundaries and understanding that behind her way of acting is a strong feeling of insecurity helps me. At times I need to take a longer break from her though. 

User Profile: Amanda84
Amanda84 October 21st, 2025

@pamharley003

Lately, this is a term that I hear being thrown around , so it's very important to actually know what this term means in clear and concise terms. Thank you 💕 💜 

User Profile: WharfRat
WharfRat October 22nd, 2025

Fortunately, there have been no narcissistic people in my life that I had to keep in touch with.  I was able to just distance myself from them once I realized what they were like.  I didn't know the term "narcissist" at the time, but just knew that these people were not good for me (or for anyone).


4 replies
User Profile: slowdecline48
slowdecline48 October 23rd, 2025

@WharfRat You got that right.

User Profile: eternalHero77
eternalHero77 November 8th, 2025

@WharfRat I unfortunatly know 3 narcissistic people. 2 I managed to keep my distance after years of being in their home and finding out what they were About. The 3rd one is a bit more difficult ‘cause my daughter and granddaughter live with this person and not for nothin’ this person I DO NOT trust with my life and feel I need be there to protect my family. My daughter tried moving out-she had help and all till this person jeopardized everything and she and my granddaughter had no alternative but go back.

2 replies
User Profile: pamharley003
pamharley003 OP November 8th, 2025

@eternalHero77

I am so sorry for what your daughter and grand-daughter are going through having to go back to this person. I wish them well and hope nothing bad happens to them. I will keep hope up they can somehow get help. 

1 reply
User Profile: eternalHero77
eternalHero77 November 8th, 2025

@pamharley003 Thank you---my daughter has gone for help for a few years but got tired of every session being About her anger and pain over the person..the person even joined my daughter in session that left the therapist stunned and odds as to how to help my daughter.

load more
load more
load more
User Profile: slowdecline48
slowdecline48 October 22nd, 2025

The only truly effective strategy for "coping with" a narcissist is to not have any contact with such a creature to begin with.

1 reply
User Profile: QuietLightning
QuietLightning November 8th, 2025

Yes, but sometimes dealing with the narcissist’s flying monkeys is worse than coping with the narcissist.

load more
User Profile: calmingcomfortero
calmingcomfortero October 24th, 2025

Hii, sorry I am a teenager however your discussion about Narcissistic Personality Disorder really fascinated me. Friends are imperfect and I empathise with people with npd so as long as I adapt to their avoidant-anxious attachment type and regulate myself well it’s possible to be friends with them. Npds are also fun to be sometimes.

User Profile: ComfortCloudMinnie
ComfortCloudMinnie October 24th, 2025

@pamharley003

Thank you so much.. This is really very important to know.. 

You've expressed every inch in a meaningful and structured way, I gained some new knowledge.

I wonder, can these narcissists change or just live their whole life like that?

7 replies
User Profile: pamharley003
pamharley003 OP October 24th, 2025

@ComfortCloudMinnie

Hi Minnie,

Their going toi want to change. No one can change their habit except themselves. Other people can support them as they change but their the ones who have to see what their actions and words are doing to other people. 

1 reply
User Profile: ComfortCloudMinnie
ComfortCloudMinnie October 25th, 2025

@pamharley003 Hello Pam,

Yes, even I've been thinking the same.

Thank You :^)

load more
User Profile: SparkyGizmo
SparkyGizmo October 25th, 2025

@ComfortCloudMinnie

@pamharley003


Hi Minnie! 😊 ❤️


Thank you for your question and I found the query to be incredibly insightful, in and of itself. I also really enjoyed @Pams response 💡! 


Typically, those with these traits/behavioral problems go undiagnosed as they enjoy doing what it is that they do. They don't see a problem with it. They are enjoying themselves so the thought is "why change"? 


It's rare for someone that has high NPD traits to seek therapy. It can happen, however if it does, it's mostly due to some sort of severe threat such as incarceration, job loss, being served divorce papers, etc.


Further more, many clinicians refuse to work with those that are potentially NPD or formally diagnosed as having NPD as they see that change and growth rarely happens, but instead the the therapist is manipulated, and the person that has NPD walks away with new verbiage from the clinician. They've gained 'therapy speak" and have added more to their arsenal in an effort to manipulate, blame and abuse others. 


Nothing is beyond the realm of possibility I imagine? It most likely would require a true want to change coupled with some "life changing event". 


*high fives* 😊 and *hugs* ❤️

4 replies
User Profile: ComfortCloudMinnie
ComfortCloudMinnie October 25th, 2025

@SparkyGizmo Hello Gizmo. I've found your explanation really interesting.

I think one of the reasons is their childhood life too.. The family they grown with, the schooling, the friends or any other major marking incidents which shape them who they are.

And with the type of environment today's teens are growing, have a higher possibility to encounter many people like that in future.


3 replies
User Profile: SparkyGizmo
SparkyGizmo October 25th, 2025

@ComfortCloudMinnie

Well said! 😊  For the question you specifically asked and the scope of what our OP provided, I didn't go into that however, that could potentially be another amazing forum post all on it's own if anyone ever chooses to create one. 


NPD is quite complex.


*high fives* 😊 and *hugs* ❤️

2 replies
User Profile: ComfortCloudMinnie
ComfortCloudMinnie October 25th, 2025

@SparkyGizmo I will try to make a forum post! :^)

1 reply
User Profile: SparkyGizmo
SparkyGizmo October 25th, 2025

@ComfortCloudMinnie

*high fives* 😊 my friend! 

load more
load more
load more
load more
load more
User Profile: SparkyGizmo
SparkyGizmo October 25th, 2025

@pamharley003

Hi Pam! 😊 ❤️


Amazinggggggggggg forum post as always!!!!! I am a big fan of you ❤️ and of your work here on the platform! Thank you for consistently providing fantastic content for us! 


*high fives* 😊 and *hugs* ❤️

2 replies
User Profile: pamharley003
pamharley003 OP October 26th, 2025

@SparkyGizmo

It makes me feel good when forum posts I make has affected others in either learning something more about the topic or educating them about the topic. 🥰

1 reply
User Profile: SparkyGizmo
SparkyGizmo October 26th, 2025

@pamharley003

❤️❤️❤️

load more
load more