Dealing with Narcissists: Lessons Learned

Have you ever found yourself in a relationship with a narcissist? If so, you’re not alone. I have personal experience dealing with a variety of narcissists, including both malignant and covert types, which significantly impacted my emotional well-being. In this article, I will share my experiences and the lessons I learned.

Family Siblings: Malignant Narcissists and Covert Narcissists

One of the worst narcissists I've encountered are my family siblings. Specifically, two were classified as malignant narcissists, while one was a covert narcissist. It has been almost a year since I have no contact with them, and the difference in my emotional state is remarkable. I feel more focused and calm, instead of being anxious and fearful when speaking to them. The no-contact approach has allowed me to build a wall of resilience, with them on one side and myself on the other. This separation has allowed me to acknowledge that what happens in their lives good or bad will remain separate for all eternity.

Narcissistic Relationships: A Toxic Experience

My experiences with narcissists are not limited to just my family. Another toxic relationship I had for two years was with an individual whom I initially thought was a romantic partner, but it quickly became apparent that it was a fake relationship. Within the last six months of this relationship, I realized something was very wrong, and it was only after educating myself on narcissistic personalities that I comprehended the full extent of the toxicity. It was a manipulation and emotional set-up by the individual, along with a very disturbed flying monkey, who sought to abuse me emotionally.

Dealing With a Narcissist in Friendship

One of my first instances of dealing with a narcissist was not in a romantic or family context but through my friendships. I encountered a sexually explicit and manipulative individual in 2018 who used me for financial gain, scamming people out of their money. Despite my own history of sometimes engaging in such activities, I still felt disgusted by his actions. When I confronted him about his scamming, he initially tried to justify his behavior but eventually admitted to accumulating a few hundred dollars. This admission led to a temporary break in our communication, but we eventually rekindled our connection due to our previous familiarity.

Recognizing and Responding to Narcissistic Behavior

Recognizing narcissistic behavior is crucial for maintaining good mental health. In my experience, the key is to remain vigilant and educate oneself about the traits of narcissistic personalities. It is essential to set boundaries and not engage in toxic behaviors, even if they seem to be reciprocated. Emotional abuse is a common tactic used by narcissists, and becoming aware of it can help in taking appropriate action.

Lessons Learned

Dealing with a narcissist has taught me several valuable lessons. Firstly, the psychological impact of prolonged exposure to toxic behavior is severe, and taking a step back can be incredibly beneficial. Secondly, Educating oneself about the common traits and behaviors of narcissists can empower individuals to protect their emotional well-being. Lastly, the importance of setting boundaries and not engaging in abusive or manipulative behaviors is paramount.

Understanding and addressing narcissistic behavior is not just for the sake of those directly involved. It can also help in recognizing and addressing these issues in wider societal contexts. By sharing these experiences, we can contribute to a safer and healthier environment for all.