1. Stay Calm
One of the most effective ways to handle a narcissistic mother is to stay calm, even if she is being rude or inconsiderate. Reacting emotionally can give her the power she’s looking for, as narcissists often feed off the emotional responses of others. By remaining composed and addressing issues maturely, you prevent emotions from clouding your sense of rationality. This approach can make it harder for her to manipulate your mood or push you into a reaction she desires. Overpower her manipulative tactics by staying cool and collected.
2. Set Boundaries
While staying calm is crucial, setting clear boundaries is just as important. Letting her know what is acceptable behavior and what is not helps protect your mental peace and ensures that you are not allowing her to overstep. If she crosses those boundaries, she is the one who is in the wrong, not you. Make it clear that these are ground rules that she needs to respect to maintain a healthy relationship. Narcissistic parents may resist boundaries, but reinforcing them is necessary for your own well-being.
3. Plan Your Responses
Conversations with a narcissistic mother can easily become tense, and you may feel tempted to react emotionally. Planning what you want to say ahead of time can prevent these conversations from escalating. Practicing responses like “I have to get going, Mom” or “Let’s agree to disagree” can provide an exit strategy when the conversation starts to spiral. Preparing certain statements can give you the mental preparedness to navigate through the conversation without being caught off-guard.
4. Seek Help and Support
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