- Recognize Predictability: These individuals are predictable. Look back at your engagements with them and understand that they often try to hook you through insults, shame, or guilt. They do this because they believe it will be successful.
- Accept Unchangeability: Understand that you’re unlikely to prompt them to change their patterns. Your insight does not translate into their change; they don’t operate with good insight.
- Tune into Your Feelings: Reflect thoughtfully on your feelings and reactions. Ask yourself why you respond strongly. Are you driven by fear or insecurity? Understanding your internal landscape will help you respond more effectively.
- Bolster Your Confidence: Build your confidence and stability from the inside out. Instead of trying to get them to understand their behavior so you can feel better, focus on your own healthy habits and what you need to work on.
- Be the Adult: When narcissists try to bait you into their unhealthy games, be the adult in the situation. They’re like playground bullies trying to intimidate. You need to set boundaries and say, “No, I’m not playing that game.”
Narcissists want to feed their ego by making you look foolish. However, there’s a distinction between you and them: narcissists are low-insight individuals, while you can be a high-insight person. You can recognize what’s going on and respond accordingly.
When they throw out the bait, hope you can respond with, “No thanks, I’m good.” You see the hooks behind the bait and choose not to partake.
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