Number 6: They’ll try to regain the position of dominance they think they had over you.
It’s important to keep in mind that individuals with narcissistic tendencies seek dominance and control over others. Their main focus is getting what they want and having their needs met. But when things don’t go their way or they lose control, it’s time to be cautious. When they realize they’re not in control anymore, don’t comply with their demands, or unintentionally outshine them, their ego takes a hit. They may go to great lengths to prove to themselves that they’re superior to you. But here’s the thing: it’s really not about you. It’s their issue, not yours. The good news is that you have the power to protect yourself and outsmart a narcissist who thinks you’re too strong for their liking.
First, prioritize distancing yourself from the narcissist as much as possible. This means cutting off your connection with them, essentially removing their source of narcissistic supply. Ideally, you want to completely cut ties, which means having no contact at all and burning all bridges that could allow them to reach you. If that’s challenging or impossible, at least try to adopt an unresponsive stance. Your goal is to minimize your engagement in the toxic dynamic. Once you’ve achieved low or no contact, focus on your healing. Take time for self-care, dedicating yourself to personal growth and recovery. This way, you can regain your power and rebuild your self-confidence while breaking the subconscious patterns that attract such perpetrators into your life, especially if it’s not your first experience with narcissists.
Lastly, let’s talk about setting boundaries. Learning to set boundaries effectively is a vital life skill that many of us were never taught. For someone who’s dealt with a narcissist, it becomes even more crucial. Setting boundaries is one effective way to safeguard your mental health and overall well-being. If you’re unsure or lacking confidence in establishing healthy limits, don’t worry. It’s never too late to acquire this valuable skill.
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