Number 8: Learn when to disconnect.
While it may seem like your narcissist family members just genuinely like making you feel bad, the truth is a little more complicated than that. Narcissists may like to appear to know everything and have their life under control, but the reality is that these types of people struggle to connect with others or even know how to act in social situations. They can become so self-absorbed that they make wild decisions that you would probably never even consider, but there’s nothing you can really do about it. Narcissists may not be able to understand when they push too far, but you are a different story. If your sibling is throwing too much your way, sometimes it’s best to step away from the situation entirely. Giving your sibling space will help you focus on other things, and it also lets them move onto something else instead.
Number 7: Get yourself in a better place first.
If you are carrying around a bunch of baggage from your life, other people are going to see it. People that have been hurt in love, or are slow to trust, are easy to spot – it’s just that most normal people won’t point these things out to you. Unfortunately, if you have a narcissistic sister or brother you know firsthand how different the circumstances are for you, but there are steps you can take in order to better protect yourself. It all comes from within, so getting a better handle on your insecurities can help take away ammunition that your toxic sibling may be using against you. Living with guilt, insecurity, and other types of emotional baggage can make for a harder existence, so helping yourself with meditation or therapy can really help.
Number 6: Don’t be shy; seek help when needed.
Having to deal with a narcissist at work or out in the world is one thing, but when you’re encountering it within your own family? That’s when things may get a little overwhelming. If you’re lucky enough to have another family member to talk to about things, then that is one very helpful tactic to create space between you and your sibling. If that doesn’t work, then you can also try bringing a friend or partner to the events where you run into your toxic sibling, since they can help shield you from some of the comments. Narcissists are less likely to attack when they feel outnumbered, so there’s also a chance that having another person around can stop things before they even have a chance to get going. Even if it’s just having someone to talk to, feeling like someone else is in your corner can help with some of the complex emotions you are going through, and they can also help to keep you level-headed if you feel like your narcissistic family member is trying to manipulate or gaslight you. By the way, make sure to subscribe if you’ve learned something new today.
A Narcissist Always Returns (The Hoovering)
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