Number 2: Create a schedule with them.
As you’ve probably guessed by now, the name of the game when it comes to narcissistic siblings is to create as many boundaries as possible. As hard as it may be to keep a member of your own family at arm’s length, creating these boundaries is for the best and actually allows you to have a healthier relationship with them. A sibling’s bond requires balance and trust, so even though the narcissist gives very little of either, you can actually carve out some for yourself anyway. Try planning out days that you can see them, and you may also want to try to establish some firm dates where they can’t see you either. Maybe it’s Mondays or weekends, – you just want to give yourself some space so that they can’t drop in unexpectedly. Dealing with narcissists requires an awful lot of emotional energy as well as a solid defense strategy, and if you spend every moment ready for them to burst in you may worry yourself to death. This strategy is especially helpful if your sibling is clingy or happens to drop in out of the blue often, and it could even be a lifesaver for your sanity!
Number 1: Find a way to love their quirks.
Ultimately you can have as many tactics as you like, but you’re going to be putting up with their jabs and remarks regardless. Narcissists serve as a mighty challenge to overcome, but at the end of the day, that’s really all you can do. They are not going to change, and if you don’t want to push them out of your life forever, you must also try to develop some acceptance about who they are. Even if you can’t genuinely enjoy their weird ways and strange tendencies, seeing the funny side of their actions can help you deal with them better.
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