Self-absorbed, arrogance; narcissism is a spectrum but how to know if you’re dealing with one? Here are 3 types of Narcissists and how you can avoid them!
We’ve all heard of the term narcissism but are we really sure about where it comes from and what it means?
Narcissism comes from the Greek myth of Narcissus, a young man who was too vain to care for even those who cared about him.
He was made to see his own reflection in a pool and was so enamored that he fell in love with himself!
Narcissists today are very much like that. They don’t care about other people at all and will tear them down or build them up to suit their own purposes.
Related: 15 Things Narcissists Don’t Do
They are not worried about the hurt they cause others as long as they get the attention and get to keep the spotlight.
Sometimes, they can completely destroy your own self-esteem without your knowledge.
What are the different types of narcissists? And how to deal with them?
1. The Overt Narcissist
Those who are overtly narcissists use very conspicuous methods like calling people names, being unnecessarily mean and acting brutally.
It’s very easy to see them for what they are and rarely is their behavior covered up in a nicer garb.
It is important to show them that you will not stand for any kind of bullying. Do not let them get to you.
If need be, just leave when they become outright cruel and unkind. They are not good at subtlety and there are no gray areas to worry about here.
Luckily, they are very obvious people. You don’t have to worry about any ulterior motives so you can just cut them out of your life when they are being toxic.
Related: 24 Signs You’re Dealing With A Covert Narcissist
2. The Subtle Narcissist
These people tend to be more passive-aggressive in their narcissism. It is harder to call them out on their actions but it is necessary to do so.
They can be very frustrating because they are very good at putting on a very innocent and guileless act in front of others while abusing you when no one else is around.
Their actions will be so good that others will have a very hard time believing you even if you tell them about your pain.
While it may be almost painful to see them walk away without any retribution, sometimes it might be the best thing for you.
Related: Sleeping with a Monster: 13 Signs That You May Be Sleeping With a Narcissist
If you try to confront them or go public with the issue, they will just twist your own story to make themselves look like the victim.
Other people will only realize the truth when they fall victim to the narcissist’s abusive nature and cruel trickery but the chances of that happening are very low at best.
Just remember that it will only hurt you more if you bring yourself down to their level. You might end up losing other people you care about in the process.
So, pick your battles as carefully as you can. Tell others to beware of these people and peacefully go on with your life.
3. The Wily Narcissist
These people are generally more threatening than subtle narcissists but their actions might seem very insignificant.
They will insult you but make it look like they’re complimenting you. They will constantly make insinuating remarks that are extremely destructive to a person’s self-confidence as well as their reputation.
Related: 7 Sneaky Things Narcissists Say to Get You Back
But they work on an almost cerebral level. If you are not sure what they mean, have someone who cares for you take a look at the situation.
An outsider will be more capable of giving you proper perspective in this regard. It is better still if you know that they are first and foremost concerned about your happiness and well-being.
So, if someone who has always been there for you tells you that you missed something, pay attention to them and examine all the possibilities.
This has been mentioned before and it might seem like old and staid advice but really the most effective thing you can do is distance yourself.
It is easier said than done to walk away from someone who has stabbed you in the back but it is better than entering the fray just to have the whole thing be turned against you.
Related: Decoding The Narc Speak: Found In Translation
This might be hard to accept but it is true that narcissists are brilliant at putting up false appearances. They’ll do whatever they can to make sure that all the blame falls on the victim so they can leave scot-free.
How To Deal With Narcissists?
Always be ready to listen when a friend tells you to be careful around someone. Even if you are not victim falling prey to their abuse, even if they are good to you, investigate the matter thoroughly.
This is best for you because you can never really know when a narcissist is going to look at you and decide that you will be their next victim.
Again, letting go of someone is something that is also easier said than done, especially when they are fully tangled up in your life.
Related: 10 Powerful Tactics To Put A Narcissist In Their Place
This is especially difficult when the abuser is a member of your family or a close friend.
It is a painful thing to be hurting when even your own family do not even consider the possibility of that person doing this to you. But stay calm.
If you manage to keep your cool and maintain your distance from that narcissist, they will definitely slip up and show the world their true nature.
But for that to happen, do not let them gain any sort of hold over you. They’ll want to create some drama so just look as dull as you can in front of them.
The best way to punish these people is by showing them that their actions are not affecting you. Either way, it is best to live life as well as you can for your own sake.
There is nothing more painful to a narcissist than to see their victim be happy and successful. The lack of control they have over the victim’s life will be enough to make them go insane with anger.
I hope you have got clear understanding of the three types of narcissists and how to deal with them. Share you thoughts in comments below.
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