Stop trying to make them feel empathy. They cannot access empathy when they are in defense mode. The best coping mechanism is to stop expecting fair play. You are playing chess; they are playing emotional dodgeball.
Do not explain, justify, or debate. State your boundary in 7 words or less. Stop trying to make them feel empathy
One final secret: coping with external narcissists requires acknowledging —including yourself. You are playing chess; they are playing emotional dodgeball
Rethinking narcissism means shifting the focus away from their ego and back to your well-being. By recognizing the spectrum and employing firm boundaries, you can navigate these difficult personalities without losing your sense of self. One final secret: coping with external narcissists requires
When feeling insecure, a narcissist might project their own negative feelings onto you, making you feel like the "broken" or "insecure" one. PubMed Central (PMC) (.gov) Strategies for Coping and Change
If you are dealing with a dangerous narcissist (one who becomes aggressive when denied supply), leaving requires strategy.
Keep a "Reality Log." For one week, jot down three things you observed versus how they made you feel.