People with a marked narcissism are not only notable for that feeling of omnipotence and that highly inflated and unrealistic self-image. In addition, another of the aspects that draws most attention to their personality is the way they relate to others, and how easily and spontaneously they can generate discomfort in those around them.

The fact is that the narcissist’s deeply rooted belief that he stands out from the rest of human beings is not something that simply remains isolated in his mind, without real consequences, but rather predisposes him to act in a way that is consistent with that world view. That is why it is very common for narcissists to try to make others feel insecure, doubtful and eclipsed by their real or imagined presence.

With that in mind, here’s what we can do to protect ourselves from an extremely narcissistic person .

How do you protect yourself psychologically from a narcissistic person?

These simple strategies can help you to mitigate the discomfort generated by certain comments frequent in people with high narcissism. However, keep in mind that these should be done in a way that maintains a balance between your well-being and that of the other person.

You must keep in mind that being partly narcissistic is not an option; it is certainly not for people with Narcissistic Personality Disorder, and not for those who, without going to such clear-cut extremes, have become accustomed to behaving that way because of their past experiences and socialization.

1.Cut the conversation

This is the most radical option but also the simplest. There are situations that become so violent that a withdrawal is a logical reaction. If you have the option, do it, and moreover in many cases this will have the effect of a kind of passive punishment like the “time out” technique, in which the person who has behaved badly stops having access to something that was stimulating or entertaining.

2. Learn to recognize your feelings

When faced with offensive or derogatory comments, it is useful to have a good EQ. Experiencing a treatment characterized by the typical disdain of narcissistic people is not the same as going through that experience, taking into account that that situation is explained by the extreme personality trait of the person who pronounces those words.

Thus, possible thoughts harmful to self-esteem caused by the behavior of the other are relativized by the situation. What is happening does not talk about what one is , but about the highly biased thinking of the other person.

3. Remember that every human being has dignity

By default, everyone has all the same rights and all people are worthy. Whoever questions this principle is simply acting unilaterally, something that in fact has no merit, since in any case shows inability to socialize .

Disdain and mockery do not make one worth less, they are simply an excuse to maintain that behaviour and are not based on the truth about what one is: anyone can be the object of mockery, but not everyone sees the need to articulate their social life through a feeling of superiority that must be artificially nourished .

4. Don’t repeat yourself in the same tone

Replicating in a similar way as the narcissistic person does when trying to be hurtful will only make the situation worse and prolong it . It is much better to contradict his discourse (which usually consists of portraying the other person as immature or not very capable) through composure, calm and generally ignoring the presence of that person.

Once again, the key here is to eliminate the “reward” that would mean giving importance to the words of the narcissist and, by extension, to her as well.

5. Turn the tables on criticism

If you reflect aloud on the other person’s criticism by showing that you had already reflected on it a long time ago and found a way to “turn it off”, you will show an unwavering confidence in yourself and that will deter the other person from continuing. You don’t have to explain why you think they are wrong (that would make them too important), just react in a way that shows you are not shocked to hear such things.