How To Take Control Away From A Narcissist

The experience of dealing with a narcissist can be emotionally draining. Narcissistic people typically have an intense desire for control and manipulation and could leave others feeling helpless and trapped.

This article will give you practical ways to gain control and confidence in dealing with the Narcissist. Through understanding the strategies they employ in setting boundaries and paying attention to your wellbeing and well-being, you will be able to break free from their hold and restore your self-confidence.

In the next section, we will explore the narcissism world, examine the signs of their controlling behavior, and arm you with tools that will help you gain control over your life. Keep in mind that you’re not alone in this endeavor, and there are actions you can take to deal with the problematic dynamics of coping with the Narcissist.

Narcissistic personality disorder symptoms

Here are a few of the most well-known characteristics of the disorder:

Insanity: People suffering from NPD have a false sense of worthiness. They may think they are more valuable than others, that they are worthy of extra attention, and that they’re always the right way.
People suffering from NPD desperately desire attention and admiration: They will constantly search for praise and compliments and may be extremely upset when they don’t receive the attention they think they are entitled to.
A lack of empathy: People who suffer from NPD struggle with understanding or empathizing with other people’s emotions. They could be highly focused on themselves and may not be capable of seeing things from a different perspective.
Envy: Those with NPD might be jealous of those they see as more successful or gifted than they are. They could also be highly competitive and might attempt to hinder other people’s achievements.
A sense of entitlement: People with NPD believe they should receive exclusive treatment and shouldn’t be required to adhere to the same guidelines as everybody else. They can also be highly difficult and might want others to accommodate their requirements.

The Narcissistic Personality Disorder and the relationship

Narcissistic Personal Disorder (NPD) can be described as an intricate psychological disorder with a recurrent tendency to be extravagant, as well as a constant need for approval and a lack of compassion for other people.

People suffering from NPD frequently struggle to maintain good relationships because of self-centeredness and manipulative behavior. This article focuses on the impacts of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) on people’s relationships and offers tips for managing these complex interactions.

Understanding Narcissistic Personality Disorder:

NPD is distinguished by several characteristics that may be influential in relationships:

The grandiose: Narcissists are typically prone to an exaggerated belief in their self-worth and feel special or unique.
A lack of empathy: It is a struggle for people to comprehend or feel the emotions of others, which causes problems with emotional connections.
Need for Appreciation: Narcissists constantly seek praise and approval that can influence how they interact with their friends.
Manipulative behavior: These individuals could employ manipulation, deceit, or charms to accomplish their goals while maintaining control.
Negative Attitudes: Narcissists are more likely to take advantage of others for their profit and have no concern for their health and well-being.

Effects on Relationships:

Instability Dynamics: NPD typically leads to unbalanced power dynamics, which can lead to the Narcissist seeking focus and control.
Lack of emotional intimacy: A genuine emotional connection is problematic due to the Narcissist’s inability to empathize.
Gaslighting and Manipulation: Narcissists manipulate the situation to keep control and may gaslight their friends to make them doubt their beliefs.
The cycle of idealization and devaluation: Relationships with narcissists typically traverse a series of extreme admiration followed by devaluation and criticism.
Isolation: Narcissists can isolate their loved ones from their family and friends to keep control of their lives.

What is it that makes Narcissists so domineering?

Narcissists can be so controlling because they feel a profound desire to feel powerful and at ease. They believe they’re superior to others and should control things in their own way. This desire for control may manifest in a variety of ways, like:

Try to influence their partner’s thoughts, emotions, and behavior.
They must separate their loved ones from their family and friends.
Controlling their finances through their partner financially.
Making all the critical decisions within the relationship.
Criticizing their partner’s appearance, personal style, and actions.
Threatening to quit or cheating if their partner isn’t in compliance.

How Does A Narcissist Control You?

Being a victim of a narcissist’s influence can be like navigating a maze of power and manipulation. Knowing their strategies to manipulate your life is the initial step to getting your independence back and freeing yourself from their sway.

1. Gaslighting:

Narcissists are often using gaslighting to make you question your perception of reality. They alter facts, deny their actions, and make you doubt your credibility. This trickery makes you believe their version of events, strengthening their influence over your perceptions.

2. Manipulative Charm:

Narcissists frequently employ their charms and charisma to get your trust initially. This makes it hard to recognize their manipulative behavior since they can be seen to oscillate between charming and manipulative.

3. Emotional Blackmail:

Narcissists manipulate your feelings with guilt, pity, or even fear to obtain what they need. They can threaten to withhold affection or attention if you do not comply with their demands and leave you feeling obliged to meet their requirements.

4. Isolation:

In separating you from family and friends, Narcissists create a space that is your main source of approval and friendship. The separation limits your outlook and makes you more dependent on them.

5. Projection:

Narcissists frequently project their negative characteristics onto them, making you feel inadequate or guilty. This tactic of deflecting attention shifts the attention away from their actions and towards your own, thereby distracting attention away from their manipulative ways.

How can you get control from a Narcissist?

Being confronted by a narcissist’s threatening behavior can be overwhelming; however, using the proper techniques can restore your autonomy and self-confidence.

1. Set and Enforce Boundaries:

The importance of setting clear boundaries in dealing with a narcissist. It is essential to communicate your boundaries and state that you won’t tolerate savage or manipulative behavior.

If a narcissist tries to violate these boundaries and you are unwilling to concede, be firm. For example, if they criticize your actions, calmly say, “I’m not open to discussing this further.”

2. Maintain Emotional Distance:

The ability to detach from emotions is crucial in reducing the Narcissist’s power. Be aware that their actions are reflective of their own insecurities and are not a true representation of their worth. If they trigger an emotional response, you must respond by calming yourself. In the end, this emotional insanity will hinder their attempts at manipulating your emotions.

3. Focus on Self-Care:

It is essential to prioritize your mental and physical well-being. Do things that give you pleasure and satisfaction. When you nurture yourself, you develop resilience to the tactics of the Narcissist.

If they try to derail your self-esteem, you must remind yourself of your self-worth and confidence, bolstered by your self-care activities.

4. Develop a Support System:

Look for trusted family members, friends, and support networks. Sharing your experience with compassionate people can provide validation and an independent view. If the person who is narcissistic tries to make fun of or mock you, your network of support can give you reassurance and even counter your manipulative behavior.

5. Use Assertive Communication:

Ensure you are assertive in responding to the Narcissist’s attempt to dominate conversations. Be clear about your thoughts and feelings, but don’t become defensive or aggressive.

When someone tries to control the conversation, you must clearly say, “I appreciate your input, but I’d like to express my perspective as well.”

6. Document Manipulative Behavior:

Record all instances when the Narcissist is trying to manipulate or control you. This record acts as a reality check and helps you remember their methods.

If they try to deny their actions or attempt to alter the story, your documents will help you understand and avoid self-doubt.

7. Limit Contact and Exposure:

Limiting your interactions with the Narcissist can be an effective method to regain control. Reduce the time spent with them, and stay clear of situations where their manipulative behavior thrives.

When they try to lure you into their machinations, be cautious and participate with them in ways that make you feel empowered.

Conclusion

Ultimately, taking control away from a narcissist can be a complicated yet achievable task.

By establishing clearly defined boundaries, practicing emotional separation and self-care as a priority, obtaining help, using assertive communication, recording manipulative behaviors, and limiting exposure, you can restore your independence and change the nature of your relationship.

Remember that your well-being is essential, and with these methods, you can help you live a more fulfilled and empowered life.