People aren’t born equal, but dealing with some of them can affect your mental and physical health. Narcissists think they’re more important than others, so their needs should be met first.
As a result, dealing with such a personality can be highly challenging.
Some narcissists might seem charming, and some of them are used to others tolerating their behavior. But I’m here to teach you about the best tips for ignoring a narcissist and what to expect when you do this.
So, let’s dive in.
What is a Narcissist?
According to science, a narcissistic personality disorder is a mental condition.
We should all put ourselves first sometimes, but a narcissist will always think of their needs and wants and ignore others. Narcissists think so highly of themselves, and they need much attention.
They can do unbelievable things to seek attention and validation from others. At the same time, these people have trouble understanding or appreciating what others need.
In most cases, they don’t realize how much their actions and words hurt others. However, in some cases, they do, but they don’t care that much.
Having a narcissistic trait doesn’t mean that this person suffers from NPD. This can be a typical yet not-so-desirable personality trait that exists subtly.
Narcissists feel disappointed when they don’t get admired or praised as much as they want. This causes many problems in relationships, family dynamics, and work because they think they deserve more.
In short, a narcissist will always assume that everything is about them. So, most people won’t enjoy their company, and their relationships usually fail.
Can a Narcissist Be Cured?
Dealing with a person who acts narcissistic sometimes can be a bit annoying, but it doesn’t compare to a patient who deals with NPD. Narcissistic people can manage their behavior and actions to avoid upsetting those around them.
Unfortunately, there’s no cure for NPD or narcissistic personality disorder. However, therapy can help with symptoms and reduce how this disorder affects people’s lives and relationships.
Tips for Ignoring a Narcissist
Do you know someone who is always self-centered? Acts arrogant? Lacks empathy for other people?
You could be dealing with a narcissist.
You might have an opportunity to cut them off, and some people eventually do. But if you can’t or don’t want to do this just yet, you can follow these tips to ignore their annoying behavior.
Ignore Them
This is the best and most successful tip to make narcissists reevaluate their actions. They’ll lose control over you by simply ignoring a narcissist and not giving them the attention they seek.
The narcissist might be struggling with this lack of attention, but it’s not your responsibility to make them feel better. This might even encourage them to think about what pushed you away, so they can start acting differently.
Set Boundaries
A narcissistic friend will always assume you can handle their emotional or materialistic responsibility. A narcissistic colleague will dump the workload on you because they don’t want to do it.
Just learn to say “No.”
Remember that you’re not responsible for this person’s status, and they should learn to handle their own responsibility. Setting boundaries and telling them you’re unavailable might make them upset, but you’ll feel so much better.
Be Confident
When narcissistic people don’t get what they want, they can act negatively and irrationally. They can shout, scream, act in rage, say hurtful words, or make threats.
Stand your ground and remember that it’s all coming from a place of weakness. Always remember why you chose to ignore this narcissist in the first place to avoid feeling guilty about it.
Change the Relationship Dynamics
If you can’t cut this person off, just change the relationship dynamics and be less invested in it. This means you should realize that this person and their feeling shouldn’t represent a crucial part of your life.
This might happen if it’s your sibling, parent, or friend you’ve known for so long. Just be less engaged and find other people to build richer relationships with.
What Happens When You Ignore a Narcissist?
You might be wondering if it’s a good idea to ignore a narcissist in the first place. After all, this is an impatient, inconsiderate, and angry person that you chose to make more furious.
So, is this the right thing to do?
Yes, this is the right thing to do for you. The more you give to a narcissist, the more you feed their ego and unhealthy behavior. They will just get worse with time.
Ignoring a narcissist doesn’t always lead to positive outcomes. But it’s what you must do at the end of the day.
In addition to protecting yourself, you might be teaching this person a lesson. They might start thinking about their actions and change them. Here are a few things that happen when you ignore a narcissist.
- Narcissists get very angry when ignored, so expect rage.
- They might gaslight and manipulate you to make you feel you’re the problem.
- A narcissist might give you a fake apology and act worse if you accept it.
- Narcissists can become obsessive if you ignore them, so they’ll hoover around you, trying to get your attention back.
- They might try to badmouth you or talk to people close to you.
- They’ll try to make you feel guilty by threatening to hurt themselves or acting lost without you.
- They might give up and try to find a new victim.
- A narcissist might start questioning the consequences of their actions.
- If you and this narcissist are close, they might try seeking therapy. This can really help them become better people.
FAQs
1. What is a narcissist?
A narcissist, scientifically defined, suffers from a mental condition known as Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). Narcissists tend to put themselves first, ignoring the needs and feelings of others. They have an inflated sense of self-worth and require a lot of attention, often going to extreme lengths to seek attention and validation.
2. Can a narcissist be cured?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for Narcissistic Personality Disorder. However, through therapy, symptoms can be managed and the impact of the disorder on an individual’s life and relationships can be minimized.
3. How do I deal with a narcissist?
If you cannot or do not wish to cut off contact with them immediately, there are strategies you can adopt to ignore their behavior, such as setting boundaries, dealing with confidence, and changing the dynamics of the relationship.
4. What happens when you ignore a narcissist?
Ignoring a narcissist can lead to them becoming very angry. They may try to manipulate you into feeling like the problem. They may offer a fake apology and behave even worse if you accept it. They may become obsessive, trying to regain your attention.
5. How can I identify a narcissist?
If someone you know is always self-centered, behaves arrogantly, and lacks empathy for others, you could be dealing with a narcissist.
6. What steps can I take to ignore a narcissist?
Start by directly ignoring them and not providing the attention they seek. Set boundaries indicating that you can’t handle their emotional or materialistic responsibility. Maintain your confidence and stand your ground. Change the dynamics of the relationship to be less emotionally invested.
Wrap Up
Dealing with a narcissist is highly challenging, and sometimes you can’t just get rid of this selfish person. Ignoring a narcissist is meant to help you in the first place, but it can also help this person understand the consequences of their actions.
