Narcissists Exposed: 7 Topics You Should Avoid Discussing With A Narcissist At All Costs.
In a society where self-centeredness and egocentricity seem to be on the rise, dealing with narcissists has become an increasingly common challenge. Narcissists, individuals with an excessive sense of self-importance and a lack of empathy for others thrive on gaining admiration and adoration from those around them. Engaging in discussions with narcissists can quickly become a precarious task, as their fragile egos are easily bruised, leading to potential conflict and emotional manipulation. Thus, it is essential to identify and avoid certain topics that can trigger negative reactions and unstable behaviours. This article delves into nine areas of conversation that must be avoided when interacting with a narcissist.
Firstly, giving constructive feedback is a particularly delicate matter when dealing with narcissists. Their inherent need for validation and admiration renders them highly sensitive to criticism. Unsurprisingly, any constructive feedback, no matter how well-intentioned, can provoke disproportionate anger or feelings of rejection. Instead, it is advisable to leave them to it.
Secondly, questioning the actions or motives of a narcissist is a treacherous path to tread upon. Their inflated sense of self-worth leaves little room for doubt or questioning. Challenging their decisions or questioning their authority can trigger an immediate defensive response, fostering an aggressive and confrontational atmosphere. To maintain harmony, it is crucial to avoid direct confrontations that can lead to hostile interactions.
Concurrently, personal shortcomings must be avoided when conversing with a narcissist. Narcissists view themselves as superior beings who are incapable of making mistakes or having flaws. Discussing their inadequacies can potentially ignite a narcissistic injury, leading to severe emotional turmoil and retaliation. Likewise, bringing up one’s own shortcomings or vulnerabilities can inadvertently shift the focus away from the narcissist and diminish their grandiosity, resulting in a negative response.
Discussing mistakes is yet another topic that should be avoided when engaging with a narcissist. Accepting personal responsibility is alien to a narcissist’s psychological makeup, as they are primarily driven by a need to maintain an immaculate image. Consequently, discussing mistakes, even constructively, threatens the fragile façade of perfection they project. They might resort to blame-shifting, denial, or deflection to preserve their self-centred narrative.
Furthermore, delving into achievements can prove to be a slippery slope when communicating with narcissistic individuals. While acknowledging and celebrating others’ successes is generally regarded as a positive and encouraging act, narcissists view the spotlight on someone else as a personal threat. Their all-consuming desire to be the centre of attention makes any discussion about the triumphs of others unbearable for them. Consequently, it is preferable to avoid discussing others achievements with a narcissist.
Equally important, unsolicited advice should be avoided when conversing with narcissists. Their arrogance often leads them to believe that they possess superior knowledge or skills, making them impervious to the guidance or input of others. Offering unsolicited advice encroaches upon their self-assumed authority and can result in resistance, dismissal, or an exaggerated display of superiority. To maintain a peaceful interaction, it is advisable to avoid offering narcissists advice, even when they ask for it, your best response would be “I’m not sure what do you think.” to stroke their ego while protecting your psychological state.
Moreover, engaging in discussions about opinions, thoughts, or feelings can be a precarious endeavour when interacting with narcissists. Their inability to empathise with others creates a significant barrier to open and honest conversations. Narcissists often dismiss or belittle the thoughts and feelings of others, considering their own opinions superior. Therefore, it is recommended to approach these topics cautiously and remain mindful of their propensity to invalidate or belittle the perspectives of others.
In summary, conversing with narcissists requires careful consideration and tact to navigate the inherent challenges presented by their personality traits. Constructive feedback, questioning, personal shortcomings, mistakes, achievements, unsolicited advice, opinions, thoughts, and feelings are all crucial topics that must be avoided or approached cautiously to maintain harmonious and successful interactions. By being mindful of their fragile egos, we can navigate conversations more effectively and minimise potential conflicts when dealing with narcissists. Often, the best way to deal with them is don’t. The best conversation you’ll ever have with a narcissist is the one you don’t have as you leave them to live their life while you go and live yours.
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Elizabeth Shaw is not a Doctor or a therapist. She is a mother of five, a blogger, a survivor of narcissistic abuse, and a life coach, She always recommends you get the support you feel comfortable and happy with. Finding the right support for you. Elizabeth has partnered with BetterHelp (Sponsored.) where you will be matched with a licensed councillor, who specialises in recovery from this kind of abuse.
