“Stay away from lazy parasites, who perch on you just to satisfy their needs, they do not come to alleviate your burdens, hence, their mission is to distract, detract and extract, and make you live in abject poverty.” ~ Michael Bassey Johnson
The narcissistic personality disorder is characterized by a long-term pattern of real or fictional grandiosity, a desperate need to be admired and a complete lack of empathy. Some individuals display a narcissistic behavior trait and there also are pathological narcissists, whose conducts can be extremely toxic for everyone around.
Narcissists advertise snobbery and condescension, flamboyance and pretentiousness; even if most of them share similar traits, there is a huge difference between an apparently healthy dose of narcissism and self-worship. As no two humans are alike, no two narcissists exhibit the same toxic behavior.
If we add their inborn charisma to the equation, dodging a narcissist can most of the times be difficult, mostly for the empaths, co-dependents and hyper-sensitive people, who may be attracted to the strong energy field that these individuals emanate.
Here are the 5 most common types of narcissists:
1. The All-Knowing
The know-it-all narcissist is definitely not a good listener. He may wait for you to finish what you are saying so that he could take the discussion a step further. This person will initially make you feel understood, only to twist things around and establish his rhetorical supremacy. Your point of view will be apparently understood and validated only if it the narcissist can use it as a hook to shift the discussion in the direction that he or she wants.
How to deal with them:
When faced with the all-knowing type, you can politely agree to disagree or simply try to shorten the dialogue as gracefully as possible. Don’t get emotionally involved in the argument; there is no chance for your point of view to be comprehended.
2. The Seductor
Both men and women can be affected by this dysfunctional pattern. This narcissist will make you feel special; their magnetism is so strong that you’ll have a hard time centering yourself in their presence. He/she will make you feel important, and you may experience the illusion of a magical bond between you two.
The reality is that this narcissist is skilfully manipulating you. Their end goal is for you to start appreciating and adoring them.
How to deal with them:
Maintain your composure and take a step back from your ego. Don’t spend unnecessary time in their presence. Also, don’t allow them to get into your head and your emotional space.
3. The Oppressor
This narcissistic type loves to humiliate others and draws his energy from belittling people. He has a superiority or almost a god complex that he is not afraid to show around. Putting people down nurtures his diseased ego, that craves validation and understanding. But this is not a person you can spend quality time with.
How to deal with them:
The ideal solution is for you to completely avoid this person, but if you are forced to interact with him or her on a daily basis, straighten your self-esteem and remain as calm as possible. Whatever you say or do, stopping the attack of the oppressor is unlikely. Also, honest communication won’t work.
4. The Vindictive one
He/ she is one of the most toxic narcissists on the pathological spectrum. If they have targeted you, they will do whatever is humanly possible to inflict pain on you. Their satisfaction comes from destroying other people and they are highly aggressive. Watch out, their rage cannot be kept under control.
How to deal with them:
The solution would be to stay as far as possible from them. The more they persist in your life, the harder will be for you to live in a balanced and healthy way. If necessary, use all legal means to cut ties with this person.
5. The Victim
This type of narcissist is a master manipulator, who can use your emotions against you. He/she will do everything in their power to subdue you, mentally, physically and emotionally. He/she will use their personal drama – made up or real, to make you feel sorry for them.
They are so consumed by self-pity, that the conversation always comes back to their ‘unfortunate’ events. As you try to help them, you’ll notice no change in their behavior.
How to deal with them:
If you have to spend time with them, listen patiently to what they want to share and then go on with your business. Do not let their deception lower your vibration. When you don’t actively and willingly engage with them, they will eventually get bored and move on to the next person.
More advice on coping with Narcissists can be found in Joseph Burgo’s book, The Narcissist You Know: Defending Yourself Against Extreme Narcissists in an All-About-Me Age
References
5 Types of Extreme Narcissists
7 Types of Toxic Narcissists