Does anyone have any suggestions on how to deal with a narcissistic personality disorder?
The Mayo Clinic defines narcissistic personality disorder as “a mental disorder in which people have an inflated sense of their own importance and a deep need for admiration.” You can learn more about its symptoms at the Mayo Clinic website[mayoclinic.com], but bear in mind that no website can diagnose your mother—only a mental health professional can.
The best way to deal with a person with narcissistic personality disorder is to avoid getting emotional or defensive. When handling a conflict, state your position calmly. Expect a person with this disorder to try to manipulate you by making you feel guilty, emotional or even by making you forget where the conversation started. If you don’t fight back and allow them to draw you in, these tactics will not work. Stay calm, state your position, and do not get caught in an argument.
Be aware that the person will likely act up even more and use different tactics to try to upset you in the short run. But if you stand your ground consistently, your mother will likely learn over time that you will not be manipulated, and she will focus her efforts elsewhere.
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