Surrounded by Narcissists summary

As you reflect on the egocentric people you know, you might be wondering, Are narcissists really that bad? They’re annoying – but it’s not like they’re violent psychopaths. They’re not dangerous . . . right?

Well, it depends on how you define “dangerous.” Narcissists can certainly be psychologically dangerous. Cheating, lying, manipulating, gaslighting, love bombing, playing mind games – all of these harmful behaviors can damage people’s mental health.

Maybe you’re still not entirely convinced of the risks posed by narcissists. As long as you don’t let yourself get manipulated, what’s the problem?

The problem is this: to a certain degree, everyone is susceptible to narcissists. They’re masters of manipulation, and even experts get taken in. 

Let’s say you’re a red. When you feel like you’re losing control of the situation, you can get pretty worked up. Narcissists know this – and they know how to use your emotions against you. It’s a form of manipulation.

As you talk to a narcissist about a problem with their behavior, maybe you start getting angry. You raise your voice slightly. Then they say, I knew this would happen. You’re always yelling.

Now you know how to handle a conversation with a narcissist. Unfortunately, though, it’s unlikely to be a one-off. If someone has been manipulative once, they’re bound to do it again.

That’s why you’ll need some additional methods for dealing with narcissists. Let’s look at how to set boundaries.

You can break up with a partner or cut ties with a friend. But what if you feel like you’re literally surrounded by narcissists? 

It’s not just the people you know personally. It’s politicians, fame-hungry Instagram influencers, reality TV stars . . . narcissism is everywhere.