When Narcissists Go Trick-or-Treating: Dodging the Tricks and Grabbing the Treats
Ever feel like dealing with a narcissist is like being stuck in a never-ending Halloween night, but instead of candy, you're handed mind-boggling tricks? Fear not! Let’s take a fun little tour of the haunted mansion of narcissistic tricks—and discover how to turn those spooky pranks into delightful treats.
1. The Gaslighting Goblin
Trick Up Their Sleeve: The Gaslighting Goblin loves making you doubt reality. "Did I say that? I think your memory's playing tricks on you!"
Sweet Treat Solution: Grab your detective hat and a journal! Documenting interactions and doing regular reality checks with trusted buddies can make this goblin’s games go poof!
2. The Victim-Playing Vampire
Trick Up Their Sleeve: They bite and then act as if you drew blood. "Why did you make me do that?!"
Sweet Treat Solution: Garlic? Maybe not. But a dose of cold hard facts will keep this vampire at bay. Stay calm, stick to the truth, and avoid diving into the drama coffin with them.
3. The Love Bombing Banshee
Trick Up Their Sleeve: "I've never met anyone like you!" The Banshee wails sweet nothings today, only to scream demands tomorrow.
Sweet Treat Solution: Earplugs, anyone? Okay, not really. Set up sound barriers, aka boundaries. It’s okay to say, "Thanks for the love, but let’s turn down the volume."
4. The Silent Treatment Specter
Trick Up Their Sleeve: They disappear into the shadows, hoping you'll come chasing.
Sweet Treat Solution: Ghost the ghost! Use their silence as a golden opportunity for some 'me' time or to binge-watch that show they never let you watch.
5. The Critical Creature from the Comment Lagoon
Trick Up Their Sleeve: Nothing's ever good enough. You could find the cure for the common cold, and they'd ask why you haven't tackled world hunger.
Sweet Treat Solution: Don some confidence-boosting armor. Their critiques are less about you and more about the murky waters they swim in.
6. The Triangulating Troll
Trick Up Their Sleeve: They've got a friend who agrees with them and thinks you're wrong. Ooh, scary!
Sweet Treat Solution: Two can play this game! Keep conversations direct, and avoid the rickety bridges where trolls lurk. If they bring a third party into the mix, gracefully exit stage left.
The Grand Finale:
Navigating the narcissist's haunted house can be tricky, but with a sprinkle of wit and a dash of knowledge, you've got what it takes to turn their spooky shenanigans into delightful treats. And hey, if all else fails, there's always real candy to sweeten the deal! 🍬🎃🍫
Kristin Fuller, LCSW
www.livetothrive.net
Kristin Fuller, LCSW is a Clinical Therapist and Narcissistic Abuse specialist with over 20 years of experience. She is a graduate of the University of Georgia where she resides with her 2 teenagers in the Atlanta, GA area.
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