Understanding and Setting Boundaries with Toxic People

On your journey of personal growth and mental wellbeing, it is crucial to recognise and effectively manage interactions with people who display narcissistic behaviours. 

This is particularly important for those who have a close relationship with someone diagnosed with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). 

The journey can be arduous and emotionally draining, but by employing the right strategies and assertive boundaries, it is possible to navigate these tricky relationships.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder is marked by a lack of empathy, an intense need for admiration, and patterns of grandiosity. Often, individuals with NPD struggle to accept responsibility and tend to dominate relationships, expecting others to bend to their will. This behaviour can be challenging, but empowering oneself with knowledge and resilience enables effective response to such demanding, intrusive, and controlling behaviour. 

"The critical strategy here lies in setting firm and non-negotiable emotional boundaries."

As a result of my experience in the psychiatric treatment of dangerous sectioned criminals, I always emphasise these three pivotal components in setting boundaries: 

• Clarity about your boundaries
• Communication of these boundaries, and 
• Maintaining confidence and strength when these boundaries are tested.

Boundaries serve as a protective barrier, safeguarding your mental and emotional health. They can range from how you wish to be spoken to, how you expect to be treated, the level of respect for your opinions and thoughts, privacy expectations, and physical and financial considerations. 

The foundation of these boundaries lies in understanding and believing in your worth, asserting your right to be heard, and demanding respect for your personal space and decisions. Precisely the things a narcissist will try to reduce, in those they wish to dominate.

However, setting boundaries with narcissists is not a smooth path, and one must be prepared for resistance. Initial efforts to establish boundaries may trigger cycles of playing the victim, blame-shifting, minimisation of your feelings, or even anger from the narcissist. Nevertheless, maintaining your boundaries is crucial to safeguard your emotional health and overall well-being.

9 things to help you deal with a narcissist

Here are some methods to help you establish and maintain boundaries with someone with NPD, or someone displaying narcissistic traits.

1. Get Support: 

Engage the support of a mental health professional. They can help you identify why you might be attracted to a narcissistic person, strengthen your confidence, and teach you strategies to manage the relationship.

2. Decide Your Limits:

Clear understanding of what you are and aren't comfortable with is essential. Your boundaries should align with your comfort level, and it's crucial to communicate this to the person with NPD clearly.

3. Trust Your Gut: 

If a situation or conversation doesn’t feel right or healthy, don't hesitate to step back. Your gut instincts are often your best guide in navigating these complex relationships.

4. No Need for Justification: 

You are not obligated to justify, defend, or explain your need for a specific boundary. Your life, your decisions.

5. Role-play and Practice: 

Work with your therapist or a trusted friend to practise handling confrontational situations. This will enable you to navigate real-life interactions more effectively.

6. Understand the Power Dynamics: 

Recognise that narcissistic behaviours often involve exerting power over others. Recognizing this power imbalance is the first step towards rectifying it.

7. Be Firm and Clear: 

Be assertive in setting your boundaries. Clarity and firmness help reinforce the seriousness of your boundaries.

8. Establish Consequences: 

Clearly communicate the repercussions if your boundaries are not respected. Ensure these are actions you are ready to enforce. - (See my post Boundaries Vs Control)

9. Hold Your Ground:

Setting boundaries is just the beginning. You need to remain steadfast in your convictions and refrain from making additional concessions, particularly when your boundaries are not being respected.

It's crucial not to inform a narcissist of your vulnerabilities, as they will exploit this information to manipulate or hurt you. 

As you tread this path, remind yourself of your worth, validate your feelings, and know that you deserve respect. 

With strength, confidence, and resilience, you can effectively manage your interactions with individuals with NPD and protect your mental and emotional wellbeing.