An Overview of Narcissism and How to Deal with It

A narcissist is someone who has an uncontrolled interest in themselves. Apparently, it is a rare disorder, but it is commonly found in men. There is yet no cause found but it involves a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Narcissistic personality disorder symptoms are having an immoderate need for admiration, belittling others and not caring about others’ feelings. There is treatment for this disorder, but it cannot be cured. It can last for years or even be lifelong. In a relationship, narcissists can be easy and hard to love. They can be overbearing, hubristicand always feels the need to be right. You will need to know how to handle the way they are.

Dealing with a narcissist person in a relationship can be frustrating. The relationship could possibly come with abuse, manipulator, and change. Some narcissist can be abusive, they are 100% aware of what they are doing. Once abuse happens, you feel like you are not safe after that. That is when you think to yourself is being with a narcissist worth the pain. Manipulation is influencing skillfully (someone’s feelings). In this case, they can be toxic. They have big egos and feels the need to have back up, there is no winning with them. Another narcissistic manipulation tactic is lowering your self-esteem and worth. The can be sweet at first but then change up and become very blunt. Beware of the manipulators. A narcissist can change their ways and the way they talk to people they have a relationship with. That is why seeking help from a psychotherapist is important. Suggesting a narcissist to see a therapist can make them angry but if your lover is willing to work with you, there will be improving.

The question is can a narcissist change. I was able to interview three of my peers. All three agreed that narcissists can change. Will stated “Yes, I believe the people with narcissism can change. They cannot change completely but they can change certain things like their behavior. The problem with that is, you cannot do anything to help them change because they feel like their feelings are facts. The only way the narcissists will change is if they want to change.” India said “A narcissist can be changed with the correct help and motivation. They cannot be cured because what they do is what makes them happy.”

In my opinion, Yes, a narcissist can be changed but not cured if they want to. You cannot force someone to change if they do not want to. It’s not that that cannot change, sometimes they do not know that they are a narcissist. They do tend to assume that others do not realize who they are and think people are jealous of them. A narcissist may not think that they need to be changed, thinking they are perfect as can be. Since doctors are unable to find a cure for a narcissist, I do not think narcissism can be cured.

Seeing a psychotherapist could help a narcissist change. Seeking help and support would help a narcissist understand what it is they do, understand their own issues; which could help their attitude. Other options could include thinking before speaking and acting. It allows the narcissist to actually think about what they are getting ready to say out of their mouth since they can be blunt and unmindful. Motivation and believing play a big role in seeking for help. A narcissist has to convince him or herself they can change mentally. They have to be willing to admit their wrongs which is hard for a narcissist. Therefore, a narcissist can be changed but never cured. Studies have shown that there will never be a cure for narcissism, but they can change by choice which can be hard.