by Trish Austin

Created on: March 29, 2010   Last Updated: April 21, 2010

Coping with a true narcissist. An individual who has Narcissistic Personality Disorder can range from interesting to nearly impossible. Depending how serious and deeply rooted the narcissistic disorder is in the person and the relationship you have with this person.

A narcissist believes that they are far superior to most if not all other people. So, they do not take criticism well. Being superior, how could they do wrong? They anger easily. They inflate their accomplishments. They're insensitive to others feelings and needs.

These people believe they deserve to be surrounded by only the "best" people.They  believe they are perfect. So, they deserve and actually have a deep need to surround themselves with people they believe are of a certain "quality". If you're not high on the social or corporate ladder, don't be hurt by their rejection of you. To them you are invisible. Any relationship with this type of person is all about them. You are certainly not missing out on anything. They have completely one sided relationships.

If you work for a narcissist, the stress can be unbearable for most people. Don't feel guilty. Look for a new job. Try to get transferred . Narcissistic bosses are a nightmare for most employees. The only way to deal with them is to follow their orders. They  rarely get caught at what they do wrong. Due to the "smooth" nature they present to the "right" people. Often to everyone's surprise they usually get promoted.

If you are married to a severe narcissist. The prognosis isn't good. You can leave and begin your life over. Or you can stay. Knowing that this person and their needs will always be first. If you are lucky, and the narcissism isn't severe. You may be successful in convincing them to go to therapy by giving them an ultimatum. Narcissists are covering up very fragile egos and abandonment issues. So, a loved one threatening to leave them unless they get help sometimes gets them in a therapists door.

Coping with a narcissist can be draining to say the least. Especially if you are married to one or work for one. If you meet someone in a social setting and realize they have this disorder. Maybe you'll be lucky and they'll deem you unworthy of their friendship. If not, ween them slowly from you. You don't want to awaken the deeper issues this person is masking. Move slowly and be boring and they'll grow tired of you and move to the next person.

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