Often, people with narcissism or NPD might hold deep-rooted jealousy towards others and assume that others are jealous of them as well. As a result, they might exploit people around them and disregard other people’s feelings.
If you think you have these tendencies, it’s worth seeking help from a therapist. While it’s challenging to commit to treatment and you might never get rid of your narcissistic tendencies completely, you can work on becoming more self-aware as to how you affect others.
And if you think you know someone who’s a narcissist, it’s important to set boundaries, says Hershenson. Speak to them calmly and don’t engage in arguments or attacks, as narcissists don’t really listen or hear you when you speak negatively about them. Be firm, and remember it’s OK to disengage and end the conversation.
