If you’re struggling to deal with narcissistic in-laws, you may need a few tips to help you. Help yourself suffer less by using this guide!
by Kimberly Pangaro
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Dealing with narcissistic in-laws can be a challenging and stressful experience. These types of personalities can often affect your relationships, your self-confidence, change how you view others, and even change how you react in high-pressure situations.
Because dealing with narcissistic in-laws leads to such harmful changes in your personal environment, it’s important to know how to deal with them. In this guide, we’re sharing our top tips to deal with narcissistic in-laws. Hopefully, these tips will help you handle the situation in an adult manner without incurring anymore harm to yourself.
Take a look at our list of tips below:
#1 Set boundaries.
When dealing with narcissistic in-laws, it’s extremely important to establish clear boundaries and stick to them. Be firm and assertive in communicating your limits and expectations. Do not allow your boundaries to be thwarted by guilt or manipulation.
#2 Don’t take it personally.
Remember that the narcissistic behavior of your in-laws is not about you. It’s really about them and how they view the world, including how they view you. Often times, narcissists view the other as an impeding interruption of that they’ve come to know and understand. They believe that you are there to disrupt their safe space, therefore, they tend to focus on themselves and their needs, leading them to not be aware of how their behavior negatively affects others. So, try not to take it too personally.
#3 Practice empathy.
Try to understand where your in-laws are coming from and what may be driving their behavior. The next time you are faced with their behaviors, try to shut your eyes, and imagine yourself in their shoes. How would you feel if you were the one who was experiencing something that you weren’t prepared for? This simple thought process may help you respond in a more compassionate and effective way.
#4 Limit contact.
If possible, limit your interactions with your in-laws to reduce the chances of conflicts and negative interactions. Depending on your situation, this may not be all that possible, but you will have to find creative ways to do this. Whether that’s limiting how often they stop by unannounced or blocking their numbers during the week. Do your best to limit contact when the tips above stop working.
#5 Seek support.
Talking to your partner or a trusted friend can help you survive dealing with narcissistic in-laws. However, they may also not be the most unbiased party to your plight. So if you need additional support, you can also try talking to a therapist about your concerns and feelings. Having a support system will help you cope with the situation and manage your emotions. Thereby providing yourself a safe and happier lifestyle.
#6 Maintain your own identity.
How your in-laws treat you can gravely affect how you view yourself. But this would be an atrocity to self-worth. You must try not to let your in-laws’ behavior define who you are or how you feel about yourself. Focus on your own interests and goals, and maintain your own sense of identity and self-worth. Remember that separating yourself from them for periods of extended time can help with this greatly.
In Conclusion
Dealing with narcissistic in-laws is a challenging experience, full of emotional insecurities. With the right strategies and support system in place, you will be able to manage the situation successfully while also maintaining your own well-being.
