Coping With Narcissistic Relatives at the Holidays |
If you have a narcissistic family member, you know how quickly they can derail the holidays. Perhaps it’s a criticism of Sally’s new boyfriend, a meltdown over the dessert selection, or an offensive joke that shifts the mood in the whole room. And without realizing it, you slip back into old survival habits like over-explaining, smoothing things over, or people-pleasing to avoid becoming the next target. This is just one of the ways a narcissist can ruin holiday gatherings.
This post will help you break out of that cycle. You’ll learn why narcissistic relatives often ramp up their behavior this time of year and what you can do to stay calm, protect your well-being, and enjoy the holidays despite the family drama.
People with narcissistic traits often struggle during the holidays because they expect attention, admiration, and special treatment. When they don’t get it, they react negatively, perhaps by starting arguments,........