Narcissistic Projection Explained: Recognizing When Someone Projects Their Self-Centeredness onto You
In relationships with highly empathic individuals, people with narcissistic personalities may see opportunities to have their needs met without doing much in return. This behaviour, known as narcissistic projection, is a common occurrence and can be exhausting for empaths, who are highly sensitive to the emotions of others.
Dr. Holly Schiff, a licensed clinical psychologist, explains that empathetic people may attract narcissistic personalities because they absorb feelings from others easily, like an emotional sponge. Narcissistic projection is a behaviour exhibited by individuals with narcissistic personality traits, where they attribute their own traits or behaviours to others.
Dr. Sterlin Mosley, assistant professor of human relations at the University of Oklahoma, states that narcissistic projection can be a "key survival strategy" for people with narcissistic personalities. Arguing with or becoming defensive towards a narcissistic person during narcissistic projection will only add fuel to the fire and validate their feelings.
However, there are ways to navigate narcissistic projection. Speaking your truth in a straightforward manner, without engaging in argument, can be key when addressing narcissistic projection head-on. Responding to an accusation with a simple statement like "I'm sorry you think that, but it's not true" could be effective.
It is important to set clear boundaries to prevent emotional drain from persistent accusations experienced with narcissistic projection. Deciding how long you want to engage in a discussion with a person and being assertive and direct about cutting it off when planned can help set boundaries during narcissistic projection. Walking away from a situation is a perfectly acceptable way to keep things calm during narcissistic projection.
Ignoring narcissistic projection or confronting it may lead to unproductive arguments. Asking a trusted third party, such as a good friend or therapist, for their perspective can help you feel grounded in the reality of the situation if you're still unsure where you stand in a relationship.
Dr. Brian Wind, the chief clinical officer at JourneyPure, states that narcissistic projection can be a projection of what a narcissistic person really feels about themselves. A person with narcissistic traits is unlikely to come around to your side of the story when you address narcissistic projection.
Remembering these tips can help you navigate narcissistic projection, but it is not always easy. Keeping a cool head and not giving a reaction to narcissistic attacks can be a great way to shut down their attacks. Narcissistic projection can occur in any relationship, but it may be common between people with narcissism and empathetic individuals, also known as empaths.
For those seeking professional help, Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a psychologist practicing in Greenwich, Connecticut, specializes in the treatment of individuals with narcissistic personality disorder. With understanding and patience, it is possible to navigate and manage narcissistic projection in your relationships.
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