3 Ways SMART People Deal With Narcissists and The Holidays

Set clear time limits for yourself when interacting with toxic individuals during the holidays. Decide in advance how long you’ll stay at events and plan your exit strategy. Arrive late, leave early, and create excuses if necessary to shorten your exposure. Having a solid exit plan gives you control and ensures you can leave gracefully if the situation becomes tense.

Remember, as an adult, you have the power to choose how and when to engage. It’s your responsibility to prioritize your well-being.

2. Keep Expectations Low

Don’t expect narcissists to suddenly become kind, empathetic individuals just because it’s the holidays. Keeping your expectations low helps you avoid disappointment when they exhibit their usual toxic behaviors.

For example, narcissists are often disappointing gift-givers, offering inappropriate or intentionally underwhelming gifts to provoke a reaction. Recognize these actions as deliberate provocations and avoid falling into their trap. Keep your composure, see the behavior for what it is, and laugh it off later.

3. Recognize and Ignore Insults

Narcissists thrive on veiled insults, passive-aggressive comments, and underhanded compliments designed to undermine your self-worth. These remarks are often meant to plant seeds of doubt or provoke an emotional reaction.

By keeping your expectations low and setting clear boundaries, you can remain unaffected by their attempts to insult or manipulate you. Over time, their words will lose their sting, and you’ll see their behavior as a reflection of their insecurities rather than a commentary on you.