7. Excluding or Ignoring Others
Narcissists may exclude key people from events or ignore the guest of honor. They might go all out to impress strangers while ignoring the person they came with, especially if that person doesn’t know anyone there. They won’t introduce them and will make them feel as uncomfortable as possible, so the person looks awkward and like the problem.
They’ll create tension and feelings of rejection. When you go to an event where you don’t know anyone other than the person you’ve gone with, it can naturally cause anxiety, which a narcissist will blame you for and use to tarnish your name to others in the future. They might snub certain individuals, refuse to acknowledge others’ achievements or presence, and interact with everyone except those they wish to undermine.
Protecting Yourself from Narcissistic Behavior
When you go to a special occasion and know a narcissistic individual will be there, you have to limit your time and communication with them. This isn’t to hurt their feelings; it’s because you’ve been there before, seen it, done it, and recognized the negative experience. You’re not going there again. A narcissist won’t see how their behavior provoked this they’ll just blame you, projecting their intentions onto you, thinking you’re trying to exclude them when they’re usually the ones excluding you.
Taking Control and Staying Positive
Understanding these tactics can help you prepare and mitigate a narcissist’s attempts to ruin special occasions. No longer react to them and cut off their supply. Don’t take their games personally. Recognize their behaviors for what they are and take steps to prevent them from ruining the occasion. Take positive steps to create an atmosphere that ensures celebrations remain joyful and focused on their intended purpose.
