🧠 Why Narcissists Feel More Common Now

It’s not just you. Narcissistic traits are on the rise—and easier to spot. Here’s why:

Social media rewards self-promotion and superficial charm, creating fertile ground for narcissistic behavior. (Bonus points if they caption their selfies with “just vibing” while plotting your emotional demise.)

Cultural shifts toward individualism and “everyone gets a trophy” mentalities can inflate egos without building empathy. (Participation ribbons: great for kindergarten, less great for emotional maturity.)

Psychological awareness has grown—terms like “gaslighting” and “narcissist” are now part of everyday language, helping us name what we once couldn’t. (And once you name it, you can’t unsee it. Like a bad haircut in a yearbook photo.)

But naming it doesn’t make it easier to live through.

🛡️ How Narcissists Operate—and How to Protect Yourself

Here’s the pattern I’ve seen, and maybe you have too:

You challenge them → they escalate.

You stand your ground → they gaslight and smear (but in reality they are really jealous of you or afraid of you)

You hold your boundaries → they cut you off, give you the silent treatment and flaunt control.

It’s a relentless headwind. Like arguing with a raccoon in a Mercedes Benz.

But here’s what I’ve learned:

Not every relationship is worth saving. If someone is committed to hurting you, they don’t deserve a seat at your table—or even a folding chair in the backyard.

Boundaries are your lifeline. Think of them like Wi-Fi passwords—don’t share them with people who drain your signal.

Documentation matters. Especially in professional or family settings, keep records. Nothing says “I see you” like a well-organized folder titled “Receipts.”

Support systems are sacred. Stay close to people who affirm your reality. The ones who’d help you move a body—or at least block one on social media.

Thriving is the best revenge. Live well. Shine brighter. Let your joy be the rebuttal. Bonus points if it’s loud enough to make them squint and need to put on sunglasses.

💡 What I Know Now

It hurts. It takes time. But eventually, you realize: your worth isn’t up for negotiation. You don’t need their approval to be whole. And the light they tried to dim? It was never theirs to touch.

Because narcissists aren’t powerful—they’re insecure. They try to shine by snuffing out others. But anyone worth their salt knows: there’s always room for more light in the world.

And me? I’m solar-powered, baby. And it’s sunny.

Now keep in mind, I'm a J.D., not an M.D., not a Ph.D.—this is just how I’ve learned to deal with the narcissists in my life. It took time. And sometimes it’s still an exercise in patience (and deep breathing… and group texts that start with “You will not believe what just happened”).

So, do you have any tips on how you’ve dealt with the narcissist in your life? If so, share with us and help kick some chaos—with style.