How to Recognize and Handle an Extreme Narcissist

If you're a big fan of the television show "Criminal Minds", chances are you know what a narcissist is. But if you have never watched the show, you may not recognize the term. 

In general, a narcissist is known as a person who thinks highly of themselves and doesn't have much regard for the feelings of others. Yet, what many of us do not realize is there is more to the personality disorder than just a huge ego. First of all, no two narcissists are alike. They will each have a different personality and show their ego in their own way. Some may only exhibit a few traits of narcissism, while others may be more extreme. 

Extreme narcissists are the most toxic and while encountering this type may seem stressful, the situation can be handled should the need arise. Always keep in mind that when you are dealing with an extreme narcissist they will need to prove that they are the best of the best. No one will ever compare or even come close to them. 

You may find them as:

The Bully -

This type of extreme narcissist will build themselves up by bullying others. They may share the traits of several other types of narcissists, but they will be more brutal and make it known. They will make those around them feel like they are losers, which allows them to prove that they are the winner, the best of the best. The bully narcissist will belittle everything that you do. And when they need something from you that you don't give them, they may threaten you in some way. They will become toxic by creating doubt in you and your relationship. 

If you are ever confronted by a narcissist who is a bully, don't disagree with their self-image. Don't argue with them. Don't prove your point. It's always best to avoid a conflict with a bully if possible. 

The Grandiose - 

This type of narcissist often exhibits the most common traits of narcissism. They generally see themselves as extremely important and powerful. They will brag about their achievements and exaggerate their role in life so that others admire them. 

If you find yourself confronted by this type of narcissist, avoid defending yourself. Challenging a Grandiose will only provoke and cause them to push their superiority on you. They may show themselves in a way that makes them seem like a celebrity whom others will admire. They do have a limit, however, and will throw you out like yesterday's news. 

The Know-it-All - 

They are always eager to give their opinion even if it is unwanted. They also have a belief that they are very knowledgeable in everything. They love telling those around them what to do and how to do it. They have a lot of difficulty with listening because they are usually distracted by their own thoughts. 

If you ever encounter this type of extreme narcissist, try not to indulge them. Remove yourself politely from the situation and move on. If you are in a situation where you simply cannot step away from it, listen to what they have to say without accepting their ideas. Most know-it-alls are harmless, so if you can defuse the situation without proving them wrong, you may be able to avoid any unnecessary stress. 

The Manipulate - 

This type of narcissist has one major goal, to make you feel good about yourself. They will admire you and everything that you do. In the end, however, they only want one thing and that is to use you. They really want nothing more than to be flattered themselves, to be admired, and will use you to get it. Once they have gotten that from you, they will move on to someone else. 

Manipulators are fairly harmless and if you are willing to be reasonable towards them it helps. Avoid being their center of attention, however,  as this can stoke the narcissist's need and permit them to use you. 

The Vindictive -

This type of extreme narcissist you should avoid ruffling if you are ever confronted by. They will be dead set on destroying you if you ever challenge them in any way. Even if you don't, you may have done so without realizing it. The vindictive narcissist has a need that's meant to prove they can destroy you. They will tell everyone they know just how worthless you are. They will withhold any information about you to others to destroy your life with no regard to the truth. They may even go as far as preventing you from advancing your career or upholding a positive reputation because they just can't stand the idea of your accomplishments or you. 

If you are ever confronted by this type of narcissist, it's best to avoid them if possible. Remove yourself from their life before they have an opportunity to ruin your name and everything you stand for. Yes, you will want to try to resolve the situation by standing up for yourself, but vindictive narcissists are true to their name and good at hiding their true selves to those around them.

They will play the picture-perfect good guy/girl role when they need to. They will even play the victim and blame you for it. If you have no choice, but to fight back, be armed with proof for others because this type of narcissist will never be anything but vindictive. 

While we may never be able to avoid every narcissist in our lives, understanding and protecting ourselves from an extreme one can help us to avoid a stressful situation should it ever occur.