Navigating Narcissistic Relationships: Empowering Strategies to Reclaim Your Life

 If you’ve ever dealt with a narcissistic parent, you already know—logic doesn’t apply, drama is guaranteed, and you’re forever cast in the role of either the villain or the hero (usually both in the same hour). I get it, because I’m living it too. Let’s be real—dealing with a narcissistic mother is an Olympic-level sport. But instead of losing your sanity, you can flip the script. Here’s how I turned survival into comedy gold, and how you can too.

Step One: The Art of the “Yes Lie”

When narcissists make demands, your natural instinct is to argue, to explain, to defend. Don’t waste your breath. My go-to strategy is simple:

Say “yes”… then do exactly what you want anyway.

Why? Because saying yes keeps the peace. They get their little dopamine hit, their feeling of control. But you? You get your freedom—and bonus points for the secret satisfaction of not giving in.

👉 Real Life Example:

This Wednesday, it’s my mum’s birthday. Last week, she sobbed she was “so alone, no friends, no one loves me.” I almost felt sorry. Fast forward two days—suddenly, she’s having a barbecue with “hundreds” of people and I “have to come home.”

Did I say yes? Of course.

Am I going? Absolutely not.

Netflix, pyjamas, and snacks—that’s my party plan. And it’s glorious.

Step Two: Smile and Detach

Narcissists live for reactions. Silence is your weapon. Agree politely, smile sweetly, and inside your brain chant, “Not my circus, not my monkey.” This keeps you emotionally detached while they flail around in their drama. Peace of mind? 100%.

Step Three: Laugh or You’ll Cry

Humour is your lifejacket. Turn their contradictions into comedy material. Keep a little diary, make memes, tell your friends. Trust me, the shift from frustrated victim to amused observer is a mental game-changer.

👉 Pro Tip:

“Oh, I have no friends—hundreds of people are coming—where are you?”

The narcissist Olympics. 10/10 for the double flip.

Step Four: Make Your Own Rules

You don’t owe anyone your time, energy, or sanity—especially people who thrive on chaos. Give yourself permission to:

• Skip events.
• Mute calls.
• Take guilt-free naps.
• Prioritise YOUR peace.

It’s not selfish—it’s survival.

Step Five: Build a New Life, Quietly

Your life doesn’t have to revolve around their tantrums. You can build joy, peace, and fun elsewhere—with friends who actually listen, with hobbies that light you up, and quiet days where your phone is blissfully ignored.

🎁 Final Reminder:

You’re not here to fix anyone. You’re here to live freely, laugh often, and protect your peace. Narcissists will do what they do—lie, guilt trip, throw barbecues for imaginary guests. You get to decide how you respond.

My response? Yes, Mum… absolutely… I’ll be there… while I enjoy the most peaceful Wednesday of my life.