No matter how young or old they are, narcissists will always have something ready to say about you. But they’d rather keep it in the chamber ready to fire, should someone test their armor by bringing up their own hurtful behavior.

I’ve recently been reminded how deep of a problem this is. Young or old, or they’re blood by either biology, bond or law, they’ll fire back when prompted.

When they are hit with their behavior, they’ll do anything to reflect the pain right back. Their words hit different when you’ve known them for a certain time, hearing more praises than critiques. The latter are more like pellets being tossed, versus the hollow points they stockpile.

So when the shots are given, dodge what you can, but take the time to heal from the pain of anything that hits. Even if nothing does, the assault itself causes more damage than they’ll ever admit to.

If anything, they’ll be proud of doing it. If there’s any remorse from it, you’ll never see it. If you do, by that point their existence may mean nothing to you.

No matter how close they are, limit their vantage points.

Dismantle their camps.

By all means, do not rally a defense against them.

Let that come naturally, if at all.

As easy as that last one it, it’s a bad look. If I did or do that, I’d be no better than the inspiration of another post. One which I now see as a convenient reminder not to get on that level again.

If you do, and if I do, we’ll fall harder than the hurt and even cynical parts of us wishes the other party may deserve to.