I’ve recently become aware of what a narcissistic personality truly looks like, distinguishing it from the way the term is often casually used online. Ive observed that these individuals often present themselves as helpful and generous, always willing to help. They can be the nicest people in the world.
However, the moment they feel hurt, they turn on you, making your life difficult because they’ve already convinced themselves that you are the one at fault. They often carry a sense of entitlement, using their generosity or acts of help as a way to exert control or subtly undermine and disrespect you.
I’ve concluded that the only way to protect yourself is to avoid engaging with them at all, even when they seem kind. Narcissists struggle with distance. When they see you’re disengaging, they withdraw, and it’s only when they feel isolated that they show remorse.