Hello, my friends, and welcome back to Infinite Threads. I’m Bob, and I’m so grateful you’re here today.
We talk a lot on this podcast about love, connection, and seeing the good in people. But what happens when someone in your life seems to make that almost impossible? What if they are so self-absorbed, so manipulative, or so emotionally draining that it feels like love isn’t an option?
Today, we’re going to talk about narcissism—not just the casual kind we throw around in conversation, but actual Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). More importantly, we’re going to explore how we can approach narcissists with both compassion and boundaries—because love does not mean allowing ourselves to be harmed.
Understanding Narcissism – More Than Just Ego
The word “narcissist” gets used a lot, but actual NPD is a deep psychological condition, often rooted in childhood trauma, emotional neglect, or a desperate need for validation. It’s not just arrogance or selfishness—it’s a disorder that makes true emotional connection difficult for the person experiencing it.
Someone with NPD may:
Constantly seek admiration and validation
Lack genuine empathy for others
Struggle with criticism and react with anger or defensiveness
Manipulate or control situations to protect their self-image
And here’s the hard part—many narcissists don’t even realize they’re hurting others. Their behavior is often a defense mechanism against deep insecurities they don’t want to face.
But understanding why someone is the way they are doesn’t mean we should let them cause harm in our lives.
Loving Without Losing Yourself – Setting Boundaries
One of the biggest mistakes we make when dealing with a narcissist is believing that love means sacrificing ourselves. But love without boundaries isn’t love—it’s self-destruction.
So, how do we love wisely?
Set Clear Boundaries – You can have compassion without allowing manipulation. Define what behaviors you will and won’t accept.
Detach from the Need for Their Approval – Narcissists may try to make you feel like you’re the problem. You don’t need their validation.
Don’t Engage in Power Struggles – Narcissists thrive on control. The best way to protect your peace is not to play their game.
Setting boundaries isn’t rejection—it’s self-respect.
Compassion Without Enabling
Now, you might be wondering—how can I still love someone like this without letting them walk all over me?
🔹 See the Wounded Child Within Them – Many narcissists were emotionally neglected as children. Their behavior isn’t an attack—it’s a defense.
🔹 Offer Love Without Expecting Change – True love isn’t conditional. But don’t tie your well-being to their personal growth.
🔹 Pray for Them, But Protect Your Peace – If you’re spiritual, send them love, pray for them, or wish them healing—but from a distance, if necessary.
🔹 Know When to Walk Away – Sometimes, the most loving thing you can do is remove yourself from the relationship.
Compassion doesn’t mean allowing harm. It means choosing to love from a place of wisdom, not weakness.
Final Thoughts – Love, But Love Wisely
Dealing with narcissism is one of the hardest tests of love and compassion. It requires us to see someone’s wounds without letting them wound us.
And here’s something important to remember: Love is infinite, but access to you is not.
You can choose to love without sacrificing yourself. You can choose to see the good in someone while still refusing to be mistreated. And when necessary, you can choose to walk away, knowing that love does not mean enduring harm.
Thank you for spending this time with me today. I know this is a difficult subject, but I hope it gives you clarity and strength in the relationships you navigate.
I’d love to hear your thoughts—have you had to set boundaries with a narcissist? How did you handle it? Let’s talk in the comments.
I’ll see you soon for another episode of Infinite Threads. Until then, take care of yourselves and each other.
And remember, we’re all part of this infinite thread—and love is what holds it together.
