Things you can do instead of getting in touch with a/the narcissist in your life

Photo by Emma Matthews on Unsplash

1. Write a letter. Say what you have to say to him or her but on paper. Get the feelings out. And then throw it away or burn it. If you can’t bear to destroy the letter, put it in a box and put the box away.
2. Play with your kids, your friends’ kids, your niece, your nephew. Those tiny smiles can overcome anything.
3. Talk to someone you trust. Say how you feel. Explain your urges. Get support.
4. Find a creative outlet. Paint, draw, sing, colour, cook, write, play a game, watch a film, go to a museum.
5. Exercise. And if that’s not your thing, take a walk. Even a short 10–15 minute brisk walk can work wonders on your headspace.
6. Self care. Take a bath, go have your favourite meal, treat yourself, read a book, call a friend. Anything that you enjoy. Do it and do it for yourself.
7. Write in (or start) your positive log.
8. Find professional support. If it’s too much and the urge is still there, get help.

For anyone else who gets a similar urge to reconnect with someone who mistreated you, feel free to use my list, or if that doesn’t work, get in touch with me or someone else you trust instead. Because nothing is as important as avoiding toxic relationships. You deserve so much more than that.