• Block the narcissist’s phone number and social media accounts: This is a no-brainer, folks. If you don’t want to hear from your ex anymore, block them on all platforms. It’ll be like they never existed! Except for that one time at the county fair when you saw their doppelganger…but we won’t talk about that.
• Avoid responding to any attempts at contact from the narcissist: Don’t take the bait! Narcissists thrive off of attention and will do anything to get it – even if it means harassing their exes. So put down your phone (or computer or carrier pigeon) and resist the urge to respond. Trust us, your sanity will thank you later.
• Consider obtaining a restraining order if the narcissist continues to harass or threaten you: Sometimes blocking just isn’t enough, especially if your ex is particularly persistent (read: crazy). In these cases, a restraining order may be necessary in order to keep yourself safe.
• Do not engage in arguments or discussions with the narcissist, as this will only encourage their behavior: Look, we know it’s tempting to tell your ex exactly what you think of them (and/or their mother), but trust us – arguing with a narcissist is like trying to reason with a toddler who doesn’t want naptime. It’s pointless and exhausting.
• Surround yourself with supportive friends and family who can help protect you from the narcissist’s actions: Your loved ones are there for a reason – use them! They’ll have your back through thick and thin (and also bring over ice cream when needed).
• Seek professional counseling or therapy to address any emotional trauma caused by your relationship with the narcissist: Let’s face it – dating a narcissist can leave some serious scars. But fear not! There are professionals out there who specialize in helping people heal from toxic relationships. Plus, talking about how much your ex sucks is a great way to blow off steam.
• Change your daily routine, such as taking different routes to work or avoiding certain places where you know the narcissist may be present: It’s time to get creative! If you’re worried about running into your ex at that one coffee shop on Main Street, try going to a different one instead. Or better yet – start brewing your own coffee at home and save some cash (and sanity) in the process.
• Refrain from sharing personal information about yourself on social media that could potentially give away your location or activities: We all love oversharing on Instagram, but it’s important to remember that not everyone has our best interests at heart (*cough*exes*cough*). So keep those vacation photos for close friends only and avoid posting anything that could potentially put you in harm’s way.
• Be prepared for potential retaliation from the narcissist, such as spreading rumors or attempting to damage your reputation: Let’s face it – if a narcissist can’t have what they want (i.e. you), they’ll do whatever it takes to make themselves feel better. This might include telling lies about you or trying to ruin your reputation. But fear not! The truth will always come out eventually…and karma is a b*tch.
• Keep a record of any attempts at contact or harassment from the narcissist, including dates and times: Documentation is key when dealing with crazy exes (or really anyone who doesn’t respect boundaries). Keep track of any texts/calls/emails/etc so that if things escalate, you’ll have proof of their behavior.
• Consider changing your phone number and email address to prevent further communication: Sometimes blocking just isn’t enough…especially if your ex has multiple burner phones (*cue eye roll*). In these cases, changing up how they can reach you might be necessary in order for them finally take the hint.
• If necessary, involve law enforcement if the narcissist’s behavior becomes threatening or dangerous: We’re not saying to call 911 every time your ex sends you an angry text (although we wouldn’t blame you), but if things escalate to a point where you feel unsafe – don’t hesitate to get authorities involved. Your safety should always come first!
• Avoid engaging in any form of physical contact with the narcissist, even if it is seemingly harmless: Remember that scene from Mean Girls when Regina George “accidentally” bumps into Cady and spills her coffee? Yeah…don’t be like Regina. Even innocent-seeming physical contact can lead down a slippery slope towards more aggressive behavior.
• Be firm and assertive when communicating with the narcissist that you do not want them in your life anymore: It’s time for some tough love! Make it clear to your ex that they need to leave you alone once and for all. And hey – maybe throw in a few choice words about how much they suck while you’re at it (*wink*).
• Focus on taking care of yourself emotionally and physically during this time: Breakups are tough enough as is without adding a crazy ex into the mix. So make sure you’re taking care of yourself both mentally and physically during this tumultuous time. Whether that means hitting up yoga class or binge-watching The Office for hours on end, do whatever makes YOU happy.
• Do not feel guilty for prioritizing your own well-being over maintaining a relationship with the narcissist: Repeat after us – IT’S OKAY TO BE SELFISH SOMETIMES! You deserve happiness just as much as anyone else…and sometimes cutting toxic people out of our lives is what needs to happen in order for us to achieve that happiness.