Entitlement in narcissistic individuals manifests as a deep-seated belief that they deserve special treatment, regardless of their contribution or the needs of others. This blog post delves deeper into understanding this pervasive sense of entitlement, provides real-life examples to illustrate how it can appear in relationships, and offers strategies for managing the challenges it presents.

Understanding Narcissistic Entitlement

Narcissistic entitlement is not merely about wanting more; it’s about believing they are inherently deserving of more than others, often without justification. This entitlement can manifest in various disruptive ways within a relationship. A narcissist may feel entitled to spend money freely, regardless of who earned it. For instance, they might make large purchases with their partner’s earnings without discussing it, assuming that what’s yours is theirs by default.

They may demand constant attention and validation from their partner, regardless of the partner’s emotional state. This could include expecting their partner to always prioritize the narcissist’s feelings and needs, even during times when the partner may be facing personal difficulties. Narcissists often expect to be the center of attention in social settings, becoming upset or resentful if others do not accord them the status or recognition they feel they deserve. They might also insist on special privileges within the relationship, like choosing where to dine or vacation every time, under the guise that their preferences are more important.

A narcissist’s sense of entitlement can also involve monopolizing their partner’s time, expecting them to be available at the narcissist’s beck and call, and getting angry if the partner does not immediately answer the phone, respond to a text, or makes plans that do not include them or prioritize them. This is often done under the guise of “checking in” with the other person. I once went shopping with a group of girls from church and received a text after I left each store asking what I had purchased and how much more money I planned on spending!

Coping with a Narcissist’s Sense of Entitlement

Handling a narcissist’s entitlement requires careful navigation and firm boundaries to protect one’s own well-being:

Set Firm Boundaries: Clearly communicate what behaviors you will tolerate. Establish consequences for overstepping these boundaries and be consistent in enforcing them.

Practice Assertiveness: When discussing issues related to their entitlement, be calm but assertive. Express your needs and expectations clearly without room for misinterpretation.

Keep Financial Independence: If possible, maintain separate bank accounts or have clear agreements about shared financial responsibilities to prevent overreach into your financial resources.

Limit Emotional Availability: Protect your emotional health by limiting the time you spend responding to unreasonable demands or manipulations.

Educate Yourself: Understanding the roots and manifestations of narcissistic entitlement can help you better navigate your responses and decide when to engage or disengage.

Plan for Personal Time: Ensure you have time for yourself that is not influenced by the narcissist’s demands. This can help in maintaining your sense of self and emotional independence.

Conclusion

While dealing with a narcissist’s sense of entitlement is challenging, understanding and implementing effective coping strategies can mitigate its impact on your life. Maintaining your autonomy in financial, social, and emotional aspects is crucial. Remember, you have the right to a healthy, balanced relationship, and addressing these issues directly and constructively can help preserve your well-being in the face of narcissistic entitlement.

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As we close this post, please remember: you are not alone on this journey. Your experiences, thoughts, and feelings are important, and sharing them can be incredibly healing. I encourage you to leave a comment below or send me a personal message if you’d like to share your story or just need someone to listen. This space is not just about sharing insights—it’s about building a community of support and understanding.