In your life, the chances are you’ve stumbled across at least one narcissist. Around 1% of the population are diagnosed as having narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), however, experts estimate that as many as 1 in every 6 people could be considered to have NPD. Traits like entitlement, a superiority complex, arrogance, and a lack of empathy and concern are the hallmarks of a narcissistic person, especially when these are expressed at a high degree and at the expense of others around them.

If this sounds like someone you know, how safely distance yourself from this person? First, you need to make sure you approach it with a concrete plan. Ensure you make a list of all important documents and start creating contact information only accessible by you. Next, slowly start moving items away from the household with the narcissist, but acting otherwise normal, not to cause alarm. Lastly, when enough of your items are moved, make it known to trusted family and friends that you are moving away from the narcissist while the narcissist is out of the house. Make sure you prioritize taking children, pets, and other family members.

Once you’ve physically separated from the narcissist, it is important to legally separate yourself from the narcissist. Fortunately, the experts at Nussbaum Law have plenty of experience in separating from a spouse without compromising your safety. While you can’t cure narcissism, you can absolutely heal in the absence of the narcissist.