The Second Timothy Three Generation

The most difficult things to deal with in this generation of narcissism: The Second Timothy Three Generation!

Know-it-alls
Ultra Sensitive to correction, criticism or instruction
Lack of Manners and even embarrassment at displays of
manners
Lack of Natural Affection

Its hard work to resist becoming like the narcissist because our inner man is fleshly, reacting to things that come against us. It takes prayer and resolve to refuse to respond in kind to those who wish to cause the worst in you to emerge.

The more time we spend with someone or something (television and movies) or (unsaved family), the more we begin to see their actions and attitudes as normal.

It validates the rage in the narcissist when they can get us to respond to their attacks. This is why God said to return good for evil. This does not mean that we seek out the narcissists to do good to them, it means that when we encounter them we refuse to respond and return a nasty comment with a kind response or none at all. We know that any response to a full blown narcissist is food for them, even a kind one. This is why in most cases its best to completely ignore their attacks and remove ourselves without emotion.

The more we are with nastiness the more it begins to seem normal. Its sort of like taking that first spoonful of something we don't like but over time its not so bad anymore, we may even begin to like it proud of ourselves that we mastered it.

We can remain with a narcissistic friend and over time become like them, or we can choose to remove ourselves to protect our character. As believer we want to grow holier not superior. We want to become like Christ in His power, not pretending to be like Him in our own effort.

1 Corinthians 15:33
"33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good character.”

Never feel guilty about withdrawing from someone who is continually pushing your buttons to cause an argument. They are wicked and deserve no attention at all. Of course they will attempt to accuse you of something bad, ignore it, its nothing more than manipulation to get you back under their power.
Remaining calm and repeating your boundary without explanation is often the best way to respond to those who would try to intimidate.