The best way to deal with narcissistic sociopaths is to stay away from them as much as possible. They are usually experienced liars and manipulators who will take advantage of the people around them without any regret on their part. They think it’s all a game to them. You don’t need friends like that. I am an empathetic person and the only consolation I have in dealing with sociopaths is that my inner senses warn me that there is something seriously wrong with sociopaths even when they are trying to act “nice” and that I need to stay away from them. It gets complicated when you cannot stay away from them - such as a boss or relative. Then it’s a real balancing act - You don’t really want to let them know that you are on to them as that might become a challenge for them and get even more attention from them. In that case you have to be very careful to do what is legally and ethically required but avoid getting tangled up in their manipulations. Actually in some respects being narcissistic or a sociopath is a disability. There is a reason why normal humans have empathy - It lets them better understand and anticipate the people around them. And it acts as a social lubricant to help people get along together. Sociopaths can be high functioning in other ways - And may become lawyers, CEO’s, or even a certain former US President. Low functioning sociopaths become thugs and the lowest functioning of them wind up in prison or dead. Don’t be manipulated by your narcissistic acquaintances (they are only posing as friends). When they can no longer get what they want from you they will eventually find someone else to prey upon. Believe what they do, not what they say.

Took me years to learn this, and to trust my instincts. Hard to explain, but there’s this weird...emptiness that emanates from them even when they’re being “nice” to you. I just realized it actually feels a little creepy to me when I notice it. Like...that shudder you feel when you stare into the void.