5 Easy Ways to Stay Out of Bed (and Business) with a Narcissist

The narcissist, I wish I had seen the red flags sooner. The charm, the confidence, the way they made me feel like I was the only person in the room—until I wasn’t.  

At first, it felt exciting. Whether in relationships or business, narcissists have a way of drawing you in. They mirror your dreams, feed your ambitions, and make you believe they see you in a way no one else does. But then, the cracks start to show.

I learned this the hard way—not just in love, but in business. And let me tell you, losing a business partner you thought was a friend hurts just as much as losing a romantic partner. Maybe even more.

The Highs Before the Crash

When we first started working together, I thought I had found the perfect teammate—someone who matched my energy, my drive, and my vision. But slowly, the dynamic shifted. Decisions became one-sided. My ideas were subtly dismissed, then later repackaged as their own. Accountability? Nonexistent. And the moment I started questioning things, I became the problem.

The same intoxicating push-and-pull dynamic that happens in toxic relationships played out in business. One day, they’d make me feel like I was irreplaceable. The next, I’d be walking on eggshells, questioning my worth.

When the Friendship Wasn’t Real

I think this was the part that broke me the most. I wasn’t just mourning a failed business venture—I was mourning the loss of what I thought was a genuine friendship. It’s gut-wrenching to realize someone never truly valued you, only what you could do for them.

And yet, looking back, I see the lesson in all of it.

5 Ways to Protect Yourself from a Narcissist

If I could go back and warn myself, here’s what I’d say:

1. Trust the Patterns, Not the Promises.

Love-bombing isn’t just a romantic thing—it happens in business too. Pay attention to how they treat others, not just how they treat you when they want something.

2. Watch for the Power Plays.

Do they manipulate conversations? Dismiss your feelings? Twist situations so you always feel like the one in the wrong? Those aren’t leadership qualities—they’re control tactics.

3. Set Boundaries Early.

Whether in love or business, narcissists hate boundaries. The moment you start asserting yourself, you’ll see their true colors.

4. Don’t Ignore the Feeling in Your Gut.

If something feels off, it is off. It doesn’t matter how charismatic, successful, or well-connected they are. Your peace is worth more.

5. Know When to Walk Away.

You don’t owe anyone endless chances. Protect your energy, cut ties, and move forward without looking back.

How It Changed Me

Walking away was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. But also? One of the best. I learned to value myself in ways I never had before. I learned that real friends—and real business partners—don’t need to manipulate you to keep you close. And most importantly, I learned that no amount of success is worth losing yourself.

So, tell me—have you ever had an experience like this? Have you walked away from a toxic friendship, relationship, or business partnership? How did you know it was time? Drop your story in the comments—I’d love to hear it.

cover photo by Gül Işık on Pexels.