Dealing with a narcissist can be incredibly draining because they thrive on what experts call 'narcissistic supply'—your emotional energy and engagement. From my own experience, the exhaustion after conversations isn’t just physical fatigue but emotional depletion, as narcissists often provoke reactions to feed their sense of importance. One key lesson I learned is to limit how much you reveal or justify your decisions. Narcissists tend to demand long explanations or emotional responses, which they exploit to sustain control. Instead, practice saying less and setting boundaries around conversations. For example, rather than engaging in lengthy justifications, a simple and firm response can reduce their power to manipulate. I found that recognizing the difference between a normal person and a narcissist helps immensely. Normal people usually accept your choices without needing extensive explanations, while narcissists seek to dominate the interaction to fuel their ego. Another important step is to stop gaslighting yourself. Narcissists often make you question your reality or feelings, but learning to trust your perceptions again is crucial. Participating in support groups or masterclasses focusing on narcissistic abuse recovery can offer guidance and strategies to rebuild your sense of self. Remember, you don’t owe anyone detailed explanations about your life choices. Protecting your emotional well-being means sometimes disengaging and conserving your energy. Over time, these practices can help reduce the draining impact of narcissistic interactions and empower you on your recovery journey.