Dealing with a narcissist can be challenging, as they often have difficulty recognizing and respecting your boundaries. However, setting boundaries is crucial for your well-being and maintaining a healthy relationship, even if it's challenging with a narcissist. Here are some tips on how to set boundaries with a narcissist:

1. Be Clear and Specific: Clearly articulate your boundaries in a specific and straightforward manner. Avoid vague language and be direct about what behaviors are not acceptable.

   Eg: Instead of saying, “I’m pretty busy during the workday, would you mind not calling me so often during the day?”

   Say instead, “I cannot speak during the workday. I would be happy to speak with you on the phone between 6-9pm on Weekdays. Thanks so much for respecting my time!”

2. Use "I" Statements: Frame your boundaries using "I" statements to avoid sounding accusatory.

   Eg: Say "I feel uncomfortable when..." instead of "You always..."

3. Stay Calm and Assertive: Maintain a calm and assertive demeanor when communicating your boundaries. Narcissists may try to provoke emotional reactions, so staying composed is important.

4. Set Consequences: Clearly communicate the consequences if your boundaries are not respected. Be prepared to follow through with these consequences to reinforce the importance of your boundaries.

5. Limit Personal Information: Be cautious about sharing too much personal information with a narcissist. They may use this information against you or manipulate situations to their advantage.

6. Avoid JADE (Justify, Argue, Defend, Explain): Narcissists may try to engage you in arguments or manipulate you into justifying your boundaries. Avoid falling into the trap of justifying, arguing, defending, or explaining your boundaries excessively. State them clearly and calmly, and if the narcissist persists, disengage.

7. Seek Support: Talk to friends, family, or a therapist about your experiences and get support. Having a support system can help you navigate the challenges of dealing with a narcissist.

8. Set Internal Emotional Boundaries: Establish boundaries around your emotional well-being. Recognize when the narcissist is attempting to manipulate your emotions and set limits on how much emotional investment you're willing to make.

9. Learn to Say "No": Practice saying "no" without feeling guilty. Narcissists may pressure or guilt-trip you into complying with their demands, so it's important to assert yourself.

10. Stay out of The Drama: Not engaging with provocative or high-energy pleas from a Narcissist will help you remain drama free. Setting boundaries around when you will engage, what you will reply to, and how you will respond will help you to not engage in a Narcissist’s attempts for drama.

11. Consider Professional Help: If the relationship becomes too toxic, consider seeking the assistance of a mental health professional. I specialize in Codependency and Narcissistic Relationships, and can support you through your healing journey.

***Remember that setting and maintaining boundaries with a narcissist may not always lead to the changes you desire in the relationship. In some cases, it may be necessary to reassess the relationship and consider going no-contact for your own well-being.