How To Deal With High Conflict Personalities, Toxic People & Narcissists | Bill Eddy

In this insightful conversation, guest expert Bill Eddy—a lawyer, licensed therapist, professional mediator, and co-founder of the High Conflict Institute, appearing on The Adversity Advantage with Doug Bopst, shares his pioneering framework for identifying and managing high conflict individuals. Drawing from his High Conflict Personality Theory, Eddy introduces the "WEB" method (Words, Emotions, Behavior) as a practical tool to spot early warning signs such as chronic blame, extreme emotional reactions, and erratic or inappropriate behavior. He explains that these traits often appear in patterns rather than isolated incidents and advises people, particularly in dating or workplace settings, to take time—often up to a year—to truly understand someone’s behavioral tendencies before making significant commitments.

Eddy also distinguishes between high conflict personalities and diagnosable personality disorders like Narcissistic and Borderline Personality Disorders, which involve more entrenched and enduring behavioral patterns. While only a small portion of the population may meet the criteria for these disorders, their impact on relationships can be significant. Eddy emphasizes that awareness, not paranoia, is the key—offering communication strategies such as using "I" statements, avoiding blame, and maintaining strong boundaries to protect one's mental and emotional well-being. Through his expertise, he encourages viewers to navigate challenging relationships with clarity, empathy, and self-respect.