Forget about reasoning with a narcissist, being heard, or getting your needs met—it’s not going to happen. You’re not dealing with a reasonable, rational adult. Instead, you’re dealing with a wounded, entitled, and manipulative individual who will go to great lengths to provoke you and get their way.
They lack a moral compass or conscience and will take actions that you or I cannot even imagine. The things they do and say are often shocking to us because they manipulate, play games, and leave out huge parts of the truth. So, forget about showing up with love, empathy, or better communication skills. None of that will work with a destructive narcissist.
3. Shut Them Down with Short, Succinct Responses
When it comes to shutting a narcissist down, use short, clear, and simple statements like:
- “No.”
- “No, thank you.”
- “I’m not available.”
- “Sorry, I can’t do that.”
- “I’m not interested, thank you.”
No is a full sentence. Practice delivering it with zero emotion. Be as detached and flat-lined as possible. After you say it, let silence take over. Get comfortable with uncomfortable silence. Say “No,” breathe, and let the silence land. Silence is powerful. It communicates that they have no control over you, and it makes the narcissist uncomfortable.
4. Silence is Your Best Tool
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