Silence, followed by short, clear statements, will force the narcissist to realize they can’t get what they want from you. You can also use phrases like:
- “I understand.”
- “I hear you.”
- “I’ll get back to you.”
Follow it with silence. If you’re feeling brave, you can say, “That’s not going to happen,” and let the silence linger. The narcissist will unravel when they see they have no power over you.
5. Use Silence or Detach Completely
If possible, go straight to silence. Not in a passive-aggressive way like a covert narcissist would, but in a way that says, “I’m not easy prey.” Become uninteresting, unaffected, and unfazed. The goal is to diffuse the intensity and avoid escalating the situation. If possible, avoid inflicting a narcissistic injury, which can provoke narcissistic rage.
6. Be Prepared to Defuse the Situation
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