Narcissists live in absolutes, often saying things like “I always do everything I’m supposed to do,” in an attempt to make themselves seem perfect and blameless.
Why they do it:
It’s a way of dismissing any criticism and turning the focus onto how “perfect” they are, while painting you as unreasonable.
How to handle it:
Don’t engage with the absolute language. Instead, focus on the specific issue at hand. A response like, “I’m not asking for perfection, but I’d like to talk about this particular problem,” can help shift the conversation back to reality.
7. “You Never Give Me What I Want”
Another absolute narcissists love is “You never give me what I want.” This phrase is meant to make you feel like you’re always failing them, creating a sense of inadequacy and guilt.
Why they do it:
They want to make you feel like you’re the problem so that you’re more likely to give in to their demands.
How to handle it:
Don’t get caught up in their absolutes. Respond with facts: “We’ve worked together before, and I’ve done X, Y, and Z. Let’s talk about what’s happening now.”
8. “Everyone Else Thinks I’m Fantastic”
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