You can tell from the title of the article that there’s one-word narcissists absolutely cannot stand to hear from you. I’m going to reveal that word shortly, and I won’t keep you in suspense for too long because I don’t want to play mind games. However, before I reveal it, I want to set the stage and ask: What is it that narcissists want most in life?
Simply put, narcissists crave control. They desire dominance, superiority, and the assurance that everything will align with their preferences, cravings, and desires. They are highly self-absorbed individuals who expect you to cater to their needs and reinforce their sense of importance.
To maintain their control and dominance, narcissists employ a variety of tactics. They might argue with you to assert their opinions as ultimate truths, ignore you to make you suffer if you don’t give them the attention they crave, or invalidate your thoughts and ideas. They’ll push their selfish agendas relentlessly until you comply and often enforce double standards—what applies to you doesn’t apply to them. Whether through overt manipulation or covert sneakiness, their message remains the same: My needs are the priority.
Now, here’s the word that narcissists despise most when they attempt to dominate or control you: “Whatever.”
By saying “whatever,” you reject their need for significance and relevance. Narcissists thrive on their self-importance and want you to mirror that back to them. But responding with “whatever” undercuts their attempts to draw you into their world of control and dominance.
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