Now that you understand their manipulative tactics, let’s flip the script. Narcissists may seem tough, but they’re incredibly insecure beneath the surface. In fact, they are deeply afraid of losing control. Here are four tactics that will send a narcissist into a panic.
1. Brutal Honesty
Narcissists are pathological liars, and they expect everyone else to lie too. They struggle to comprehend honesty because they assume everyone is as deceptive as they are. When you are brutally honest, it stuns them, and they don’t know how to react.
For example, if a covert narcissist frequently claims to be sick but shows up for an event the next day, say, “Oh, I’m surprised to see you here! You seemed really sick yesterday.” State it without sarcasm or attitude, as if you’re reporting a fact. This leaves them confused and unsettled.
2. Pushing Back
Narcissists expect you to give in to their demands, especially if you’ve done so in the past. When you begin to push back and assert your boundaries, they will be caught off guard. If they realize they can no longer control you, it will cause them to panic.
For instance, if they demand something unreasonable, calmly refuse: “No, that’s not going to happen.” This simple act of standing up for yourself makes them anxious, as they start to lose the control they thrive on.
3. Exposing Them
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