Narcissists have a way of saying things. They say one thing, but they mean something different.

When you’re with a narcissist, you’ll notice that they use the same phrases over and over again; you’ll learn to understand what they really mean.

Here are 15 things they often say to their partners and what they actually mean. How many of these have you heard your partner say?

1 “I’m sorry you feel that way.”

When a narcissist says, “I’m sorry you feel that way,” they’re often dismissing your feelings rather than acknowledging their actions. It’s a tactic to deflect blame, preserving their self-image while invalidating your feelings.

They’re not really sorry for causing the hurt; they’re just sorry that you’re upset. Remember, it’s not a sincere apology but a manipulation ploy. Don’t let it cloud your judgment.

2 “Nobody understands me like you do.”

“Nobody understands me like you do” is another common line used by narcissists, a seductive tactic that makes you feel special but serves to isolate you from others.

They subtly tell you that you are the only one who understands them, which can make you feel uniquely connected.

But they are actually manipulating you into an exclusive emotional support position, effectively cutting you off from other relationships.

3 “You’re overreacting.”

“You’re overreacting” is a manipulative tool that narcissists often use to downplay your feelings and make you question your perception of reality.

They don’t really care about your emotional response when they say this. They are avoiding blame, invalidating your emotions, and gaining control.

What does it really mean? “Your reactions are annoying me. Stop challenging my behavior.” It’s not about your overreactions but about their inability to handle criticism.

4 “You’re so selfish.”

Continuing on this path of manipulation, the narcissist may accuse you of being selfish. But this accusation isn’t about you. It’s an attempt to divert attention from their own selfishness. Their accusations are often admissions.

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They try to make you feel guilty, to control you. But remember, you are not selfish for needing boundaries or refusing to meet their unreasonable demands.

5 “You should feel lucky to be with me.”

“You should feel lucky to be with me” is another common phrase that narcissists use to belittle and manipulate you, giving the impression that they are doing you a favor by simply being in your life.

This tactic is designed to make you feel inadequate and ungrateful to them, thus enabling them to control you.

Please don’t fall for it. It’s not luck, it’s manipulation.

6 “I don’t remember saying that.”

The narcissist will often deny their previous statements with a contemptuous “I don’t remember saying that,” as a way to confuse you and undermine your perception of reality.

It’s their tactic to evade accountability, and create doubt in your mind about what happened.

They don’t forget; they rewrite history to fit their narrative. Hold on to your memory. They are manipulating you, not misremembering you.

7 “Why can’t you do anything right?”

A narcissist, belittling your abilities, may ask, “Why can’t you do anything right?” to undermine your self-confidence.

It’s not about your competence. Their tactic is to keep you in self-doubt, feeling helpless and dependent on others.

It’s a way to maintain control and superiority. Remember, you’re not the problem.

They’re projecting their insecurities onto you. Stand your ground, and don’t let their words define your worth.

8 “I never said/did that.”

Narcissists who change their narrative to suit their needs may deny their actions or words by saying, “I never said/did that.”

It’s a manipulation tactic, causing you to doubt your memory. They’re evading responsibility. Don’t let them.

Trust your instincts and remember that you’re not crazy. Their denial doesn’t change the truth. It’s their defense, not your flaw.

9 “Everyone agrees with me.”

In an attempt to undermine your confidence, a narcissist may assert, “Everyone else agrees with me.” This tactic is designed to make you doubt your judgment and position.

They say, “Your point of view is invalid and unimportant.” It’s a form of manipulation, getting you to agree with their point of view instead of trusting yours.

10 “You have no idea what you’re talking about.”

When a narcissist tells you, “You have no idea what you’re talking about,” they’re trying to discredit you, your knowledge, and your experience. It’s a tactic to make themselves feel superior and undermine your confidence.

They’re trying to control the narrative, creating doubt in your mind about your perspective. Remember, it’s not about your competence, it’s about their need for dominance.

11 “Who else will put up with you?”

Another common phrase narcissists use to belittle you is, “Who else will put up with you?” They’re insinuating that you’re so flawed that no one else can put up with you.

It’s a manipulation tactic designed to make you feel dependent and worthless. They want you to believe that you’re lucky to have them.

Related : 20 Things Narcissists Say to Get You Back

You are valuable and worthy of respect.

12 “I’m always right.”

Narcissists emphasize their infallibility, often declaring “I’m always right,” to assert their dominance and dismiss your opinions. This isn’t about being right. It’s a tool to diminish you, making you question your own judgment.

They’re not always right. They need you to believe that they are right. It’s manipulation to keep you in constant self-doubt and dependent on their “superior” wisdom.

13 “You can’t live without me.”

“You can’t live without me,” have you ever heard a narcissist say these words? It’s their way of asserting control and boosting their ego.

They’re trying to make you believe that you’re dependent on them. In reality, it’s just a manipulation tactic designed to make you doubt your own strength and independence.

They’re not expressing love, they’re expressing their need for power.

14 “It’s your fault.”

“It’s your fault,” a common phrase used by narcissists, is designed to shift blame and responsibility onto you. They use this tactic to avoid acknowledging their actions, leaving you feeling guilty.

15 “You’re jealous/paranoid.”

Have you ever heard a narcissist dismiss your concerns with the phrase “you’re jealous or paranoid”? This is their way of undermining your valid feelings and perceptions.

By calling you jealous or paranoid, they’re avoiding blame and evading responsibility.

In reality, they’re reflecting your insecurities, while maintaining their own false sense of superiority.

Before You Go

Dealing with a relationship with a narcissist can be difficult, as their words often have hidden meanings.

By understanding what phrases like “you’re overreacting” or “it’s your fault” mean, you’ll be better prepared to respond.

Remember, it’s not about you, it’s about their need for power and control. Don’t let their manipulation control your perception of yourself. Be consistent, and always trust your instincts. You are more valuable than their words might suggest.