I know what you all need in your lives, besides winning the lottery and a fresh cup of coffee.
I make no secret of my interest in narcissists. As much as they interest me, they also infuriate me.
So, it’s always wise to have strong rebuttals ready to bring them down.
They make a big splash—it makes sense to shut them up every now and then.
Who’s with me?!
- “I don’t care what you think.”
If you’re going to say this to a narcissist, I want you to prepare your eyes for what you’ll see.
The eyes can act as a camera every now and then, and some memories we recall with fondness because we never want to forget certain moments.
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This is one of those moments.
You’ll say those words, and immediately, the narcissist’s eyes will widen.
They’ll stare at you in complete shock.
Did you just say those words to me?!
How dare you!
What the hell…
Who do you think you are!
What are you…
You’re going to pay the price?
This is just…
You…
I’m just…
Oh, that’s a picture, really. You can see the gears of their mind turning and steam coming out of their ears. But do you know what you did?
You put the narcissist in his place.
You stood up for yourself, and you showed up.
Even if it was too late, it’s never too late.
You’ve put up with this for too long. The back-and-forth, the provocation, the sarcasm, the criticism, and the obsession with conflict they seem to possess, especially when it comes to you.
And for as long as you’ve known them, you’ve cared more about their opinion than your own health.
It’s time for a change. By saying this, everything changes in an instant.
Why It Works
Narcissists love, and even make a point of making you seek their approval. This response tells them their opinion is irrelevant, and it’s a huge blow to their ego.
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So… you’d better hide.
- “It sounds like this is your problem.”
It’s time for narcissists to stop making you the reason why something goes wrong, why they’re late that day, or why they haven’t done everything they want in life.
Why should everything be your fault? Why do you have to take the blame and carry the guilt as if it were an unnecessary burden on your back?
You don’t.
Narcissists need to be more aware of this, and here’s where you can give them one of the most powerful responses ever to shut them up once and for all.
Why It Works
A response like this reverses their usual tactic of blaming you. Instead of taking their bait, you’re simply reminding them that their problems are their problems, not yours.
Absolutely true.
- “I’m not arguing. Have a nice day.”
You’re doing two things here. The first is letting them know you refuse to fall into their conflict.
You’ll realize this and maintain a healthy distance from what typically happens in the narcissistic camp.
Because of this, you’re no longer useful to them, but that’s okay for you. You’re taking a risk and asserting boundaries that will be new and uncomfortable for the narcissist.
Second, you need to end on a positive note. You don’t have to mean anything in your words.
But it’s always better to end your response on a positive note, so they can just shut up and move on with their day without you.
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It’s the perfect, polite way to say, “No. You know what? This happens all the time, and I’m tired of taking it.”
Why does it work?
Narcissists love to stir up drama and provoke a reaction. If you refuse to engage, you frustrate them and take away their power. Did you accomplish your mission?
- “I’m tired of explaining myself to you.”
Because you’ve learned over time that it won’t work, right?
Now you’ve reached the point where, well, what’s the point?
No matter how much you explain yourself to the narcissist, they’ll only listen a little.
They’ll chew on the rest and spit it out with their self-centered narrative that they should always be the victim, and always be right.
If you’re tired of all this, and have used every word available to overcome every annoyance or abusive silence, this is a great way to respond.
It sends a powerful message that you’re not going to be taken advantage of anymore, that you’ve reached your limit.
Why It Works
Narcissists love to keep you on the defensive. This method will completely end their manipulation by making it clear that you owe them nothing.
You didn’t owe them anything the whole time.
- (Silence – Not Responding at All)
Silence is the kind of response you seek, ensuring that you don’t allow yourself to be taken advantage of.
Many mistake it for weakness, but it isn’t. Silence requires more strength and confidence than raising your voice and getting into an argument.
Silence demonstrates that you’re not bothered, and that nothing the narcissist says or does can prompt you to respond. Remember—that’s exactly what they’re after.
If you reject them, you’re refusing to feed the situation.
If you give them nothing, they’ll starve to death. Ultimately, this puts you in control where you truly belong.
Why It Works?
As you know, often the most powerful response is not responding at all. Ignoring a narcissist is a way to deprive them of the attention they crave,
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making them feel weak and powerless—two of the worst feelings you can have under their control.
Silence doesn’t necessarily mean you’re letting them win. It means you’re detaching and keeping your emotions in check.
My Final Tip
Comments are always great if you want to stop a narcissist in his tracks. He’ll insist on hurting you until there’s nothing left of you, then blame you for his disappearance. At least that way, you’ll stand firm in the face of a new, long-awaited power.
So, say these words calmly and confidently. The goal isn’t to fight, but to detach and show them that you’re not controlled.
You’re done.
