Mirror, mirror on the wall
Who’s the most toxic of them all?
A narcissist ruins your whole life
Brings you nothing but trouble and conflict
Oh my! Good information, thanks for the warning!
Mirrors are perfect for showing narcissists their bad behavior, so if you’re brave enough, let’s find out when they catch their reflection…
Better be patient – it’s definitely a tough journey!
What Is A Narcissist’s Reflection?
When you reflect someone, you’re acting like a shiny object hanging on your wall. Whatever they’re doing, you’re showing them.
Related : 6 Strange Reasons Why Narcissists Constantly Try to Contact Exes
Mirrors are useful! They help us drive, they’re useful for keeping an eye on ourselves, and they help us make sure we look presentable – they serve important purposes.
Mostly, we’re happy to check ourselves out in the mirror. We want to see, and seeing gives us a better idea of what’s staring back at us. Makes sense, right?
What do narcissists think of mirrors?
Well, if you show someone a mirror, they’re likely to take a quick look at themselves. It’ll be very superficial; I mean, they won’t want to look too much.
That’s surprising, isn’t it?
Why wouldn’t a narcissist—someone who loves themselves—want to stare at themselves in the mirror for long periods of time?
Because, in fact, they don’t like what they see.
Imitating a narcissist means becoming that mirror. You show them everything they do, mimicking their ways and reflecting them back in a way that reveals their behavior.
In fact, narcissists use their own reflection when they first meet someone, and this has probably happened to you.
They pretend to be your ideal partner by mimicking your interests, behaviors, and even the way you speak.
But when this mirror is deliberately turned upside down, it serves a different purpose:
To make them see their toxic behavior for real.
Let’s look at some examples.
They ignore you?
You also keep quiet.
Are they deceiving you?
You pretend not to understand.
They blame you?
You refuse to take responsibility.
They demand attention?
You ignore them.
When you imitate a narcissist, you disrupt their manipulation of you, and five things happen.
The 5 Stages Of A Narcissist Reaction To Their Mirror
- Confusion:
“Wait… What’s happening?”
This is a fun stage to watch. Narcissists are robbed of control. Instead of falling into the trap of imitation, you suddenly find yourself imitating them.
This is a confusing time for the narcissist; they don’t expect you to turn things around like this. Using their tactics directly against them is confusing.
Related : These Are The Narcissist’s Favorite Types of People to Manipulate
For example, if they usually hold you back, they expect you to beg for their attention. If you ignore them, they won’t know how to respond.
Likewise, if they try to trigger your guilt and you respond with indifference or even coldness, they lose their balance.
Watch them try to cling to life!
- Frustration:
“Why aren’t you reacting?”
Once they realize that the tricks they usually try aren’t working, frustration sets in.
Narcissists need emotional feedback from others to maintain control, or their world will fall apart.
When you imitate them and are unmoved, they try to push you further and further, hoping you’ll crumble.
This is when they may accuse you of being the problem. Does this sound familiar? Maybe because you know exactly what I’m talking about.
This is when narcissists begin to feel a loss of control, and this terrifies them.
The apparent annoyance is almost humorous.
- Anger:
“How dare you treat me like this?”
Bursts! What a nightmare for a narcissist, who is furious at how you treat them this way.
Don’t you know who they are?
Here, you’ll see them accuse you of being mean or manipulative. Furthermore, they’ve been known to lash out, insult you, or even threaten you.
Related : 5 Things Narcissists Fear Most After You Leave
If you find someone feeling extremely upset, they may be playing the victim to regain control. Watch for tears here; they’re inevitable.
This shows how insecure they are, doesn’t it?
- Desperation:
“I need to regain control.”
It’s natural for a narcissist to want to regain that control. If the situation continues as it is, they won’t really feel they have anything to worry about.
If their worst fear of losing control over you is realized, they’ll resort to doing anything to get you back.
Be prepared for them to shower you with love, or to be overly sweet and loving in an attempt to distract you from what you’re trying to manipulate.
I’m sorry, I promise I’ll change. Please believe me and trust me on this.
Just don’t close your eyes. It’s a way to regain control, nothing more.
Don’t give up, as most people do at this point.
- Backing away or giving up:
“I need a new source.”
The narcissist realizes they can no longer do what they used to do, so one of two things will happen:
They withdraw and try again later.
Withdrawing before retesting the situation is common for narcissists. Don’t be fooled.
They discard you and look for a new target.
Related : What Is Something A Narcissist Would Never Say? 6 Things A Narcissistic Partner May Never Say
When they know you’ve completed your first act of mirroring, they’ll easily abandon you.
Finding someone new to control is easier than trying to convince you that you’re imagining things.
Dumping you is a victory! It means you won!
Does Mirroring a Narcissist Work?
I want to say yes or no to this, because I’d be lying if I told you it’s either one or the other. Let’s look at both options in more detail.
When Mirroring Works
When you want to show the narcissist their behavior without being directly confrontational. When you need to protect yourself by refusing to engage in their confrontations.
When you’re planning to leave them and need to remain emotionally detached.
Mirrorization is not a long-term strategy. It may give you temporary strength, but it won’t change the narcissist. It will never push them to self-reflection.
When Is Mimicry Dangerous
If the narcissist is physically abusive or violent after you start mimicking, that’s a warning sign in itself, but it’s a signal to leave now.
If they’re extremely vindictive and prone to revenge, prepare for what’s to come.
Related !: Why Is Everybody So Mean To Me? 20 Lesser Known Reasons And How To Respond
If you’re emotionally vulnerable and know you may suffer the consequences, don’t put yourself in harm’s way to make them suffer even more.
How To Use Mimicry Safely
If you choose to mimic a narcissist, there are ways to do it right.
You must remain calm and collected. Don’t insist on narcissistic narcissism. Focus only on mirroring their behavior, not their emotional reaction.
Use their words against them. If they say:
You’re being too sensitive!
…respond with:
Maybe you’re being too sensitive about this conversation.
See how it can work? You’re highlighting the hidden traits of a narcissist!
I don’t want you to overuse mirroring. Narcissists quickly pick up on this, so try to use it selectively to disrupt their tactics and know when to back off.
Should You Mirror A Narcissist?
I’ll leave that to you!
You have everything you need to know to better assess your situation.
