Do you think it’s possible to confuse a narcissist? After all, they seem so confident.
Could they be the type who doubts themselves… ever?!
The short answer is yes. Longer answers require reasons, which is why I have 16 phrases sure to confuse any narcissist.
Knowing them can help you, and will help you, and will help you at some point in your journey with the person you know.
I hope you succeed!
It Does Never Require Much
You may not feel you’re fully capable of confounding narcissists, but let me assure you, it’s absolutely possible with the right attitude and a strong moral compass.
More often than not, they get away with it. It’s up to you to take action and keep them at arm’s length.
Are you up for the challenge?
Related : 25 Ways to Survive the Narcissist Woman: How to Stay Sane While Dealing with Drama
So, let’s take a look at these phrases!
1 “That’s an interesting perspective”
Right? Let’s talk about that perspective for a moment, and challenge whatever the narcissist is trying to say or manipulate you with.
To me, this phrase is very neutral. It doesn’t offer anything when you think about it, and it doesn’t offer the narcissist much to follow.
I enjoy hearing people say they’ve used this exact phrase; you’re essentially not letting the narcissist’s words affect you personally, while acknowledging that they’ve spoken.
2 “I’ll think about it”
Narcissists are very demanding! If you have three seconds to answer, they want you to answer in one.
If they click their fingers, they expect you to come running without any challenge.
And why?
Another argument? A little conflict? Some added drama?
I don’t think so.
So, yes, confuse them by refusing what they’re asking of you and telling them you’ll think about it.
Nine times out of ten, they’ll say something like, “Don’t worry, I’ll go or do it myself.”
Don’t fall into this trap. They do this to rush you.
Stand by your opinion.
3 “I prefer to handle things my own way.”
Yes, that’s absolutely true! The moment you let them run your entire business, things start to go wrong.
They’ll take on your burden and dump half of it without respecting the other half, so don’t hand them over from the start.
Related : 20 Ways a Female Narcissist Manipulates Without You Realizing
What this shows the narcissist is that you’re able, willing, and independent enough to handle things on your own.
Also, think about all the times they’ve let you down—and refuse to give them that authority again.
4 “I don’t need your approval.”
You’re right!
No one should live their life trying to please others. What kind of life is that?
You should live to please yourself and be present for those you love.
The moment you start acting out of a desire to please others is the moment you lose a lot of yourself in an attempt to please people.
And what do you expect? If you’re looking for a narcissist’s approval, you’ll be waiting a long time.
That approval will never come.
5 “I Don’t Have to Prove You Anything”
You don’t have to prove anything to a narcissist, especially when they come prepared to fight.
Usually, this simply means they’re trying to drag you into a fight so they can pretend they’re right.
They want to be important enough for you to want to validate yourself. They want you to seek their validation. To worry about what they think.
Well, what does that accomplish?
It just gives them power, and if you don’t say it, they won’t understand it.
6 “You’re entitled to your own opinion”
A gentle reminder like this has never hurt anyone, especially a narcissist.
However, it does hurt them. It hurts and confuses them to hear that you’re giving them this freedom to believe whatever they want. They don’t do the same for you, that’s for sure.
Related : 30 Signs You’re Actually Dealing with a Narcissist (And Why It’s Making You Go Insane)
All those times the narcissist holds you back and keeps your reality constrained by their manipulation—and you hand them this precious piece of information.
What a way to blow their minds.
7 “I see what’s going on here.”
It’s so obvious, isn’t it?
And you can be honest.
You see the truth.
You slice through the bullshit like you’re a hot knife and they’re butter.
8 “I don’t take it personally.”
This is a great way to remind them that you’re not someone to be manipulated; it wouldn’t bother you anyway.
It’s like saying: You don’t have that kind of power over me.
They wish they would, right?
9 “I don’t remember it that way.”
Yes!
In response to their manipulation.
They’ll try to tell you what they want you to believe, but that’s not how you remember it.
And you don’t want your opinions twisted to fit their narrative.
10 “We can agree to disagree”
And that’s okay!
Many people are always trying to want others to be, think, and act like them.
The world doesn’t work that way.
Related : 20 Aftereffects of Being with a Narcissist That Will Change You Forever
A narcissist will try to get you to think like them because it’s the only obvious choice for them.
But it’s not.
So, confuse them!
11 “You’re free to believe whatever you want.”
It’s a free world!
Just don’t drag us into your scattered mind. We’re capable of thinking for ourselves, thank you very much.
12 “If you say so.”
Whatever.
Sure.
Think of it, and yes, leave it alone.
Sometimes it’s that easy. Personally, I sometimes prefer no other way than to give them what they want and refuse to argue about it.
Watch their minds spin!
13 “Okay.”
What better way than to go completely gray?
Well, it doesn’t offer them anything. They’re waiting for you to beg, cry, and plead.
Don’t do any of that.
Related : 25 Ways Narcissists Make You Feel Low-Value (When You’re Actually High-Value)
Just be the most emotionless version of yourself you can be.
14 “I have nothing more to say”
Shut up, and don’t let them use you to draw more words just because they’re trying to provoke you.
I love it when people assert themselves in situations they might not normally assert themselves.
It’s a true sign of growth and setting boundaries.
15 “No, thank you”
Polite, but firm. “No” is a catch, and it’s always a good reminder to know that.
16 …Silence
You know, sometimes silence is the best solution.
When a narcissist gets used to you yelling or pretending to be innocent, and you don’t respond, it will make them feel very confused.
Who needs an argument anyway? You have more important things to do than deal with these narcissists’ toxicity.
