What happens when you play a narcissist at their own game?

If you play a game of trying to guess the narcissist's next move, or outsmart them in what your next move will be, you will likely lose. Every move the narcissist makes is calculated and is often not predictable because the narcissist doesn't operate in relationships where two people have equal footing.

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How do you beat a narc at their own game?

How to Beat a Narcissist at Their Own Game
  1. Recognize and Acknowledge the Abuse. A relationship with a narcissist often has a façade of normality. ...
  2. Don't Stoop to Their Level. Narcissists thrive on drama. ...
  3. Don't React to Their Abusive Tactics. Your reaction is exactly what they want. ...
  4. Remain Mindful of Your Needs and Emotions.

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What happens when you play mind games with a narcissist?

A manipulative narcissist will play mind games to manipulate you to the point where you'll start to question your judgment, memory, and reality. For example, you told them to do something they probably forgot to do. Instead of admitting that, they'll now say you've never told them to do it, and you're imagining things.

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How does a narcissist react when they can't control you?

Narcissists also gaslight or practice master manipulation, weakening and destabilizing their victims; finally, they utilize positive and negative emotions or moments to trick others. When a narcissist can't control you, they'll likely feel threatened, react with anger, and they might even start threatening you.

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How to psychologically mess with a narcissist?

Bore them with the “gray rock” treatment.

Narcissists only keep people around to use them or to entertain themselves. If you don't have anything to offer them, they'll get puzzled and leave you alone. Don't show any physical expression, respond in as few words as possible, and be as boring and unhelpful as you can be.

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How To Beat The Narcissist At His Own Game

21 related questions found

What upsets a narcissist?

8 Triggers of a Narcissist's Rage

They don't get their way, even if what they want is unreasonable. They feel that they've been criticized, even if the critique is constructive or said kindly. They're not the center of attention. They're caught breaking rules or not respecting boundaries.

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How do you trigger a narcissistic rage?

What Triggers a Narcissist?
  1. Getting caught doing something dishonest or mean.
  2. Being held accountable for their actions.
  3. Not being the center of attention.
  4. Any form of criticism — no matter how constructive or accurate.
  5. Being exposed as a manipulator or liar.
  6. A sense of not being in control.

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Does ignoring a narcissist bother them?

Simply put, narcissists hate being ignored. They probably want to make you feel ashamed, regretful, and rattled. They want to be in control and will go to any length to keep feeling empowered. It's critical to understand that a narcissist will not leave you alone the first time you ignore them.

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What is a narcissistic collapse?

Narcissistic collapse happens when a person with narcissistic personality disorder experiences a failure, humiliation, or other blow to their secretly fragile self-esteem. Depending on the type of narcissist, collapse may look different and happen more frequently.

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What happens when a narcissist knows you figured them out?

When a narcissist is exposed or when the narcissist knows you have figured him out, they will never admit the truth even if it is staring them in the face. A narcissist will lay several false accusations and try to make him right. They will say things you didn't utter and misinterpret all your intentions.

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Is playing narcissism a victim?

Why Do Narcissistic Personalities Play the Victim? Narcissists may play the victim if they believe they gain something from making you feel guilty. Their tendency to use manipulation tactics is one of the formal symptoms of narcissistic personality.

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What is the best way to outsmart a narcissist?

How to Outsmart a Narcissist
  1. Separate yourself to cut off their narcissistic supply.
  2. Take time to heal.
  3. Take responsibility for your part in a conflict.
  4. React with empathy and respect.
  5. Act unresponsive around them.
  6. Disengage from their conversations.
  7. Set and enforce clear boundaries.

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How do you make a narcissist fear you?

17 Ways to Make a Narcissist Really Afraid of You
  1. Don't give them your attention. These attention-seekers will do anything to be noticed. ...
  2. Starve them of empathy. ...
  3. Show strength and confidence. ...
  4. Ignore them. ...
  5. Set and enforce boundaries. ...
  6. Challenge them. ...
  7. Implement consequences. ...
  8. Expose their narcissism.

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How do you know you've beaten a narcissist?

30 Signs that a narcissist is finished with you
  • The narcissist no longer hides their true colors. ...
  • You feel the change. ...
  • The narcissist will no longer give you love bombs. ...
  • They are constantly irritated with you. ...
  • The narcissist ignores everything you say. ...
  • They criticize you. ...
  • They are always distant. ...
  • A narcissist will gaslight you.

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How do you get a narcissist to respect you?

How to Make a Narcissist Respect You
  1. 1 Recognize that narcissists aren't capable of respect.
  2. 2 Show them that you're high value.
  3. 3 Be confident and self-assured.
  4. 4 Respect yourself.
  5. 5 Treat them with respect.
  6. 6 Keep emotional distance.
  7. 7 Maintain your independence.
  8. 8 Set boundaries with the narcissist.

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How do you know when you have beaten a narcissist?

5 Signs You have Beat the Narcissist
  1. Give them no attention. Commonly, narcissists want everyone to only care about themselves, not other people. ...
  2. Accept the fact about them. ...
  3. Don't listen to their judgment. ...
  4. Don't forget their intentions. ...
  5. Don't stay too close to them. ...
  6. Conclusion. ...
  7. References.

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What does a narcissist meltdown look like?

For the person on the receiving end, someone experiencing a narcissistic collapse may look out of control, extremely angry, and vindictive. In some cases, it may look like someone withdrawing altogether and giving them the silent treatment.

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What is narcissist hibernation?

Exhaustion plays a major role in the mini-cycles. His energy depleted, his creativity at its end, his resources stretched to the maximum, the narcissist reposes, "plays dead", withdraws from life. This is the phase of "narcissistic hibernation".

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Can a narcissist have a psychotic break?

Yes. You can have both psychosis and narcissistic personality disorder. If this happens, a mental health professional may diagnose a comorbid disorder that fits the experienced psychotic symptoms. “In the present DSM-5 system, NPD doesn't have any specifiers, so if delusions appear, other diagnoses […]

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What is it called when you go silent on a narcissist?

By Darius Cikanavicius on March 12, 2020. If you have ever interacted with a person who exhibits strong narcissistic or other dark personality traits, you have likely experienced what is known as the silent treatment.

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Will a narcissist leave you alone if you ignore them?

If You Ignore A Narcissist, Will They Leave You Alone? Probably not at first. Initially, you ignoring them feels like a challenge. But, it's a game, and they will feel determined to conquer and win.

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How does a narcissist apologize?

In narcissists' efforts to avoid blame, they often combine several fake apologies at once, such as, “I am sorry if I said anything to offend you, but I have strong opinions. Maybe you're too sensitive,” or, “I guess I should tell you I am sorry. But you know I would never deliberately hurt you.

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What happens when you challenge a narcissist?

A narcissist may react aggressively to criticism in an effort to avoid re-experiencing the loneliness they suffered in the past. In response to criticism, a narcissist may also take great pains to devalue or invalidate the person criticizing them.

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What does a narcissistic rage look like?

Examples of narcissistic rage range from intense outbursts and sudden fits of anger, to passive-aggressive acts such as simmering resentment, icy silence, deliberate neglect, or cutting sarcasm.

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How do you turn the tables on a narcissist?

Let's say you know you have a tough conversation coming with your narcissist. Before the conversation even starts, simply say, “Now I know you are going to react hard to this, but I need to tell you…..” Then tell them. Their own burning desire to prove you wrong will keep their reaction in check.

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