1. “I’ve never met anyone like you before.”
This seemingly flattering statement is often used to create a sense of specialness and exclusivity. Narcissists deploy this tactic to hook you into their world, making you feel uniquely valued and understood. However, this is often just a ploy to gain your trust and admiration, paving the way for later manipulation.
2. “You’re too sensitive.”
Source: Unsplash When you express valid concerns or emotions, a narcissist might dismiss your feelings as being “too sensitive.” This tactic is used to invalidate your emotions and make you doubt your own perceptions. They deflect responsibility for their hurtful actions, shifting the blame onto you and making you question your own sanity.
3. “You misunderstood me.”
Source: Unsplash This phrase is a classic deflection tactic employed by narcissists to avoid taking responsibility for their words or actions. Instead of acknowledging any wrongdoing, they shift the blame onto you, suggesting that you are the one who misinterpreted their intentions. This can leave you feeling confused and unsure of yourself, making it easier for them to control the narrative.
4. “Everyone else thinks I’m great.”
Source: Unsplash Narcissists often rely on external validation to bolster their fragile egos. By boasting about their popularity and other people’s admiration, they aim to make you feel like you’re missing out on something special if you don’t align with their perspective. This tactic can be particularly effective in isolating you from your support network, making you more reliant on their approval.
5. “I’m the only one who truly understands you.”
Source: Unsplash Narcissists often position themselves as the only ones who can truly appreciate your unique qualities and understand your deepest desires. They might even isolate you from friends and family, claiming that they are the only ones who truly have your best interests at heart. This is a manipulative tactic designed to make you dependent on them for emotional support and validation.
6. “You’re so lucky to have me.”
This statement is designed to make you feel indebted to the narcissist, as if their presence in your life is a privilege that you should be grateful for. It can be a subtle form of emotional manipulation, making you feel like you owe them something in return for their supposed generosity and affection.
7. “I’ll never forgive you for this.”
Narcissists often use the threat of withholding forgiveness as a way to control and manipulate you. They might hold past mistakes over your head, using them as leverage to get what they want. This can create a toxic dynamic where you constantly feel like you’re walking on eggshells, trying to avoid their disapproval.
8. “You’re overreacting.”
This phrase is a common tactic used by narcissists to invalidate your emotions and make you doubt your own perceptions. When you express your feelings, they might accuse you of being overly dramatic or making a big deal out of nothing. This is a way for them to deflect responsibility for their hurtful actions and maintain control over the situation.
9. “You’re just imagining things.”
Gaslighting is a manipulative tactic that involves making someone question their own sanity and perception of reality. Narcissists often use this tactic to undermine your confidence and make you doubt your own memories and experiences. This can be particularly damaging in relationships, as it destroys trust and creates a power imbalance.
10. “I was just joking.”
Narcissists often use humour as a weapon to mask their hurtful comments or actions. They might say something cruel or offensive, and then dismiss it as a joke when you call them out on it. This is a way for them to avoid taking responsibility for their words and to make you feel like you’re being overly sensitive.
11. “No one else has ever complained.”
Narcissists often rely on social proof to validate their behaviour and deflect criticism. When you raise concerns about their actions, they might try to dismiss your concerns by claiming that no one else has ever had a problem with them. This is a way for them to make you feel like you’re the one with the issue, rather than them.
12. “You’re making a big deal out of nothing.”
This phrase is another way that narcissists try to invalidate your feelings and concerns. When you express your needs or boundaries, they might accuse you of being dramatic or unreasonable. This is a tactic designed to make you back down and comply with their wishes.
13. “I’m only doing this for your own good.”
Narcissists often disguise their manipulative behaviour as acts of kindness or concern. They might try to control your decisions or actions under the guise of helping you. This can be a subtle form of emotional manipulation, making it difficult to recognise their true intentions.
14. “You’re so needy.”
Narcissists often project their own insecurities and flaws onto other people. If they feel insecure about their own self-worth, they might accuse you of being needy or clingy. This is a way for them to shift the focus away from their own shortcomings and onto yours.
15. “If you really loved me, you would…”
This is a classic manipulation tactic used by narcissists to guilt-trip and control their partners. They might try to make you feel obligated to do things you don’t want to do by implying that your love and commitment are conditional on your compliance.
