If I could offer you a thousand lines, I could, no problem.

I could write an entire thesis on the narcissist’s playbook, heavily including the classic, eye-rolling lines they use on unsuspecting victims.

With our ever busy lives, I won’t offer you a thousand.

Instead, I cherry-picked the best 16 lines I want you to remember.

When you hear them fall out of the narcissist’s predictable mouth, you can then turn your cheek, look the other way, and gain the upper hand with your new insight.

Tune in, and switch on… it’s going to get interesting. 

Playbook…Tell Me More

The book of strategies that keeps the narcissists crazy games on track is known as the playbook.

For narcissists, there’s no book. There is just a mind riddled with toxic, terrible ways to treat people, and how to get exactly what they want.

They do this by using certain phrases proven to shake and stir the emotional pot of their victims. 

Let’s take a look at some of the worst ones they use.

 “All My Exes Are Crazy”

NO THEY’RE NOT!

Narcissists want you to think they are so they can look like the ones who suffered.

Never believe anybody when they so flippantly downplay their ex—you aren’t to know the truth, and assuming you do by what they tell you really is no throne to sit upon. 

As much as they want to make you feel special here, you must be one step ahead.

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 “You’re So Insecure”

When a narcissist feels threatened by you, you can bet this phrase will come out of their playbook and hit you right in the face. 

If they can make something wrong about you, they won’t have to face up to their own responsibilities that they’re so desperate to avoid. 

“Quit Overreacting”

Don’t allow your emotions to be devalued by somebody keen to tell you this.

I can guarantee that you’re not overreacting. 

Saying you are only proves that they will do anything to get under your skin and make you feel invisible. 

“You’ve Got Some Serious Trust Issues!”

Narcissists don’t want to think about how what they do makes you feel a certain way.

If you feel insecure because they tell you they will not work late again, only to find them walking in three hours after they were due – you will want to know why.

Instead of being honest, they will throw it back at you.

You’re always painted as the problem!

“Come on, Toughen Up”

“Don’t be compassionate – it’s weak and pathetic!”

No actually, it isn’t. It’s the best way to live; by being consciously kind and thoughtful.

It’s not a toughening-up statement; it’s a recognition that your compassionate trait is seen as wrong.

“Lighten Up a Little”

Oh, you’re so miserable all the time – not!

Narcissists think they can do whatever they want, say whatever they want, or act however they want.

It doesn’t work that way, and it’s unfair to assume you, the victim, will accept that. 

You don’t need to lighten up.

The narcissist just needs  to be less mean!

“I was Kidding”

Nobody kids as cruelly as a narcissist.

Ask yourself right now what a joke is. It’s usually a funny attempt at a spoken word, or gesture that makes people laugh, right?

And yes, comedy might not be to everyone’s taste – but there’s never any malice in the joker – just an attempt at light-heartedness. 

If a narcissist is telling you they’re kidding, it’s because they said something hurtful to you, and you rightly feel hurt. 

To justify it, or get out of being the one to blame for your pain, they tell you they’re kidding.

Yeah, right. 

“You’ll Never Meet Anybody As Good As Me”

Well, that’s a lie. You’ll always meet somebody better than a narcissist. You might meet somebody who doesn’t always get it right, but at least they try. 

Narcissists don’t get it right on purpose, and they never try to make you happy. 

They don’t want to see you happy. 

“You Spend Too Much Time With Your Friends”

No, you don’t!

The reason a narcissist will say this is due to the fact that they feel intimidated by how much time you spend with the people you love.

They’re afraid your friends may eventually hold some influence on you, and that simply will not do.

“That Never Happened”

Yes, it did. The reason they want you to believe it didn’t, comes from how desperate they are to keep the game being played exactly how they want it to be played.

Don’t buy it – don’t fall for it. This is gaslighting.

“I Didn’t Say That”

Another attempt to gaslight you comes from this classic line.

You know they did say that. The problem begins when they try to erase it from your mind to prevent them from being blamed.

“I Didn’t Ask For Your Opinion”

…So apparently, you aren’t allowed to give it?!

What a load of bullshit!

Everybody is entitled to an opinion, and heaven knows you hear the narcissists literally every minute of every day. 

The moment you try to offer your thoughts, and they shut you down.

They want you silent. 

“What Do You Know?”

You know a lot, actually, but you’re being made to feel as though you don’t.

The narcissist wants you dumbed down so you don’t ask questions or spot their manipulation.

“I Don’t Have Time For This”

This line usually crops up when you’ve got the narcissist backed into a corner for some reason. You’re asking why, or where, or how, and they no longer know what to offer you in return. 

So their default?

Get out fast!

Lines like this will do the trick – until you realize what’s happening!

“So-and-So is So Annoying”

Watch these kinds of lines. It always means the narcissist is trying to goad you into having an opinion they can use against you. 

What they want to hear is, “Oh, me too. I can’t stand them. They’re so annoying.”

They even might want to hear, “Oh, really? Tell me more.”

Eventually, your opinion will either be exactly the same, or it will be shared out in public and have you seen as the bad guy with the terrible view of somebody rather innocent. 

“I’ll Do It Later”

No you won’t! Stop making promises you can’t keep!

Expecting a narcissist to fulfill a promise is only going to lead to heartache, yet victims still insist on doing it. 

There is always a later with narcissists, but that ‘later’ never sees what you want or need from them ever happening.

How To Outsmart The Narcissist?

Outsmarting a narcissist might seem like something you would never be able to do.

Think of all those times that toxic person has made you feel small, or even nothing. The idea of outsmarting them won’t come naturally to you, right?

Wrong!

You can absolutely outsmart a narcissist. They won’t see it coming, they won’t see you coming – and it will be a shock to their narcissistic system!

Finding ways to outsmart a narcissist can be fun, and it will put you right back in control of your life.

So, let’s see a show of hands to see who’s with me?

Narcissists: The Truth Behind the Mask

Narcissists! 

You’ve likely encountered them at some point in your life, right? That’s why you’re here!

Narcissists walk into a room and act like they own it, even if they’ve just walked into your kitchen. It’s incredibly frustrating.  

Masters at creating a toxic air of confidence and superiority, narcissists hide behind their mask. Behind it all? Insecurity and neediness!

You know it well, I’m certain!

Narcissists can be charming and persuasive when they want to be. 

They’re also incredibly convincing at it. 

But don’t be fooled. 

Their charm is a well-rehearsed act designed to get what they want, whether from you or from others.

They thrive on control and manipulation, and will do what it takes to continue this weird game of human chess they are experts at. 

Understanding the core of a narcissist is crucial for all of us – especially you. 

Beneath all charm and smiles, they are often fragile. They fear their true selves being exposed – and they do all they can so that doesn’t happen. 

This fragility makes them dangerous, but it also makes it possible to outsmart them. 

Once you know what exactly is lurking behind the mask, you’ll be much better equipped to deal with their toxic tactics.

They Think They’re So Clever!

Narcissists believe they are the smartest person in the world, and nobody else compares even marginally. 

They convince themselves of this, and do their best to convince others too.

They use their quote-on-quote “intelligence” to dominate conversations and situations, which only makes others feel inferior. Is this a familiar story to you? 

It is to so many people, sadly.

The narcissist has a deep sense of superiority, which acts as a double-edged sword. 

Yes, it fuels their confidence and bravado. But also, it makes them vulnerable to being outsmarted. If you think about it, anybody can outsmart them, and it certainly doesn’t take much at all. 

Their arrogance blinds them to their own weaknesses, which can backfire on them!

What does this mean? Well, it means the narcissist can sometimes really underestimate others. 

Good news for you though – as this overconfidence is where you can find your edge.

Dealing with a narcissist requires more than just holding your ground; it’s about understanding their playbook and using their own tactics against them. They think they’re so clever, but with a little knowledge and strategy, you can turn the tables.

You? Really? …

Yes! Really!

You’re here because you’ve had enough of the narcissist’s mind games, right?

Outsmarting them is now a healthy option for you, and you should definitely do all you can to do it.

If the narcissist is your friend, boss, family member or lover – the time has come to regain control and peace of mind. 

You’re so not alone.

Many people struggle with how to handle narcissists effectively. 

The key? 

Outsmart them!

Let’s get to the good bit…

How to Outsmart a Narcissist

#1 Be Firm – Set Your Boundaries!

Narcissists are known to thrive on pushing limits, no matter who they belong to. Oh yes, expect boundaries to be constantly tested. They will look for your weakness and then exploit them, until now, that is!

The first step in outsmarting a narcissist is to get your boundaries as firm and clear as possible. This means being completely transparent about behavior you will accept, and what behavior you won’t.

Don’t stop short at setting boundaries, you have to enforce them too. When that narcissist attempts to walk all over them, you have to calmly and consistently push back. 

Make your language clear – and assertive. No, they won’t like it, but hey, this isn’t about them anymore, is it? The less emotion you apply, the better. After all, narcissists feed off any kind of reaction.

Composure is key, just like consistency. 

#2 “Gray Rock”

The gray rock method is such an empowering tool when dealing with any narcissist. 

The idea of gray rock is to make yourself as uninteresting and unresponsive as possible.

You might think that sounds easy but it does take a little practice to get it just right.

Remember, narcissists crave drama and seeing you act ‘overly-emotional.’ By being boring and unengaging, you deny them that very satisfaction they seek.

Bingo!

When they try to provoke you, be bland. Be the human equivalent of vanilla.

Avoid showing anger, frustration, excitement – any of it. Over time, they are strongly likely to lose interest in trying to manipulate you because you’re not giving them the fuel they need.

You’ve become so boring!

No…. I am just doing my best to outsmart your attitude…

#3 Deflection – Master It!

Narcissists love to put you on the spot – it’s their attempt to make you feel uncomfortable. 

One way to tackle this is to master what I like to call the art of deflection.

Whenever they try to criticize or undermine you, that’s when you redirect the conversation. Ask them a question that shifts the focus back onto them or onto a neutral topic.

I’ll give you an example.

They criticize your decorating work at home (how predictable, right?) 

Now you respond with, “Interesting point. What do you think about the weather lately?” 

It sounds crazy, but it really throws them off and totally stops them in their tracks. 

#4 Information is Preparation!

Ah yes, narcissists will often use misinformation and lies to manipulate everybody else. 

You can outsmart them here by being well-informed and prepared. Do your research, re-check facts, and even have evidence to back it all up. 

Many people I know have been known to write down information or revert to old texts for screenshots to prove their points. 

This will all reduce the narcissist’s ability to use deception against you.

This is all about concrete information – and who can argue with the facts?

#5 Gather Your Support System

It’s not uncommon for narcissists to isolate their victims to assert themselves and gain more control.

You can maintain a strong network of people you love and trust. Seek support from anybody you know who may understand the situation you’re in, and who can provide advice.

Encouragement is also heavily advised here!

Having that crucial support system will help you stay grounded in your reality. When a narcissist is trying their best to get to you, you have people you can rely on to turn to. 

Let’s start unlock that potential!