Do you think it’s ever possible to confuse a narcissist? After all ,they seem so sure of themselves.
Can they be the kind of person who doubts themselves… Ever?!
The short answer is yes. The longer answers demand reasons, and for which I have 16 phrases that are sure to confuse any narcissist.
Knowing them may, can and will help you at some point in your journey with the one you know.
I hope you succeed!
It Doesn’t Take Much
Confusing narcissists might not be something you feel entirely capable of, but let me assure you, it’s entirely possible with the right attitude and a strong moral compass.
All too often, they get away with so much. It’s down to you to take action and keep them at an arm’s length.
Are you up for the challenge?
Then let’s check those phrases out!
#1 “That’s an Interesting Perspective”
Isn’t it just? Let’s talk about that perspective for a moment, and challenge whatever it is the narcissist is trying to say or manipulate you with.
To me, this phrase is very neutral. It offers nothing when you think about it, and it can’t really give the narcissist much to follow up with.
I enjoy hearing people say they’ve used this particular phrase as you’re essentially not letting the narcissist’s words get to you personally, while acknowledging that they’ve spoken.
#2 “I’ll Have to Think About That”
Narcissists are so demanding! If you have three seconds to answer, they want you to do it in one.
If they click their fingers, they expect you to come running without so much as a single challenge.
And for what?
Another argument? A little conflict? Some drama added to the mix?
I don’t think so.
So yes, confuse them by resisting what they ask of you and let them know you will think about it.
Nine times out of ten, they will say something like, “Don’t worry about it, I’ll go or do it myself.”
Don’t fall into that. They’re doing it to rush you.
#3 “I Prefer to Handle Things My Own Way”
Yes, you absolutely do! The moment you allow them to handle everything you have on your plate, everything starts to go wrong.
They will take your load and dump half of it without respecting the other half, so don’t give your business to them in the first place.
What this shows the narcissist is that you’re capable, willing, and independent enough to cope on your own.
Also – think about all the times they’ve let you down – and refuse to give them that power again.
#4 “I Don’t Need Your Approval”
You’re right about that!
Nobody should be living their lives trying to gain approval from others. What kind of life even is that?
You should be living to please yourself and be there for the people you love.
The moment your actions start to be for the sake of somebody else is the moment you lose a lot of yourself in a people-pleasing motion.
And guess what? If you’re looking for the narcissist’s approval, you’re going to be waiting and looking for a very long time.
That approval will never come.
#5 “I Don’t Have to Prove Anything to You”
You shouldn’t need to prove anything to the narcissist, especially when they come digging for a fight.
Usually, it just means they’re attempting to pull you into a disagreement so they can pretend they’re right.
They want to be important enough for you to want to prove yourself. They want you to seek validation in them. To worry about what they think.
Well, what does that achieve?
It only gives them power, and if you don’t say it, they don’t get it.
#6 “You Are Entitled To Your Own Opinion”
A gentle reminder like this never hurt anybody, least of all the narcissist.
Except, it does hurt them. It hurts and confuses them to hear that you are offering them this freedom to believe what they like. They don’t do the same for you, that’s for sure.
All those times the narcissist holds you back and keeps your reality locked down due to their gaslighting – and you hand them this golden nugget.
What a way to blow their minds.
#7 “I See What’s Happening Here”
It’s all so clear, right?
And you can be this honest.
You see through the bull.
You’re cutting through the crap like you’re the hot knife and they’re the butter.
#8 “I Don’t Take Things Personally”
This is a great way to remind them that you aren’t one to be messed with, as it’ll never bother you anyway.
It’s like saying, you don’t have that kind of power over me.
They wish, right?
#9 “I Don’t Recall it That Way”
Yes!
A clapback to their gaslighting.
They will try and tell you what they want you to believe happened, but you don’t recall it like that.
Nor do you wish to skew your views to fit their narrative.
#10 “We Can Agree to Disagree”
And that’s okay!
Too many people try to always want others to be and think as they are and do.
The world doesn’t work that way.
The narcissist will try to get you to think just like they do because it’s the only obvious choice to them.
But it’s not.
So confuse them!
#11 “You Can Freely Believe What You Want”
It’s a free world!
Just don’t drag us into your messy mind, because we can think for ourselves, thank you very much.
#12 “If You Say So”
Whatever.
Sure.
Think whatever it is you think and yeah, just leave it there.
It’s that easy sometimes. I wouldn’t personally have it any other way sometimes, than just giving them what they want and refusing to battle over it.
Watch their brain cogs turn!
#13 “Okay”
What better way than to go total grey rock on somebody?
Okay offers zero as far as they’re concerned. They’re waiting for you to beg, cry, plead.
Don’t do any of it.
Just be the most emotionless version of yourself to ever exist.
#14 “I Don’t Have Anything More to Say”
Shut it down, and don’t let them prize any more words out of you just because they’re trying to goad you into round two.
I love it when people assert themselves where they usually may not.
It’s real proof of growth and boundary setting.
#15 “No, Thank You”
Polite, but firm. No is a sentence, and it’s always a good reminder to know that.
#16 …..Silence
You know, sometimes silence really does work best.
When the narcissist is used to you shouting, or portesting your innocence, and you meet them with nothing, that’s going to make them feel totally confused.
Who needs an argument, anyway? You’ve got better things to do than get busy with their toxicity.
