Why Do Conversations with Narcissists Pose Such a Challenge?
When engaging in conversation with a narcissist, one quickly realises the difficulty in questioning their actions or holding them accountable for their behaviour. This arises from their deeply rooted belief in their own entitlement and superiority over others. Narcissists deem themselves not subject to questions about their actions, whereabouts, or companions. Consequently, they deflect any kind of questioning onto their conversational partner, projecting their own faults and flaws onto them.
Within the narcissist’s perspective, unless there is a specific purpose for divulging information about their activities and acquaintances – often to provoke a reaction – these matters are irrelevant, and any questions are seen as criticisms. In their eyes, questioning their actions challenges their perceived entitlement and control, which instigates anger and a need to regain authority while leaving the other party confused and doubting themselves.
Even harmless queries posed simply to initiate conversation, such as asking about their whereabouts or their level of enjoyment during an event, can trigger a negative response if the narcissist perceives criticism. They view any inquiry as a violation of their entitlement, an affront to their superiority. Consequently, their rage escalates, and they must retaliate to regain control and satisfy their need for emotional reactions in response to the alleged criticism.
Should one ask a question in an irritated or angry manner, the narcissist derives satisfaction from the fact that they have provoked an emotional response. Their enjoyment lies in gaining emotional reactions and exploiting any opportunity to trigger such reactions. By questioning a narcissist’s failure to complete simple tasks like washing dishes or mowing the lawn, they may not necessarily respond with anger. They simply relish the emotional responses resulting from perceived criticism. Their instinctual response is to seize the chance to provoke, as it challenges their authority and provides an opportunity to accrue emotions and reactions.
Narcissists never admit fault or concede they are wrong. They firmly believe the responsibility lies with the other person – in this case, the one posing the question. Resolving a disagreement with a narcissist is impossible, as they deny any need for accountability or explanation. The priority becomes regaining power and control rather than moving towards a resolution.
Consequently, narcissists will deflect and evade any questions that challenge their behaviour. They reject the idea of explaining their actions or admitting fault, as this counters their perception of entitlement. Their focus shifts to regaining control and power in the relationship.
They employ various tactics to divert attention away from the questions asked. These deflection techniques manifest in multiple ways:
- Guilt Tripping: The narcissist may respond with a self-righteous sense of entitlement, asserting, “How dare you question me? After all I do for you.” Such questioning leads to self-doubt and fear of asking similar questions in future.
- Distorted Perspective: They might respond with queries like, “Why can’t we just lead a simple, normal, quiet life without you bothering me?” This kind of response not only leaves the person hurting and confused but also instils a fear of speaking up or questioning the narcissist.
- Tangential Shift: The narcissist may abruptly change the topic of conversation to something unrelated, diverting attention away from the initial question or concern. For instance, they might suggest purchasing a new car or bringing up workplace gossip as means to deflect the conversation. When an attempt is made to redirect the conversation, the narcissist continues to evade.
- Triangulation: Instead of addressing the question directly, the narcissist shifts the focus onto other people. By discussing the behaviour of others, they attempt to invalidate the initial question. For example, they may say, “My ex never questioned me on these matters. Why do you?” This leaves the individual with further questions and doubts, especially since the narcissist usually portrays their ex as unstable.
- Interrupting and Projection: The narcissist repeatedly interrupts the other person, accusing them of not allowing them to speak. They twist the situation, making it seem as though the person is not letting them express their perspective. Instead of engaging in the conversation initially started, the narcissist accuses the other person of raising their voice, being aggressive, or being disrespectful, projecting their own faults onto them. As a result, the person must defend themselves against these accusations, further diverting from the original topic.
- Termination: The narcissist might abruptly end the conversation, asserting that they have had enough and demanding the final say. In extreme cases, they may resort to physical aggression, such as spitting or pushing, before walking away.
- Silent Treatment: Following the end of the conversation, the narcissist may impose a prolonged period of silence, known as “The Narcissist’s Silent Treatment.” They control the duration, leaving the other person in a state of confusion and emotional distress.
- Intimidation: The narcissist may resort to raising their voice, ensuring that the other person’s voice is drowned out. By silencing their conversational partner, they believe they can avoid any challenge to their authority. Consequentially, the person’s frustration and anger become apparent, providing further satisfaction to the narcissist.
- Reversal and Accusation: They might retaliate by questioning the other person’s actions or behaviour, even if it involves fabrication. This manipulation forces the individual to defend themselves against these unfounded accusations.
Despite the challenges posed by conversations with narcissists, many individuals persist in those conversations due to their compassion, the desire to be understood and understand the narcissist’s perspective, and the hope for resolution. However, narcissists do not provide closure, as they are solely focused on their own point of view. In employing these deflection tactics and gaslighting techniques they prevent any clear understanding or resolution, creating further confusion.
To navigate conversations with narcissists, it is vital to endure their responses without reacting emotionally. Acknowledge that answers will not be forthcoming. Instead, focus on finding answers within oneself. Breaking free from the cycle of conversations with narcissists requires implementing strategies like “No Contact” or “Grey Rock” to establish emotional distance and reclaim personal happiness.
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Elizabeth Shaw is not a Doctor or a therapist. She is a mother of five, a blogger, a survivor of narcissistic abuse, and a life coach, She always recommends you get the support you feel comfortable and happy with. Finding the right support for you. Elizabeth has partnered with BetterHelp (Sponsored.) where you will be matched with a licensed councillor, who specialises in recovery from this kind of abuse.
