Narcissists are known for their manipulative and self-centred behaviour, often going to great lengths to avoid taking responsibility for their actions. One of the tactics they commonly employ is blame shifting, where they shift the responsibility for their wrongdoings onto others. This article will delve into what blame shifting is, highlight six mind games narcissists play to shift the blame, and provide strategies for handling such situations.
Blame shifting is the act of redirecting fault or blame away from oneself and onto others. Narcissists excel at this tactic, using various mind games to avoid accountability and maintain their superiority. Understanding these strategies is crucial for recognising and protecting yourself from their manipulations.
- Denial: One of the most common ways narcissists shift blame is by categorically denying any involvement or wrongdoing. They may refuse to acknowledge a situation altogether or present a distorted version of events. For example, if they are confronted about cheating on their partner, they may flat-out deny it, dismiss the evidence, or claim it was a mutual decision.
- Gaslighting: Gaslighting is a psychological manipulation technique where a narcissist deliberately distorts your perceptions and memories to make you question your own reality. They may subtly or directly deny events, actions, or conversations that actually took place, causing you to doubt your sanity. For instance, if you confront them about an insult they made, they could say, “I never said that. You’re just too sensitive.”
- Deflection: Narcissists excel at deflecting blame onto others by diverting attention away from their actions and focusing on someone else’s perceived faults. They may seize upon minor mistakes or unrelated events to shift blame. For example, if you address their chronic lateness, they might say, “Well, you never clean up after yourself.”
- Projection: A classic narcissistic tactic is projecting their own negative qualities or behaviours onto others. By accusing someone else of the very things they are guilty of, they hope to distract from their own shortcomings. Suppose a narcissistic colleague fails to complete a project on time. Instead of taking responsibility, they may accuse others of being lazy or incompetent.
- Playing the victim: Narcissists are master manipulators who can skillfully twist situations to portray themselves as the victims, regardless of their actual role in the conflict. They may employ sob stories or use guilt trips to elicit sympathy and deflect blame. For instance, if they are confronted about their hurtful actions, they may respond with, “How can you of all people think that about me?”
- Minimising: Narcissists often try to downplay their actions by minimising the impact or significance of their behaviour. They may belittle the severity of their actions or claim that others are blowing things out of proportion. When confronted about hurtful remarks, they might respond with, “It was just a joke. Can’t you take a joke?”
So, how can one handle narcissists who constantly engage in blame-shifting? Here are a few strategies:
- Set boundaries: Establish clear boundaries such as emotional, psychological and physical distance and be prepared to reinforce them.
- Keep a record: Maintain documentation of incidents and conversations to validate your experiences and counteract gaslighting. Having evidence can help you stay grounded and confident in your position.
- Seek support: Reach out to trusted friends, family members, or professionals who can provide a listening ear and help you gain perspective. They can provide support and help you maintain a sense of reality in the face of manipulation.
- Practice self-care: Narcissists can be draining and emotionally abusive, so it’s crucial to prioritise self-care. Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, and seek therapy if necessary to help process and heal from any emotional trauma.
- Disengage when necessary: Recognise that you cannot change a narcissist or force them to take responsibility for their actions. Learn when it is best to disengage, distance yourself from toxic interactions, and prioritise your well-being.
In conclusion, blame-shifting is a common tactic used by narcissists to protect their ego and avoid taking responsibility for their actions. By understanding the various mind games they employ, you can better protect yourself from their manipulations. Setting boundaries, seeking support, and practising self-care are essential strategies to handle these challenging situations. Remember, it’s not your fault, and you deserve to be treated with respect and empathy.
6 Things A Narcissist Will Blame You For, (Understanding Narcissism.)
Click on the links below to join Elizabeth Shaw – Life Coach, on social media for more information on Overcoming Narcissistic Abuse.
The online courses are available by Elizabeth Shaw.
For the full course.
For the free course.
Click here to sign up for the free online starter course.
To help with overcoming the trauma bond and anxiety course.
Click here for the online course to help you break the trauma bond, and those anxiety triggers.
All about the narcissist Online course.
Click here to learn more about the narcissist personality disorder.
The narcissists counter-parenting.
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.
