Narcissists are usually in love with themselves and believe that they are the best people in the world. They are also very sensitive to criticism and will react defensively. There are a few ways to outsmart a narcissist.
We will take a look at the most common ways to outsmart a narcissist in this article and if at all it is possible.
5 Ways To Outsmart A Narcissist.
When it comes to tackling or outsmarting a narcissist, there are a few tricks we can use to reflect their behavior back to them and almost confuse them on the spot.
1. Agree With Them.
We think the best way to outsmart a narcissist is to agree with them, no matter what they say. For example: If they say you don’t look good, you say, yes, I don’t look good. The narcissist may say you’re being condescending, you’re talking down to me etc. But if you say you agree with them, they have nowhere else to go with it.
Remember to always keep a level head with a narcissist. Don’t let them get you into an emotional state because that’s what they want, that’s what they feed off.
A narcissist’s game is to manipulate you, not to beat you. If you agree with them, you take their power away. Remember, the only way a narcissist wins is by putting you down to make themselves look good. If you agree with them, it will remove that power.
2. Show Empathy.
Ok, you’re probably thinking this is the last thing you want to do. But empathizing with a narcissist can really throw a wrench into their plans.
This is because they won’t expect it. They are expecting you to react the same as you always have. Remember this, this article is about outsmarting a narcissist, so doing something different is key.
If you knock them off balance and keep doing sideways moves, they won’t know which way to go next. One day you’re kind and nice to them, the next day you’re angry or you’re around them. Remember, you’re messing around with a narcissist.
But whatever you do, don’t get drawn into a fight with them. If you do, you’ve lost. This is why they want to see you emotionally.
3. Take Advantage Of Them.
This is all about getting leverage over them. You want to figure out what they’re lying about and catch them in their lies or things they don’t want others to know about them. When you get any information on them, don’t show them you have it, keep the evidence.
Wait for the time when you have maximum control over them before you drop your leverage over them. When you know all their moves, they’ll show the real side of their personality.
4. Keep Them Guessing.
Just like showing empathy, you are going to drop more emotional tactics around them like laying mines in a field. You should never show a narcissist what you truly want because they will see this as your Achilles heel, instead start saying things you don’t want but act it out so the narcissist goes after that idea first.
Make it seem like the thing you really want is the most important thing in the world to you and that anything else is not important at all.
Then when they think they have won, switch it up again and set a new goal. Pretend that the old goal isn’t important anymore. Then switch back to the old goal, they will get confused and think you’re playing games with them when all the time, you haven’t revealed your hand at all.
If your opponent is one step ahead, don’t let him know that. Keep him guessing and they will be unprepared for what’s coming next. By being unpredictable, you will have the upper hand.
5. Find Yourself.
Find your true self, find your core being and come from a place of power. A narcissist cannot find themselves, so they will use you vicariously. By becoming stronger and saying no, the narcissist will have no power over you at all.
Remember a narcissist lacks empathy, they feel entitled and they have a deep need for attention. The worst thing about narcissists is that they might not even know they’re narcissists.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are narcissist weaknesses?
Narcissists have a wide range of weaknesses that can cause them to struggle in relationships and other areas of life. One of their primary weaknesses is an inability to see beyond their own needs and desires, often leading to selfish behavior and a lack of empathy for others.
They also struggle with feelings of insecurity, which can lead to defensiveness and a need for constant admiration or approval. Narcissists may also be prone to extreme mood swings and may become aggressive or hostile when challenged or criticized.
They often have difficulty forming meaningful connections with other people due to their lack of trust, difficulty seeing things from another person’s perspective, and unwillingness to compromise. These weaknesses can make it difficult for narcissists to sustain healthy relationships over time, so it’s important that they learn how to recognize and address these issues in order to have more fulfilling interactions with others.
What should you not say to a narcissist?
When interacting with a narcissist, it is important to be mindful of what you say. Avoid making any comments that could be perceived as criticism, even if the comment is intended to be constructive.
Refrain from making personal attacks or jokes that may appear to belittle them. Do not talk down to them or make negative remarks about their accomplishments or lifestyle.
Even if they are not directly related to the narcissist, do not bring up any topics that may make them feel insecure or inadequate. Avoid giving compliments unless they are truly warranted and sincere; otherwise, it can backfire and further fuel the narcissist’s ego.
Above all remember you are playing a game and the game is to think two steps ahead at all times, don’t let your guard down.
Will a narcissist discard you if they can’t control you?
Yes, a narcissist will likely discard you if they can’t control you. Narcissists are known to be very controlling and manipulative, so they want people in their life who will be compliant with their wishes.
If someone is not willing to bend to the narcissist’s demands or is not easily controlled, the narcissist will eventually discard them as they are no longer in use. The narcissist may try different tactics to gain control before discarding the person.
This could include using guilt trips, manipulation, threats, or even emotional blackmail. Ultimately, however, if none of these work then the narcissist will decide it’s simpler to just move on and find someone else that is easier to manipulate and control.
What happens when a narcissist gets in trouble?
When a narcissist gets in trouble, they tend to blame others and deny responsibility for their actions. They may try to manipulate the situation to their advantage and attempt to appear as the victim instead of the perpetrator.
In some cases, they may even go so far as to lash out at those around them or display passive-aggressive behavior. The narcissist’s ultimate goal is often to avoid any accountability or consequences for their actions, which can be extremely damaging to relationships and social dynamics.
They rarely learn from their mistakes either, as they are often unable or unwilling to recognize any wrongdoing on their part. If left unchecked, this behavior can cause long-term damage in both personal and professional settings. You can use this to your advantage if you play it cleverly.
What does the narcissist fear most?
A narcissist fears the most being exposed for their true self. They are constantly trying to maintain a persona of superiority and perfection, and when this is threatened they will do anything to preserve it. They fear not being able to control their environment or other people and will go to extreme lengths to avoid any challenges that might threaten their sense of self-importance.
They also fear abandonment, which can lead them to continuously seek reassurance and attention from those around them. A narcissist wants to be admired, validated and respected by others, so any kind of criticism or rejection is seen as a complete failure in their eyes.
What are narcissists’ weak points?
Narcissists have many weak points. They are often overly sensitive and easily offended when criticized or challenged. They also tend to be very controlling and manipulative in their relationships, expecting others to put them first at all times.
Narcissists typically struggle with trust issues, making it difficult for them to form lasting bonds with people. They can be highly defensive and unable to take responsibility for their own mistakes.
Due to their grandiose sense of self-importance, narcissists may become jealous or envious when other people receive attention or recognition that they feel is rightfully theirs. Being mindful of these weaknesses can help you identify a narcissist’s behaviors and protect yourself from their damaging influence.
How do you make a narcissist miserable?
Making a narcissist miserable can be challenging, but it is possible. To start, set boundaries and stick to them. Let them know that their behavior is unacceptable and that you will not tolerate it.
If they become angry or lash out in response, do not give in to their demands or attempts to manipulate you. Remain firm and consistent in your stance. Don’t engage with their insults or attacks; instead, stay calm and collected. This will likely make them even more frustrated as they will not be able to get the reaction they are looking for from you.
Withdraw your attention from them altogether: ignore their calls, texts, and messages; distance yourself from them physically; and do not give in to requests for favors or compliments. By taking these steps you can make sure that the narcissist does not have access to the attention they crave so much.
How do you outsmart a covert narcissist?
Outwitting a covert narcissist can be a tricky process, as they often appear to be quite charming and easy to get along with on the surface.
It is important to remember that beneath this façade lies a manipulative individual who will take advantage of any situation for their own personal gain. To outsmart a covert narcissist, it is essential to stay one step ahead and always remain aware of their true intentions.
Be sure to keep your boundaries firmly in place and never give in to their demands; if you do, they may continue making unreasonable requests.
Try not to let yourself become emotionally attached or manipulated by them; instead, focus on keeping yourself grounded in reality so that you are able to recognize when they are trying to take advantage of you.
Stay strong and speak up whenever they act inappropriately or make attempts at controlling you – this way, you can put an end to the cycle of narcissistic abuse and protect yourself from further harm.
Can you trick a narcissist?
Tricking a narcissist can be difficult because they are typically experts at manipulation and self-promotion. Narcissists often think they are smarter than everyone else and can easily outwit them.
It often takes a lot of knowledge and cunning to successfully trick a narcissist, as they tend to be very perceptive and have an eye for detail. It is also important to understand their motivations and how they use manipulation tactics to get what they want.
If you can understand their behavior patterns, it may be easier to anticipate what they are thinking or planning, allowing you to outmaneuver them. It’s important to stay one step ahead by being prepared with counterarguments and facts that will discredit the narcissist’s beliefs or arguments.
In the end, it’s important to remember that in most cases it is best not to attempt to trick a narcissist in the first place as this could lead to further conflict in the long run. But if you have to and sometimes you do tell yourself this is a game only you are playing, test your theory, make notes on your phone, what worked, what nearly worked, and what didn’t.
Remember a narcissist is a master of manipulation but you can be better, you can move with knowledge, back them into a corner when they least expect it, throw smoke bombs into conversations, and give them perceived power, whilst they are looking left you spin right.
Be machiavellian in your approach and never let them get to you mentally if they have won.
Final Thoughts
The best way to outsmart a narcissist is one that is tailored to your current situation, use knowledge and patterns to your advantage, let off smoke grenades of knowledge, and pepper conversation with misdirects and made-up situations. The best technique is a reality-based strategy tailored specifically to their needs may be the key.
If you enjoyed reading this article, please check out Things Covert Narcissists Say in an Argument after all knowledge is power and when it comes to dealing with a narcissist you need all the help you can get.
