We’ve all met someone who seems to suck all the air out of a room, a person whose conversational style is less a dialogue and more a one-person show. Dealing with individuals who exhibit narcissistic tendencies can be incredibly draining, leaving you feeling unheard, undervalued, and sometimes, utterly confused.
Understanding the common phrases and behaviors that often crop up in their interactions can be like having a secret decoder ring. It helps you recognize what’s happening and, more importantly, gives you tools to navigate these interactions with a little more grace and a lot less personal anguish.
Name-Drop
They love to associate themselves with important or influential people, even if the connection is tenuous at best. This is an attempt to elevate their own status and impress those around them. It’s a display of their need for external validation. A simple nod or polite acknowledgment is all that’s required here.
Give Backhanded Compliments
“You look good for your age,” or “That’s a pretty dress for someone your size.” These are compliments cloaked in an insult, designed to subtly undermine your confidence while maintaining an air of politeness. Don’t let it get under your skin. Acknowledge the “compliment” and ignore the “backhand.”
Dismiss Others’ Opinions
Don’t be surprised if your carefully considered thoughts or feelings are brushed aside as irrelevant or foolish. Narcissists often struggle with differing viewpoints, seeing them as a challenge to their own perceived superiority. When this happens, it’s a sign they’re not interested in genuine exchange. State your opinion clearly, then let it go; you don’t need their validation.
Dominate the Conversation
Narcissists have a knack for turning every discussion into a monologue about themselves. You might find yourself struggling to get a word in edgewise, as they effortlessly redirect any topic back to their experiences, accomplishments, or grievances. The best way to handle this is to gently, but firmly, redirect the conversation back to the original topic or even excuse yourself if it becomes too overwhelming.
Interrupt Frequently
Ever feel like you’re constantly cut off mid-sentence? Narcissists often interrupt because they prioritize their own thoughts and opinions above yours. They might believe what they have to say is simply more important. A healthy approach here is to calmly state, “I wasn’t finished speaking,” or “Please let me finish my thought.” It’s about setting a clear boundary.
Exaggerate Accomplishments
Their achievements, no matter how small, are often inflated to epic proportions. They might spin tales of their brilliance, their incredible success, or how they single-handedly saved the day. It’s a constant need for external validation, often stemming from inner insecurity. Just acknowledge their statement with a simple “That’s interesting,” and move on without fueling the fire.
Demand Constant Praise
Like a bottomless pit, their need for admiration can never be fully satisfied. They crave compliments, applause, and validation, often fishing for it directly or indirectly. If you don’t offer it, they might become irritable or withdraw. Giving them excessive praise only feeds the beast. Offer genuine compliments when appropriate, but don’t force it.
Criticize and Judge
Narcissists are quick to point out flaws, whether real or imagined, in others. They often project their own insecurities onto those around them. You might find yourself constantly under scrutiny, with your choices, fashion, or even your food choices being fair game for their judgment. This constant criticism can chip away at your mental health.
Play the Victim
Despite their outward bravado, narcissists often cast themselves as the perpetual victim when things go wrong. Nothing is ever their fault; they are always the wronged party. This tactic is used to garner sympathy and avoid taking responsibility for their actions. Don’t get drawn into their pity party; stick to the facts.
Use Guilt Trips
“After everything I’ve done for you…” This phrase, or variations of it, is a classic guilt trip designed to manipulate you into doing what they want. They leverage past favors or perceived sacrifices to control your behavior. Recognize the manipulation and don’t allow yourself to be emotionally blackmailed.
Gaslight Others
This is perhaps one of the most insidious tactics. Gaslighting involves making you doubt your own memory, perception, or sanity. They might deny things they clearly said or did, leaving you questioning your reality. This can severely impact your mental health and self-worth. Trust your gut and document interactions if necessary. A study found that prolonged exposure to gaslighting can lead to anxiety, depression, and even trauma.
Use Silent Treatment
When they don’t get their way, or feel slighted, a narcissist might resort to the silent treatment. This is a form of passive-aggressive punishment designed to make you feel guilty, anxious, and desperate for their attention. It’s a manipulative tactic. During the silent treatment, focus on your own wellness and avoid chasing them.
Make Everything About Them
No matter the topic, the conversation somehow always circles back to them. Your achievements, your struggles, your joy, or your sorrow – it all becomes a springboard for their own narrative. This is a consistent habit that can leave you feeling invalidated. When they turn the conversation, you can gently but firmly steer it back to your original point, or perhaps reflect on why your interest isn’t being reciprocated. According to Psychology Today, individuals with narcissistic personality traits often score highly on traits like grandiosity and entitlement.
Lack Empathy
One of the most defining signs of narcissism is a profound lack of empathy. They struggle to understand or share the feelings of others, often appearing cold or indifferent to your pain or struggles. If you’re sharing something difficult, you might be met with a blank stare or a quick change of subject. Understand that their capacity for empathy is limited.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
How Total Beginners Are Building Wealth Fast in 2025—No Experience Needed
How Total Beginners Are Building Wealth Fast in 2025
I used to think investing was something you did after you were already rich. Like, you needed $10,000 in a suit pocket and a guy named Chad at some fancy firm who knew how to “diversify your portfolio.” Meanwhile, I was just trying to figure out how to stretch $43 to payday.
But a lot has changed. And fast. In 2025, building wealth doesn’t require a finance degree—or even a lot of money. The tools are simpler. The entry points are lower. And believe it or not, total beginners are stacking wins just by starting small and staying consistent.
Click here and let’s break down how.
5 Easy Steps to Change Any Habit
5 Easy Steps to Change Any Habit
We all click on them with the hope that just THIS time the secret to changing a bad habit or adopting a healthy one will be revealed and we’ll finally be able to stick to that diet, stop that one or ten things that might in the moment make us feel temporarily good but really just make us fat, unhealthy, sad, mad or just frustrated with ourselves.
