Narcissists tend to have a distorted and unhealthy way of relating to others and perceiving the world around them. Their behavior often revolves around self-centeredness, a lack of empathy, and a fragile self-esteem that they seek to protect at all costs. When you express anger or hurt at something they've done, they may respond in several ways that are characteristic of narcissistic behavior:
Deflection: Instead of taking responsibility for their actions, narcissists may deflect blame and make you feel guilty for being upset. They might use tactics such as gaslighting (manipulating your perception of reality) or invalidating your emotions to shift the focus away from their behavior.
Victimhood: Narcissists may play the victim card, making it seem like they are the ones being unfairly treated. They might exaggerate or fabricate circumstances to portray themselves as innocent or misunderstood, aiming to garner sympathy and attention from others.
Lack of Empathy: Narcissists have difficulty empathizing with others, which means they may struggle to genuinely understand and acknowledge the emotional pain they've caused you. Their self-absorption prevents them from seeing things from your perspective.
Manipulation: Some narcissists may use guilt-tripping or emotional manipulation to make you question your feelings and reactions. They may try to make you believe that your emotional response is irrational or unwarranted.
Sense of Control: By turning the situation around and making it about themselves, narcissists regain a sense of control. They want to dominate the narrative and keep themselves at the center of attention.
Avoiding Accountability: Accepting responsibility for their actions would mean acknowledging their flaws, which is challenging for narcissists due to their fragile self-esteem. They prefer to avoid any criticism or blame.
It's essential to recognize these patterns when dealing with a narcissistic individual. Engaging in a rational discussion or seeking empathy and understanding from them is unlikely to yield positive results. Instead, it's crucial to prioritize your well-being and set boundaries to protect yourself from further emotional harm. In cases of dealing with a narcissist, seeking support from friends, family, or a mental health professional can be beneficial in navigating these challenging dynamics.