When a narcissistic person, regardless of age, is caught in a lie, their response can vary based on their specific personality traits and coping mechanisms. However, here are some possible ways a 50-year-old narcissistic man might react when confronted with a lie:
Denial: The narcissist might flatly deny ever having told a lie, attempting to discredit the person accusing them or diverting blame onto someone else. They may even gaslight the accuser, making them doubt their own memory or perception of events.
Deflection: Rather than addressing the lie directly, the narcissist might change the subject or bring up past instances where they believe they were honest to redirect attention away from the current lie.
Minimization: The narcissist may downplay the significance of the lie, making it seem like a harmless mistake or misunderstanding. They might say things like, "It was just a little white lie" or "I didn't think it would matter."
Shifting responsibility: A narcissistic person might try to shift blame onto external circumstances or other people, suggesting that they were forced to lie or that someone else influenced them to do so.
Playing the victim: Some narcissists may portray themselves as the victim, expressing hurt feelings or emotional distress to evoke sympathy and deflect attention away from their lie.
Anger and aggression: When confronted, a narcissistic individual may react with anger, defensiveness, or even aggression. They might attack the person who caught them in the lie, attempting to intimidate or manipulate them into backing off.
Excuses and justifications: The narcissist may provide elaborate explanations or justifications for their lie, attempting to rationalize their actions and make them appear reasonable.
Fake remorse: In some cases, a narcissist might feign remorse or apologize insincerely to manipulate the situation and regain control over the narrative.
It's important to remember that individuals with narcissistic traits can have complex and manipulative responses when faced with confrontation. The most effective approach when dealing with a narcissist is to set clear boundaries, communicate assertively, and be prepared for potential gaslighting or manipulation tactics. In situations where the person's behavior is harmful or problematic, seeking support from a mental health professional or counselor can be beneficial for both parties involved.