When a narcissist gets caught cheating, they may resort to various excuses and tactics to minimize their actions, avoid taking responsibility, and manipulate the situation. Here are some common excuses that narcissists might give after being confronted about their infidelity:
Denial: One of the most common tactics is outright denial. The narcissist may deny any wrongdoing and claim that the evidence or accusations are baseless or false.
Gaslighting: Narcissists are skilled at gaslighting, which is a form of manipulation where they make you doubt your perception of reality. They may say things like, "You're just imagining things" or "You're overreacting" to make you question whether the cheating actually happened.
Blaming the partner: The narcissist may shift the blame onto their partner, claiming that they were pushed into cheating because of the partner's supposed inadequacies, neglect, or emotional unavailability.
Minimization: They might downplay the significance of their actions, making excuses like "It was just a one-time mistake" or "It didn't mean anything."
Victim card: Some narcissists may portray themselves as the victim, claiming they were unhappy in the relationship and were seeking comfort or love elsewhere because their needs weren't being met.
Apology without change: A narcissist might apologize but show no genuine remorse or willingness to change their behavior. They may use apologies as a way to placate their partner temporarily.
Future promises: They may promise to change or seek therapy to work on the relationship, but often, these promises are empty and meant to buy time.
Diverting attention: To deflect from the cheating, the narcissist might bring up unrelated issues or dig into the partner's past mistakes, trying to create a distraction from their own actions.
Love-bombing: In an attempt to regain control, the narcissist may engage in love-bombing behavior, showering their partner with excessive affection and attention to make them forget or forgive the cheating.
Discarding the blame: Some narcissists might resort to ending the relationship themselves, framing it as a way to protect their partner from further hurt when, in reality, they're trying to avoid consequences.
It's essential to recognize that these excuses and tactics are manipulative and unhealthy. If you suspect or have evidence that your partner is cheating and they display narcissistic behavior, it's important to prioritize your emotional well-being and consider seeking support from friends, family, or a therapist to navigate the situation and make the best decision for yourself.