When a narcissist is caught cheating, their response can vary based on their individual personality and coping mechanisms. However, there are some common behaviors or tactics they might employ:
Denial and Gaslighting: Narcissists often deny any wrongdoing and may try to make you doubt your own perception of reality. They might gaslight you by saying things like, "You're imagining things," or "You're just being paranoid."
Blame-shifting: Rather than taking responsibility for their actions, they may shift the blame onto you or external factors. They might say things like, "You pushed me to do it," or "If you were more attentive, I wouldn't have strayed."
Minimization: They might downplay the significance of the cheating or make it seem like it was just a minor mistake. They may try to make you feel like you're overreacting to the situation.
Deflection: A narcissist might change the subject or bring up past wrongs you've committed to deflect attention away from their cheating behavior.
Manipulation and Pity: They might try to manipulate your emotions and evoke pity by playing the victim or telling a sad story to gain sympathy.
Anger and Defensiveness: In some cases, the narcissist may become defensive or angry, lashing out at you for catching them in the act. This could be an attempt to deflect guilt and turn the situation around on you.
Promises and False Apologies: Sometimes, a narcissist might offer empty promises or insincere apologies to pacify you temporarily, but they may not genuinely change their behavior.
Grandiosity and Arrogance: Some narcissists may display arrogance and act as if they are above consequences or societal norms, showing no remorse for their actions.
It's important to remember that every individual is unique, and these reactions can vary. Additionally, not everyone who cheats is a narcissist, and not all narcissists cheat. If you suspect someone is cheating or dealing with a narcissist, it's essential to seek support from friends, family, or professional counselors to navigate the situation effectively.