A narcissist is amusing to observe, exhausting to talk to, infuriating to work with, and toxic to date, given their own ego problems and how much they lack empathy. It\u2019s perfectly natural to wonder how to make a narcissist miserable. They\u2019ve been pressing your buttons for far too long. I\u2019m at your service with these 13 things you can do to outplay a narcissist and make a narcissist panic! Let\u2019s give them the taste of their own medicine and play their own game with them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The trick lies in using everything narcissists hate to your advantage. It\u2019s time to turn the tables and drive a narcissist mad. Let\u2019s provoke the provoker, seek revenge, and wound their precious pride\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/p>\n To give you an extra edge and make you feel confident in your mission to crush a narcissist, I have some insights from a brilliant expert with over a decade of experience as a counselor. Nishmin Marshall<\/a> is the former director of the suicide prevention center SAATH and an expert in areas like anger management, depression, and abusive marriage. So, let\u2019s find out what our expert has to say about narcissistic tendencies, and how to combat them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n How do you outplay a narcissist? Is narcissism a personality disorder? According to research<\/a>, Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is characterized by a persistent pattern of grandiosity, fantasies of unlimited power or importance, and the need for admiration or special treatment.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It\u2019s essential to understand someone and their bad behavior before you go into revenge mode and develop revenge tactics. So, who is a narcissist? Any individual with an inflated sense of self who needs constant admiration. He or she can\u2019t take any form of criticism (it\u2019s one of their weak spots), carries a sense of entitlement, and loves being in the limelight. Do you see why they\u2019re frustrating to be around? They lower your and everyone else\u2019s self-esteem.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n A brutal quote on Facebook read \u2013 \u201cThere\u2019s no \u2018I\u2019 in team but there are two in narcissist.\u201d I choked on my coffee while reading it. But their vanity can be used to bring about their downfall. Outsmarting a narcissist<\/a> is not that difficult after you ask, \u201cWhat is the weakness of a narcissist?\u201d or \u201cWhen a narcissist is mad at you?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n I don\u2019t usually talk about this, but I\u2019ve employed a few of these techniques myself. My best friend\u2019s boyfriend, Dennis, was a royal pain in the tush. His self-absorption was nauseating to be around, and he would go to great lengths to treat my bestie awfully. I realized that it was important to challenge the status quo and decided to get back at him using a few tricks and a little bit of fun. Keep reading to find out how to make a narcissist as miserable as I did by doing things a narcissist hates. Let\u2019s see what do narcissists do when you ignore them.\u00a0<\/p>\n From ignoring them completely to being a happy little butterfly, there are many things you can do to outsmart and crush a narcissist. It\u2019s easy to get under their skin and make them feel miserable. However, be aware that they might have dramatic reactions to these tricks. You\u2019re the best judge of which technique will work on the narcissist in your life. Think about their disposition and then decide what to do. However, it\u2019s important to know that if they have resorted to emotional abuse, it\u2019s better to first prioritize your safety and then go ahead and try the below tips. Emotional abuse is the worst thing that can be a destructive force in relationships, constantly seeking to one up you by undermining your self-worth and manipulating your emotions.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Don\u2019t go around feeling guilty for this little devilish streak in you \u2013 they pretty much had it coming. I\u2019m going to resolve all your doubts as you read ahead. Go forth and conquer!<\/p>\n Narcissists really want and thrive on attention, even if it is negative attention. They simply LOVE basking in the adoration of their peers to feel important. This comes from the need to be validated constantly. I once counted the times Dennis used phrases like, \u201cIsn\u2019t that great, babe?\u201d or \u201cHow cool am I?\u201d at dinner. Six times in one hour. Yes, you read that right.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Looking for handy tips on how to drive a narcissist nuts? The first thing to do is stop entertaining them and maybe even resort to silent treatment or cut ties. Narcissists thrive on attention and admiration, so when you withhold that from them, they become restless and desperate for your validation. Discover what do narcissists do when you ignore them and how it can trigger their narcissistic rage cycle. \u00a0You can make a narcissist panic by withdrawing the validation they desperately seek. Let them drop as many hints as they want; let them brag away, but do not walk into the setup that leads to you complimenting them.\u00a0<\/p>\n Nishmin says, \u201cA narcissist craves attention, and most people just give in and appreciate them. But don\u2019t do that. The best thing you can do is hold your ground and convey, \u2018No, you do not impress me. I will not fawn over you\u2019. This is bound to make a narcissist unhappy because they can\u2019t conceive why someone wouldn\u2019t like them.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/p>\n How do you drive a narcissist nuts by withdrawing the validation they seek?<\/p>\n It\u2019s important to redirect the focus away from their grandiosity and onto your needs and concerns or those of someone else who is affected by their behavior.\u00a0<\/p>\n Related Reading:<\/strong> 8 Signs Of Covert Narcissist Hoovering And How You Should Respond<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n <\/p>\n Narcissists can be quite persistent and charming. Consequently, they always end up getting their way. They aren\u2019t used to people turning them down, and this is precisely why you should. The request can be big or small, maybe even something as trivial as, \u201cCan you hold my bag?\u201d Say no.<\/p>\n They\u2019ll first be a little stunned before going into their full-blown narcissistic rage cycle. Then they\u2019ll have trouble understanding why you would reject their demand. If you were wondering how to confuse a narcissist, here\u2019s your answer. Say no, and let them manage themselves for once with their low self-esteem. You have to stop giving too much of yourself<\/a> if you\u2019re in a relationship with a narcissist and see the narcissist running scared.\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/p>\n You need to show that you\u2019re approaching them on an equal footing. Pro tip on how to checkmate a narcissist? Stand up for yourself. Don\u2019t be like flying monkeys who enable a narcissist. Tell your narcissistic boss that you will NOT work the weekend, and tell your narcissistic friend that you WON\u2019T take her picture. This is the slyest way to checkmate a narcissist.\u00a0<\/p>\n What are narcissists best at? Self-conceit. And how does self-conceit make them talk? Like they\u2019re untethered from reality with an extremely inflated sense of self-importance. Dennis used to float far away from this earthly plane when he began monologuing his life. It was a big deal for him. He once claimed to have eaten the world\u2019s spiciest chili in a hut in Canada without batting an eyelid.\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cCountering their creative fantasies with hard facts is a good tactic and is one of the things a narcissist hates. Narcissists need to be reminded that what they say can be verified and that people won\u2019t just buy their stories.\u201d Nishmin adds, \u201cYour facts need not be presented with hostility. Just lay them out in a composed manner. A narcissist needs to know you\u2019re not stupid.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Looking for advice on how to make them come crawling back when a narcissist is mad at you? One way is to make them fear you by showing them that you are knowledgeable. And if they try to feed you a half-baked story, you can most certainly run a background check on it. A good fact check is always effective. In a way, it\u2019s quite similar to dealing with an alpha male<\/a>. They can never accept the fact that they have been proven wrong.\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As I said, narcissists are charmers with a very fragile ego. It\u2019s very easy to get \u2018taken\u2019 by them. If you want to know how to shut up a narcissist, think critically at all costs, as there can be real consequences. Be reasonable. If you fall under their spell, you\u2019ll end up validating them. This is how most people continue to be in an emotionally abusive relationship<\/a> with narcissists.<\/p>\n Here are a few ways you can practice this,<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Consider this situation: Your narcissistic coworker wants to take over a project you\u2019re handling. He comes over and starts love bombing you with compliments \u2013 \u201cBefore everything else, can I just say how good that shirt looks on you?\u201d\u00a0 He then mentions the project and talks about his desire to work on it. \u201cI\u2019ve been wanting to do it forever, and my background in the field will really help me. I\u2019m the perfect fit for the project if you think about it.\u201d<\/p>\n What do you do? Do you fall for the love bomb trap and hand over the project? Or do you critically analyze his suitability and intentions? Doing the latter is the key to outsmarting a narcissist. Tell him you recognize his achievement, but you are going to keep this project because\u2026 well, because you want to!<\/p>\n Related Reading:<\/strong> 7 Reasons Why Narcissists Can\u2019t Maintain Intimate Relationships<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n <\/p>\n How to turn the tables on a narcissist? Drawing boundaries is not enough; you have to enforce them too,\u00a0 both verbally and through your body language. If you want to make a narcissist unhappy, you have to show them that their actions have consequences. If they cross a boundary, be direct and call them out. Block them on social media, or (in the case of a work setting) file an official complaint.\u00a0<\/p>\n Moreover, you have to quit seeking their approval. Nishmin puts it best when she says, \u201cYou have to stop trying to please a narcissist. Because it will never get better, you\u2019ll never be enough. Instead of spreading yourself too thin, just draw boundaries<\/a>. You have to protect yourself, even if it means confronting them.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Checkmate a narcissist by fortifying yourself emotionally. Once you stop being tolerant of their self-absorption, you will make a narcissist fear you. Confront them without beating around the bush for maximum effect. But remember, when dealing with narcissistic people, it\u2019s important to set healthy boundaries and prioritize self-care and self-love. Living our best life requires us to break free from the self-centered mindset of a narcissist and embrace genuine connections by spending time with people we love, meaningful achievements, and personal growth.<\/p>\n Losing control of situations, in most cases, is a narcissist\u2019s nightmare (they\u2019re a little bit of a control freak<\/a>). They love things going their way because that enables them to always be in the spotlight. A good way to understand how to make a narcissist miserable is to spring the occasional surprise on them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It will serve as a reminder that you, too, are in control of things. If your narcissistic friend is supposed to have lunch with you, invite a few other friends without telling her. Surprise! If your narcissistic boyfriend thinks you\u2019re staying in for the night, have your parents come over for dinner suddenly. Surprise!\u00a0<\/p>\n Spontaneity is the answer to how to confuse and shut up a narcissist They won\u2019t have time to calibrate how they\u2019ll impress the company. Chances are, they\u2019ll get flustered and awkward even if they don\u2019t show it. Their expression of \u2018huh?!\u2019 will be priceless to observe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The most enjoyable experience I\u2019ve lived through was watching Dennis lose at Pictionary. His face got all red, and he kept trying to peg it on the \u2018inherent unfairness of the game\u2019. He was a sore, sore loser and I managed to click a picture of him when he was sulking. What he did not know was that my boyfriend and I had rigged the game to win! (*winks*)<\/p>\n Since a narcissist\u2019s self-image is far from their real personality, they think they\u2019re champions of their own life and would do anything to regain control of the situation. \u00a0Making them lose at something is a good way of telling them they\u2019re fallible. What\u2019s that line from Game of Thrones? \u201cWe all need to be mocked from time to time, lest we start to take ourselves too seriously.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The next time you want to learn how to make them miserable and see the narcissist running scared, hand them a defeat to remind them that they\u2019re mere mortals who can make mistakes. It\u2019ll be fun for you and a lesson for them!<\/p>\n \u201cCalling a narcissist out in public taps into the thing that scares them the most\u2014people thinking badly of them. Public humiliation will be a lesson they\u2019ll remember for a while for all the bad things they\u2019ve done. Don\u2019t be afraid of sounding mean; just do it, advises Nishmin.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n How to expose a narcissist? Point out their errors in front of a group of people. And do this by calling obvious attention to them. They\u2019ll try to cover it up by backtracking, or they\u2019ll admit their error reluctantly. But in both cases, a narcissist will get super conscious of the eyes on them.\u00a0<\/p>\n Besides the classic, \u201cCome again?\u201d You can use phrases like, \u201cI didn\u2019t get that; just repeat that bit for me\u201d or \u201cI\u2019m sorry, what did you just say? I think I heard you wrong.\u201d Can you hear the evil laughter playing in the background?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n However, a few things to keep in mind when you do this are,<\/p>\n Recognize that confronting a narcissist in public can be emotionally challenging. Prioritize self-care and emotional support during and after the encounter.<\/p>\n Related Reading:<\/strong> 21 Ways To Tell You Have A Narcissistic Husband<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n <\/p>\n Sayonara once and for all. If your situation permits it, completely cut off the narcissist from your life. This person can be an ex, a friend, an acquaintance, or a colleague. Block all channels of communication and walk away because you don\u2019t need their kind of egotistical negativity around you.<\/p>\n And you can do this to make a narcissist miserable. Narcissists generally have the impression that they\u2019re everyone\u2019s favorite. When they find out you\u2019ve blocked them, they\u2019ll wonder\u2014why doesn\u2019t she like me? The idea of someone not liking them will make a narcissist unhappy.\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Plus, blocking them will give you a lot of mental peace and stability. You can finally stop wondering how to respond to their gaslighting. <\/a>You\u2019re probably thinking that this is a little insensitive, but our actions have repercussions. They have brought this upon themselves by causing harm to others. Craig Lounsbrough says: \u201cTo be your own God is to be the biggest participant in creating your own hell.\u201d<\/p>\n What is the weakness of a narcissist? Boredom. They love excitement and thrills, so anything resembling mundanity is a threat to them. They abhor routine and vanilla relationships<\/a>, so you can bore them for the fun of it. Launch into a monologue about barrels or geography, take them to a dry lecture, or introduce them to a dull person. Ever heard of the gray rock technique? This is how it works.\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Don\u2019t let them take over the conversation, and keep pushing the yucky subject. They\u2019ll try to escape but insist on their presence. My sister once set up her friend with a philosophy major who was a major bookworm. The date went horribly because he only spoke about Immanuel Kant\u2019s idealism.<\/p>\n On the bright side, the friend never bothered my sister again. Boredom is a hilarious way of outsmarting a narcissist. You\u2019ll have them sighing in exasperation very quickly.<\/p>\n Related Reading:<\/strong> 12 Signs You Are Dating Someone With A God Complex<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Nine times out of ten, narcissists are intimidated by authority figures. This is why they often struggle with power in relationships<\/a>. That gives you two options \u2013 place them in front of an authority figure or become the authority figure yourself to expose a narcissist. The latter is more advisable and practical. Taking charge is a great way to show a narcissist his place.\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Nishmin weighs in, \u201cApproach them from a place of power. It will show that you\u2019ve had this power all along but were nice enough to not use it.\u00a0 Maintain eye contact, and keep your voice steady. Be assertive as best as you can.\u201d<\/p>\n However, being assertive should not be confused with rudeness. The aim is to know how to make a narcissist miserable. The answer is \u2013 stand up for yourself. If they can\u2019t respect you as an equal, they will do that when you assume the role of a superior.<\/p>\n There\u2019s no good way of saying this but the happiness of others makes narcissists envious. Since their own lives are kind of empty, they can\u2019t bear to see fulfillment in their peers\u2019 lives. The best way to make a narcissist unhappy is to be your happiest, sunniest self.<\/a> When a narcissist sees you have moved on, they go at their lowest.\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIf you have any accomplishments, you could use those to generate jealousy within the narcissist. As a rule, anything that makes you happy will make them uncomfortable. Feel free to rub your happiness in their face because that will make a narcissist panic,\u201d says Nishmin, adding that in doing so, you should not get carried away to the extent of self-deterioration. \u201cDon\u2019t become bitter. Keep it light.\u201d<\/p>\n So the next time you walk into the office, put a smile on that face. Be cheerful and joyous in following Walt Disney\u2019s instruction \u2013 Smile, and let the world wonder why!<\/p>\n Many narcissists have a self-obsession that is fed by the spotlight they shine on themselves. You could very smoothly redirect that light on yourself or anyone, honestly. In a meeting for instance, when that narcissistic coworker is trying to take all the credit, you can gently pitch in that the others have put in considerable effort too.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n This will turn the tables on a narcissist effortlessly. They\u2019ll be a little enraged at the attention they have to share (and might even use gaslighting phrases<\/a>) but that\u2019s okay. The only thing you keep in mind is steering everyone\u2019s attention away from the narcissist.<\/p>\n Every time they talk about themselves, switch the focus of the conversation. A few attempts later, they should take the hint. If this doesn\u2019t make a narcissist fear you, I don\u2019t know what will. And if you are still looking for tips on how to outsmart a narcissist, the best person to reach out to is a licensed professional. Our counsellors from Bonobology\u2019s panel<\/a> are just a click away.<\/p>\n I think you\u2019ve got enough revenge tactics to help checkmate and drive a narcissist mad. Just remember to be balanced, even if you\u2019re trying to get back at them. Extreme steps should be avoided at all costs because you\u2019ll be the one who regrets them. Also, be mindful to recognize the potential for a trauma bond to develop, which doesn\u2019t happen in healthy relationships. It is crucial, then, to prioritize your own well-being.\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Final thoughts on this? Breaking free from the shackles of narcissism is the first step towards personal growth and embracing a future where the pursuit of genuine connections and meaningful achievements takes precedence over the superficial facade that a narcissist makes their life revolve around.<\/p>\n I wish you luck on your mission! Farewell!<\/p>\n On how to drive narcissists nuts and drunk on jealousy, the first tip is to not feed them the attention they desire. How do you make the narcissist come crawling back? Make them feel that you don\u2019t need them. This will make their life difficult. \u00a0Ignore them if you must. Talk to more attractive people and be happy in your own light.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Saying \u2018No\u2019, enforcing boundaries, and challenging them are some of the tips on how to checkmate a narcissist by making them fear you. Holding them accountable, publicly exposing them, and going \u2018no contact\u2019 are other strategies to outsmart a narcissist. Remember, you can outwit them when a narcissist sees you have moved on from the fear you held in yourself.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n One of the biggest triggers for them is criticism, as any hint of disapproval or negative feedback can send them into a tailspin. Another thing that really gets to them is being ignored or not receiving the attention they crave. Narcissists thrive on admiration and validation, so when they\u2019re not the center of attention, it can drive them crazy. Lastly, exposing their flaws or failures can be a major blow to their fragile ego. So, if you want to ruffle a narcissist\u2019s feathers, these are the buttons to push.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n While narcissists may appear confident and self-assured on the surface, their excessive need for admiration and validation stems from their true self, which are full of deep-seated insecurities. Underneath their grandiose facade lies a fragile sense of self-worth that can easily be shattered. Criticism, especially when it exposes their flaws and challenges their inflated self-image, can be a major trigger for a narcissist.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n 8 Ways To Get Out Of An Unhealthy Relationship<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Millennials \u2013 Top 6 Relationship Problems And Solutions<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nHow To Turn The Tables On A Narcissist?<\/h2>\n
13 Things To Do To Make A Narcissist Miserable<\/h2>\n
1. Don\u2019t give them attention<\/h3>\n
\n
\n
2. Tell them no<\/h3>\n
3. Ground them in reality<\/h3>\n
4. Think straight and sharp<\/h3>\n
\n
\n
5. Fortify yourself and use ammo to checkmate a narcissist\u00a0<\/h3>\n
6. SURPRISE Them!<\/h3>\n
7. Make them lose<\/h3>\n
8. Call them out<\/h3>\n
![\"narcissist](\"https:\/\/www.bonobology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Are-you-a-narcissist-01-800x160.png)
\n
\n
9. Unfollow, block, and delete to outsmart a narcissist<\/h3>\n
10. Banish all the excitement<\/h3>\n
\n
11. Establish your authority<\/h3>\n
![\"more](\"https:\/\/www.bonobology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/on-narcissism.jpg)
12. Take care of your happiness<\/h3>\n
13. Redirect the limelight<\/h3>\n
Key Pointers<\/h3>\n
\n
FAQs<\/h2>\n
\n
\n
\n
![\"Things](\"https:\/\/www.bonobology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Narcissists-thrive-on-attention.jpg)