Confronting a narcissist with their identity can be tempting for abuse victims. But is it wise? How will the narcissist respond? This article explores it all.
Unmasking the Narcissist
February 2015. I began composing a letter to my mother, who subjected me to mental abuse as a child and still refuses to discuss it with me.
As I wrote and reflected, I concluded that there must be something seriously wrong with her. Naively, I believed that explaining might prompt her to seek help.
Soon after, I sought an explanation for her behavior. After much searching, I stumbled upon an article about narcissistic personality disorder. It hit me profoundly. I now understood that my mother is a covert narcissist.
When I acquired this understanding, I had already severed ties with my narcissistic mother. I once pondered revealing this insight through a “flying monkey.”
Initially, I thought exposing her narcissism would be vengeance. However, as I delved deeper into narcissism, I realized it was the worst course of action!
Confronting a narcissist with their behavior
Yet, I had already handed her the letter I mentioned, oblivious to narcissistic personality disorder. Looking back, it’s astonishing how many narcissistic traits I highlighted in the letter’s opening. See for yourself…
The letter
Mom,
Our family bond is hanging by a thread, and it seems you’re unwilling to acknowledge it. I hoped for a conversation, yet you backed down again last Tuesday. I fell for your manipulations, deleting the email and agreeing to soften my message. But I refuse to do that. I won’t allow myself to be manipulated or blackmailed any longer. You need to hear what I have to say.
Remember when you asked *** what was wrong with you after receiving Aunt ***’s letter? Well, here’s the answer. You lack empathy and self-reflection. You can’t handle criticism and respond aggressively. You’re quick to blame others but fail to see your own faults.
A few weeks ago, your snide remark deeply hurt me when I mentioned a traumatic memory. I’ve tried discussing it with you for nearly 30 years, but each time you shut me down aggressively. You only want to hear what suits you, and anyone who disagrees faces your wrath.
I’m not looking for a fight. When I speak to you, I want you to understand how you’ve hurt me. I seek acknowledgment for my suffering. Instead, I’m met with your snide comment: “Oh, what kind of trauma should I have?” It shows your lack of empathy and unwillingness to consider my feelings, all to paint yourself as the victim.
‘Evidence’
A few years later, I learned that she showed this letter to others as “evidence” of my wrongdoing. Let my mistake be a lesson to you: avoid confronting a narcissist about their behavior!
What Happens When Confronting a Narcissist?
Is confronting a narcissist about their behavior advisable? Before delving into that, let’s address what DOESN’T happen. Confronting a narcissist won’t prompt them to seek help or change. Their goal is to avoid responsibility, not resolve issues. So, is it worthwhile? Let’s explore.
Firstly, it’s crucial to understand that a narcissist resides in a constructed reality. They’re not rational or logical thinkers. Hence, they can’t function conventionally.
Narcissists uphold a false self-image at any expense and lack empathy for others. Unlike normal individuals, they won’t apologize or alter their behavior when confronted.
Prepare for a twisted response when confronting a narcissist. Criticizing their false self infuriates them. Anger is their initial reaction, followed by projecting their behavior onto you. They avoid exposure at all costs.
Narcissists ignore your arguments, only listening to find ways to manipulate you. They’ll flip the situation, accusing you of narcissism. Through projection and gaslighting, they distort reality, making you doubt yourself. Don’t engage in their manipulation tactics.
Read also the article ‘Tactics of the narcissist‘.
Manipulation after confronting a narcissist
When a narcissist senses you doubting yourself, they escalate to intimidation and aggression. Their goal? To silence you for good. In extreme cases, they resort to violence. If threatened, seek help. Confronting a narcissist is futile and risky.
The narcissist’s manipulation extends beyond your doubts-they’ll convince others you’re the narcissist. Picture a party where someone badmouths their absent ex. Typically, the group backs the speaker. But if it’s a narcissist distorting truth, they turn the group against you. Exiting a relationship with a narcissist triggers this. Confronting them only arms them with more ammo. So, never label them as narcissists!
“Facing the Facts”
When I handed the letter to my narcissistic mother on February 10, 2015, urging her to confront the truth of her actions, I hoped for self-reflection. But now, I understand a narcissist lacks that capability. Remorse and guilt are foreign to them. They’ve armored themselves in a false self, making it impossible to acknowledge their narcissism. The saying “he sees the mote in another’s eye but not the beam in his own eye” perfectly encapsulates their mentality.
What if you exposed someone as a narcissist?
Depending on your relationship with the narcissist, there are various ways to escape their abuse. If you’re in a relationship with one, ending it is the best option, despite the struggle.
In other types of relationships, maintain distance, keep interactions brief, and be cautious about what you share to prevent them from using it against you.
Don’t engage with the Narcissist!
To handle a narcissist, don’t engage in their games. Show independence to make yourself less appealing. Avoid appearing dependent on them. Respond neutrally to their remarks, avoiding judgments, especially about others.
Document
Keeping a record can be useful, especially in legal matters or divorce. However, never disclose this to the narcissist or let them see it. Telling them gives them insight to sabotage your plans. That’s why it’s best to keep it to yourself.
If you have any thoughts or additions, feel free to share them in the comments. Knowledge is power!
