8 Phrases That Reveal a Narcissist

You’ve probably experienced it: you have problems with someone and keep struggling to figure out the cause. Until one day you Google “narcissism” and realize that person checks every single box. Or, in my case, nineteen out of twenty. I thought “my” narcissist didn’t lie, until I discovered that they could lie so convincingly that I didn’t even notice. Voilà: the über-narcissist.

There are ways to recognize a narcissist. For example, they often use phrases like these:

“You’re too sensitive.”

→ Narcissists often minimize other people’s feelings to justify their own behavior and make you doubt yourself (gaslighting).

“I’m the only one who truly understands you.”

→ They create a sense of exclusivity to make you dependent and discredit others in your life. Narcissists also like to isolate you from loved ones so you become more dependent.

“I never said that.”

→ This is a classic example of gaslighting: they twist the truth and make you question your own memories. Haven’t you also had a boss who asked for green in the morning, and when you brought green, casually said they meant purple?

“You make a problem out of everything.”

→ Narcissists shift responsibility and make you appear to be at fault in every situation.

“Everyone thinks you’re overreacting.”

→ They try to create peer pressure, even if it doesn’t exist, to make you feel small and insecure. And so the isolation continues: they make you doubt yourself about everything. Terrible.

“You can’t manage without me.”

→ This is a form of manipulation to keep you dependent so you won’t leave them.

“You’re jealous of me.”

→ Narcissists project their own insecurities onto others and twist situations to make themselves seem like the victim.

“I only did it because I love you.”

→ This is often used to justify boundary-crossing behavior and maintain emotional control. Very, very dangerous.

I can give you just one piece of advice: don’t walk, baby, run.

Sources: WebMD.com, Healthline.com