At its essence, narcissism is a personality disorder defined by an overblown sense of self-importance, an extreme desire for excessive attention and adulation, coupled with a stark absence of empathy for others.

Narcissists often have troubled relationships because they see themselves as superior and believe they deserve special treatment.

When it comes to arguing, narcissists exhibit unique behaviors that set them apart. They tend to be highly defensive, often resorting to manipulation tactics such as gaslighting, deflection, and blame-shifting to maintain their perceived superiority.

Understanding these tactics can arm individuals with the knowledge they need to navigate arguments with narcissists effectively. 

1. "I'm Always Right"

Narcissists, due to their inflated sense of self, often struggle with the notion that they could be wrong. This belief is encapsulated in the statement "I'm always right."

They perceive their opinions, ideas, and decisions as superior and infallible, which makes it hard for them to accept criticism or differing viewpoints.

In an argument, this attitude manifests itself in absolute statements and dismissive attitudes toward the other party's perspective.

For instance, when confronted with a differing opinion, a narcissist might respond with, "You don't know what you're talking about," or "I know better than you."

This not only shuts down any possibility of constructive dialogue but also reinforces their self-perceived superiority.

2. "You're Too Sensitive"

The phrase "You're too sensitive" is a common tool in the narcissist's arsenal, used to deflect blame and invalidate the feelings of others. 

Narcissists often refuse to accept responsibility for their actions, and instead, shift the blame onto the person they've wronged. 

This tactic, known as blame-shifting, allows them to maintain their self-perceived superiority and avoid confronting their shortcomings.

When a narcissist tells someone they're "too sensitive," they're essentially saying that the problem lies not with their behavior, but with the other person's reaction to it. 

This can have a profoundly damaging effect on the recipient, causing them to question their feelings and responses and potentially leading to feelings of self-doubt and confusion. 

3. "You're Overreacting"

The statement "You're overreacting" is a classic example of gaslighting, a manipulative tactic often employed by narcissists to undermine the feelings and perceptions of others. 

Gaslighting involves intentionally distorting or manipulating the truth to instill self-doubt in the other person, causing them to question their memory, perception, or sanity. 

When a narcissist tells someone they're "overreacting", they're not only invalidating that person's feelings but also subtly implying that their version of events is the correct one. 

This form of emotional abuse can be especially damaging, as it progressively erodes the victim's confidence in their judgment, leading to increased dependence on the narcissist. 

4. "I Never Said That"

"I never said that" is another common phrase narcissists use to manipulate and control situations, particularly when they are confronted with their own words or actions. 

This is a form of gaslighting, where they deny or distort reality in an attempt to confuse and destabilize the other person.

Despite being presented with clear evidence to the contrary, a narcissist might adamantly deny ever having made a certain statement or taken a certain action. 

This can be especially frustrating and damaging for the person on the receiving end. Over time, this constant denial can lead to feelings of confusion, self-doubt, and even a sense of unreality, as the victim begins to question their memory and perception.

5. "You're Just Jealous"

The accusation "You're just jealous" is a classic example of narcissistic projection, where narcissists deflect their insecurities onto others. 

Projection is a defense mechanism used by narcissists to cope with feelings of inadequacy or insecurity. In this case, the narcissist projects their feelings of jealousy onto the other person, effectively shifting the focus away from their faults and insecurities. 

This tactic allows them to maintain their perceived superiority while simultaneously undermining the other person's self-esteem. 

The impact of this manipulative behavior can be deeply damaging, leaving the recipient feeling invalidated and full of self-doubt. 

Over time, such tactics can erode a person's confidence and sense of reality, leading to an unhealthy dependence on the narcissist for validation. 

6. "You Don't Understand Me"

"You don't understand me" is a common refrain used by narcissists to position themselves as victims, thereby garnering sympathy and manipulating others. 

This statement often stems from the narcissist's desire to control the narrative and deflect any form of criticism or accountability.

By claiming to be misunderstood, they can shift the blame onto others, suggesting that any conflict or issue is not due to their actions, but rather a result of others' failure to understand them. 

This tactic serves two purposes: it allows the narcissist to avoid responsibility for their actions, and it elicits sympathy and support from those around them.

By constantly playing the victim, narcissists can maintain their image of superiority while simultaneously manipulating others into supporting and validating them.

7. "You're Not Listening to Me"

"You're not listening to me" is a common assertion made by narcissists in an attempt to establish dominance and control in a conversation. 

Narcissists often believe that their perspectives or opinions hold more value, and they use this belief to assert that they are the only ones who should be heard.

This kind of behavior can be seen as a way for narcissists to maintain power dynamics in their relationships. By monopolizing the conversation and making the other person feel unheard or invalidated, they establish a hierarchy where their voice matters most. 

This tactic not only serves to boost their ego but also further disempowers the other person, reinforcing the skewed power dynamics that are often present in relationships with narcissists.

8. "I'm the Victim Here"

"I'm the victim here" is a common narrative twist used by narcissists to manipulate the perception of others and deflect any negative attention away from themselves.

By positioning themselves as the victim, narcissists can skillfully shift the blame for any negative situation onto others, thereby avoiding accountability for their actions.

This tactic serves to distort reality, forcing the other person to question their recollection of events or their interpretation of the situation. 

Over time, this manipulation can lead to a phenomenon known as gaslighting, where the other person begins to doubt their memories, perceptions, and even sanity.

The ultimate goal of this tactic is to maintain control and superiority in the relationship, while simultaneously disempowering the other person. 

9. "It's All Your Fault"

"It's all your fault" is a destructive phrase often used by narcissists to absolve themselves of any wrongdoing and place blame on others for their own mistakes or shortcomings. 

This tactic, known as blame-shifting, allows the narcissist to maintain an inflated sense of self-worth and superiority by never having to admit fault.

However, this behavior can be extremely detrimental to the other person's self-esteem. Being constantly blamed can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and worthlessness, causing the other person to question their judgment and abilities. 

Over time, this can result in significant emotional damage and even lead to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

Conclusion

In conclusion, narcissists often employ manipulative tactics such as asserting dominance, twisting narratives to present themselves as victims, and shifting blame to others to maintain control in relationships. 

These strategies can cause significant emotional harm, leading to feelings of guilt, shame, and worthlessness in the other person. 

If you find yourself in an argument with a narcissist, it's crucial to recognize these tactics for what they are: tools of manipulation.

Rather than engaging in their game, try to maintain your perspective and avoid internalizing their blame or criticism. Seek support from trusted individuals or professionals who can provide validation and advice. 

Remember, it's not your responsibility to change a narcissist's behavior, but you can control your responses and take steps to protect your mental and emotional well-being.