Have you ever had that one person in your life who makes you feel like you're starring in a movie where everything revolves around them? No matter what you do, somehow, they turn the spotlight back on themselves. If so, congratulations — you’ve met a narcissist.

The trouble with narcissists is that they don't just crave attention; they demand it. And if you're not careful, you might find yourself tangled in their web of manipulation before you even realize what's happening. But here's the good news: you don't have to be their next victim. With a little strategy, a sprinkle of humor, and a whole lot of self-respect, you can make even the most persistent narcissist back off.

Let’s dive into 19 ways to make a narcissist think twice about messing with you. Spoiler alert: you're about to become their worst nightmare — in the best way possible.

1. Master the Art of the Poker Face

Narcissists feed off reactions like a toddler spotting a cookie jar. Smile, frown, scream, cry — it all gives them the satisfaction they crave. So what’s the best way to starve them? A good old-fashioned poker face.

Next time they try to provoke you, respond like you just heard a weather report: neutral, calm, and slightly bored. Trust me, it’ll drive them up the wall.

2. Set Boundaries Like a Boss

Think of boundaries as invisible fences that protect your peace. Narcissists hate fences. They want free access to your emotions 24/7.

When you calmly say, “I'm not comfortable with that,” or “This conversation is over for me,” you’re basically putting up a big, neon KEEP OUT sign. And you don’t need to explain yourself either. A firm “no” is a complete sentence.

3. Call Out the Crazy

Ever notice how narcissists love to gaslight you? You’ll be doubting your memory, your feelings, maybe even your sanity.

Flip the script. Call out their behavior, calmly and clearly. “Funny, you said the exact opposite yesterday.” Keep it short and sweet. Watching them scramble for excuses is oddly satisfying.

4. Be Unimpressed

One thing a narcissist can’t stand? Someone who isn’t dazzled by them. If they’re bragging about their new car, promotion, or the time they met a minor celebrity in an airport, respond with a polite but bored, “That’s nice.”

No wide-eyed admiration. No fanfare. Just a casual shrug. It’s like Kryptonite to their ego.

5. Use Humor to Disarm

Narcissists take themselves very seriously. So what better way to throw them off balance than to laugh things off?

If they try to boast or belittle you, respond with light humor. “Wow, must be exhausting being the best at everything.” It throws them off their script without making you seem aggressive.

6. Don't Feed the Monster

Attention, good or bad, is like candy to a narcissist. If they stir up drama and you bite, you’re giving them exactly what they want.

Instead, disengage. Let their tantrums fall flat. Picture them huffing and puffing while you’re calmly sipping coffee and flipping through a magazine.

7. Stay Mysterious

The less they know about you, the less ammunition they have. Keep personal details to yourself. When they ask intrusive questions, answer vaguely or redirect.

Think of yourself as a locked vault. The more they try to pry, the tighter you seal it.

8. Use the “Grey Rock” Technique

Want to be utterly boring to a narcissist? Be a grey rock. Dull, uninteresting, and impossible to manipulate.

Keep your responses short, factual, and neutral. “Yes.” “No.” “I don't know.” They’ll lose interest faster than a kid with a broken toy.

9. Prioritize Your Self-Care

Nothing frustrates a narcissist more than someone who loves and takes care of themselves. Prioritize your mental and emotional health.

Whether it’s yoga, therapy, painting, or just taking long walks — invest in yourself. A healthy, confident you is their worst nightmare.

10. Be Consistently Inconsistent

Narcissists love predictability because it helps them control you. Switch things up. If you usually text back instantly, wait a few hours. If you always agree to meet on their schedule, suggest your own time — or don’t meet at all.

Keeping them guessing makes them uncomfortable, and that’s exactly the point.

11. Refuse to Argue

Narcissists love a good argument. It’s where they shine — twisting words, playing the victim, and turning logic into a pretzel.

Don’t give them the stage. Politely exit the conversation. “I’m not going to argue with you,” followed by silence, is a power move they won’t expect.

12. Show Zero Jealousy

They’ll often try to make you jealous by flaunting new friendships, relationships, or achievements.

Smile, nod, and wish them well — whether you mean it or not. Your indifference will sting more than any angry outburst.

13. Keep Your Cool

Nothing delights a narcissist more than watching you lose it. Stay cool, even if you’re boiling inside.

Picture yourself as a serene mountain while they’re a tiny, yappy dog barking at your feet. It's hard, but wildly effective.

14. Outsmart Their Games

Once you recognize their patterns — the love bombing, the guilt-tripping, the sudden silent treatments — you can predict their moves.

And if you can predict them, you can beat them. Treat their antics like a bad soap opera you’ve already seen a hundred times.

15. Limit Contact or Go No Contact

Sometimes the best scare tactic is the simplest one: walk away.

Limit contact as much as you can. If the narcissist refuses to respect your boundaries, going no-contact might be the healthiest and most powerful move.

16. Stand Tall (Even if You’re Shaking Inside)

Confidence is like garlic to a narcissistic vampire. Even if you're nervous, act confident. Shoulders back, eye contact steady, voice firm.

Fake it till you make it. Eventually, it won’t be an act.

17. Don't Fall for the Fake Apologies

A classic narcissist move: saying “sorry” without meaning it, just to rope you back in.

Watch out for apologies that come with a “but” or shift the blame onto you. Real apologies come with real change — not just words.

18. Celebrate Your Wins (Loudly)

Narcissists hate seeing others succeed unless they can somehow take credit for it. So, celebrate yourself!

Share your wins with people who genuinely support you. Watch how the narcissist squirms when they realize they no longer have a monopoly on your happiness.

19. Trust Your Gut

If something feels off, it probably is. Narcissists are experts at making you second-guess yourself.

Trust your instincts. They’re your built-in warning system, and they’re usually right on the money.

Final Thoughts: Own Your Power

Dealing with a narcissist can feel like you’re constantly playing defense. But the truth is, you have more power than you realize.

By keeping your cool, setting firm boundaries, and refusing to play their games, you flip the script. Suddenly, they’re the ones feeling insecure and uncertain.

Remember: you don’t have to be mean to be strong. You don’t have to shout to be heard. You don’t even have to fight to win. Sometimes, the most powerful move is simply standing your ground and refusing to let anyone — narcissist or not — dim your light.

You’ve got this. And next time a narcissist tries to mess with you? They’ll think twice.