11 Ways to Drive a Narcissist Nuts

Co-authored by Jay Reid, LPCC and Dev Murphy, MA

Last Updated: November 28, 2024 Fact Checked

If you’re dealing with someone who’s an expert at mind games and manipulation, it can be pretty hard to rattle them. But by using their behavior against them, you can turn the tables and regain your power. Check out our expert-backed tips on how you can drive a narcissistic person nuts and beat them at their own game. Just keep in mind that not everyone with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is abusive or toxic, only a licensed therapist can diagnose NPD, and not everyone with narcissistic traits has clinical NPD.^{[1]
X
Trustworthy Source

Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

Go to source}

1

Ignore them.

Download Article

Avoid giving them the attention they crave. When they walk into the room, don’t even glance over at them—make them come to you. When they text you, wait a couple of hours before responding to make them squirm. The more you act like you don’t care about them, the more frustrated they’ll get.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- If they ever bring it up to you, act like you have no idea what they’re talking about: “What? I wasn’t ignoring you. I’ve just been really busy lately.”

2

Offer constructive criticism.

Download Article

Don’t be afraid to point out their mistakes. Egotistical people tend to believe that they’re better than everyone else, and they’re resistant to criticism, which can make it hard to confront them when they’ve done something to hurt you. Practice giving them feedback on their behavior. Not only will it drive them nuts, but it may even encourage them to change their ways, too.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- “That wasn’t a very nice thing to say. I think you should apologize.”
- “When you talk down to me like that, I feel belittled. Let’s try to talk nicely to each other from now on.”

3

Set and enforce your boundaries.

Download Article

Make sure they experience consequences when they cross your boundaries. Some people love to push your boundaries, and they’ll keep pushing until you enforce those boundaries. If you really want to get under this person’s skin, explain your boundaries clearly, and then follow through with the consequences if they cross them.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- “If you keep calling me names, I’m going to walk away. I can’t talk to someone who doesn’t respect me.”
- “You can’t belittle me in public like that. If that happens again, we won’t be hanging out anymore.”
- Reader Poll: We asked 207 wikiHow readers for their most effective way to protect themselves from love bombing, and 57% of them said, recognizing and setting healthy boundaries. [Take Poll] Setting healthy boundaries helps you stay in control of your life.

4

Call them out.

Download Article

Being called out can encourage them to behave. When you point out their mistakes in front of other people, they can no longer pretend that they’re the best person in the room. The next time you’re out with friends or at a family gathering and this person crosses the line, point it out.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- “You lose your temper easily, you know that? Maybe you should take some anger management classes.”
- “Ouch, that was pretty harsh. There’s no need to yell—we’re all friends here!”

Quiz

wikiHow Quiz: Am I Dating a Narcissist?

Only a mental health professional can diagnose Narcissistic Personality Disorder), but there are plenty of red flags you can look out for. Take this quiz to find out where you stand.

1 of 12

How did they act when you first started dating?

Super lovey-dovey. They thought our relationship was written in the stars!

Extra charming. They really knew how to lay it on.

A little flirtatious. Nothing too overkill, though!

Friendly and respectful. They had a healthy sense of boundaries.

5

Build others up in their presence.

Download Article

People with fragile egos struggle to see others succeed. People with narcissistic traits often compare themselves to others, but they only do it when they’re shown in a positive light.^{[6]
X
Research source} Pointing out others’ achievements in front of them will help to humble them and remind them they’re not the center of attention all the time.
- “Did you see that Jenny got a promotion yesterday? She only got hired there a year ago!”
- “I’m so impressed by Harry’s art. His Instagram following is huge! Maybe you could get some tips from him on promoting your art.”

6

Be less available.

Download Article

Not being at their beck and call will remind them they’re not in control of you. Controlling people typically like to be in charge, but turning the tables on them can help you regain some control. If you make plans with them, do so on your terms: keep your plans loose, and don’t be afraid to cancel or reschedule if you need to. Be less available so they never know what to expect from you next.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- We’re not advocating for being a flake or bailing for the sake of being petty; taking control of your schedule and not being beholden to this person will help remind them you’re your own person—and it may help you feel more independent as well.

7

Stay calm when they try to rile you up.

Download Article

If it’s an emotional reaction they want, be sure not to give it to them. When someone calls you names or yells at you, it’s normal to get angry or upset. But manipulative people typically want to get an emotional response; it gives them a feeling of control over you. Next time this person tries to rile you up, try to stay calm and give as little of a reaction as possible. If you don’t react, they can’t add any fuel to their own fire, and they’ll eventually peter out.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- Having trouble staying calm? Try doing deep breathing exercises or counting to 10 in your head.
- You can also give very unenthusiastic or sarcastic replies to show how uninterested you are. Say things like “Oh, wow,” or, “Hmm,” to quickly shut them down.

8

Bring up hard facts.

Download Article

Manipulative people love to spin things in their favor, so don’t let them. You may have noticed that every time you argue with this person, they use emotional attacks to “win.”^{[9]
X
Research source} The next time you’re in a disagreement with them, only tell them the facts, and stick to things that can be proven.
- “Are you sure you didn’t say that? I have screenshots of the texts you sent me this morning. Here, look.”
- “But you were invited to that party—we all were. Look, I have the invitation in my email right here.”

9

Reject their advice.

Download Article

Egotistic people sometimes offer advice as a form of control. When a narcissistic person latches onto you, they’ll often try to make decisions for you or influence you in little ways. You can maintain your independence by not taking their advice and instead going forward with your own plans.
- “Yeah, I know you wanted me to go to college, but taking a gap year is better for me right now.”
- “Being a doctor would be a great career path, but that’s not what I want. I’d like to be a teacher instead.”

10

Work toward your own goals.

Download Article

Put them in their place by striving for success. Even though meeting your own goals has nothing to do with anyone but you, people with big egos often see other people’s happiness as a personal attack against them. You can easily get under their skin and remind them they don’t control you by simply focusing on your goals and taking steps every day to achieve them.
- Manipulative people tend to lack empathy, which is why they may struggle to be happy for others.

11

End the relationship.

Download Article

If setting boundaries doesn’t work, going no-contact may be the answer. If this person won’t leave you alone, it may be worth it to just break things off with them. Stay firm in your decision, and don’t fall for any of the false promises they might use to win you back.
- Be prepared for a lot of love-bombing as a way to win you over. If that doesn’t work, it’s possible they’ll resort to spreading rumors about you or talking about you behind your back to “get back” at you for leaving.

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

Does Donald Trump suffer from NPD?

Lauren Kaduce

Community Answer

It’s hard to say because a lot of people who say he is or isn’t a narcissist are politically biased. Trump supporters will tell you he isn’t, but many liberals think he is. Only a medical professional can diagnose NPD.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 31 Helpful 17
Question

I want to take a test to know if am narcissistic.

Lauren Kaduce

Community Answer

If you recognize narcissistic traits in yourself, you are probably not a narcissist. Only a professional can diagnose someone as a narcissist. Narcissists, particularly those over 18, don’t usually get professional help because they don’t believe there is a problem. On the other hand, people with other mental health issues (depression, social anxiety, etc.) often know they have a problem and seek help for it to live a better life. If you’re still worried that you are narcissistic, it might be worth talking to a therapist.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 11 Helpful 7

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Tips

Remember, not everyone with NPD is abusive, and not everyone who is abusive has NPD. In fact, many people with NPD are able to manage their symptoms with therapy and/or medication.^{[10]
X
Trustworthy Source

Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

Go to source}

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0