Narcissists have a battery of phrases they use when challenged over their lies. These shifty phrases are designed to escape accountability and deflect blame. Here’s some of their favourites…
Please Check Out This Short Video To Aid Your Understanding…
I Didn’t Say That
If their lie wasn’t recorded and there were few witnesses, the narcissist may flat out deny what they said. Even though you both know better.
The narcissist usually appears VERY sure. Often because they convince themselves of their alternative truth.
Their surety can cause you to doubt yourself. Because no normal thinking person would be so definite – when they’re lying. And you may question whether you misheard or remembered things wrong. That small shred of doubt usually lets them off the hook. And they bank on this.
It Was Taken Out Of Context
This is another vague wish-washy excuse that doesn’t mean anything without an explanation. And the narcissist won’t be forthcoming with one.
They hope you take their word that things were misinterpreted. And leave it at that. Case closed. But even without an explanation, it can leave you giving them the benefit of the doubt. Perhaps you got the wrong end of the stick? Hmm.
You’re Crazy
If all else fails, the narcissist may fall back on the gaslighting classic, “You’re crazy”. And imply either your memory is defective, you interpretation, or something else.
Here the narcissist switches the blame to you. Saying your craziness made you think they lied. And it also acts as a smokescreen.
As you’re busy defending your sanity, the real issue is lost. Which is their dishonesty. The focus has now shifted to YOU being crazy. And not their lies.
I Know The Truth
When a narcissist gets caught lying, they often use vague phrases such as “I know the truth”. Because they offer no real substance. And they can’t be called out for further lies.
Yes, you DO know the truth. But what is it?!
Narcissists imply there’s more to the story than appears on the surface. Yet offer no explanation. And if you push them for more information, they’re usually not forthcoming.
Narcissists hope to sow seeds of doubt in your mind. So you let go, and give them the benefit of the doubt. If they had honest intentions, they’d engage in a rational and clear discussion. Rather than talk in backward riddles.
People Like To Tell Lies
Saying “people like to tell lies” is again a vague statement. It doesn’t directly accuse anyone else of lying. But it implies it.
Cunningly, this means the narcissist can’t be called out for their accusations. Yet they’re still able to hide behind them.
As usual, the narcissist wants the best of both worlds. They accuse others of lying to get themselves off the hook. But don’t stand by their accusations by offering names and scenarios. I wonder why?!
They’re Jealous
Narcissists are notorious blame shifters. And when exposed, they may accuse people of jealousy.
This provides an alleged motive for the accusations. And establishes the narcissist as the victim, rather than the perpetrator. It also re-enforces their delusions of superiority. Narcissists love publicly declaring how great they are.
The narcissist is so great, people are jealous of them. Which allegedly explains why they’re accused of lying, or how they’ve been stitched up. It also sends out the message that anyone who calls them a liar, MUST be jealous.
I’m Not Bothered If No One Believes Me
If narcissists have no defence, they may resort to claiming they’re not bothered if no one believes them. And offer no explanation.
This is their way of not conceding ground, because they’re not admitting they lied. But it gives them an excuse why they’re offering no explanation – they’re not bothered.
The narcissist may rigidly stick to this line. And offer no admission, and no further clues. Then they can’t dig themselves into a deeper hole.
Everyone’s Against Me
In the face of overwhelming evidence, the narcissist may turn things around, claiming everyone’s conspiring against them. Passing the blame to anyone who speaks against them.
This implies everyone has framed them. But indirectly, so they can deny their accusations if challenged. And since narcissists often collect enemies, they probably are telling the literal truth – everyone IS against them!
I’ve Been Under A Lot Of Pressure
This is probably the nearest you’ll get to an admission of guilt. And usually comes after one of the other phrases has failed.
Instead of accepting responsibility, they blame “pressure”, stress, or something similar. It’s not an outright admission though. It’s blaming “pressure” for their lie.
The narcissist hopes that kind people give them the benefit of the doubt, because they feel sorry for them. Also the narcissists ego is left in tact, because they’ve blamed something outside themselves. They don’t like admitting ANY fault!
Please CLICK HERE For How Narcissists Defend Their Narcissism
The Truth Will Come Out
This is a delaying tactic, and an implication something else is to blame. The narcissist is saying, wait and you’ll find out the truth. But isn’t saying what this “truth” is.
It also implies someone or something else is to blame. But again, because it’s not expressed directly, they have the option to back track.
The narcissist may act “mysterious” if pushed for clarification. As if they have some psychic powers or special knowledge. And say things like “You’ll see when the time’s right.” But it’s nonsense. Just a desperate attempt to get themselves off the hook.
Please CLICK HERE For How To Tell If A Narcissist Is Lying
