When a narcissist tells you that you’re the only one who’s feeling a particular way, they’re gaslighting you. It’s a sneaky tactic to make you question your sanity, your perceptions, and your experiences. Essentially, it’s a means of messing with your head and making you question what you know to be true. For example, if you’re worried about being bullied at the workplace, a narcissist might say, “You’re the only one who feels like that.” But guess what? You’re not alone in feeling that way. The narcissist is saying this to control you.
Number 4: “I’m just kidding.”
Narcissists also enjoy deflecting blame using humor. They’ll do or say something, and when it lands you in hot water, they’re “Hey, I was joking!” Suddenly, when you’re angry, it’s because you can’t take a joke, not because they’ve done or said something wrong. It’s a sneaky trick for avoiding blame and keeping you from speaking up about what they’ve done.
For instance, when a narcissist mocks one’s looks, such as making fun of one for dieting, particularly in public, it can be extremely painful and humiliating. It is more so if the person has an eating disorder. Puns on sensitive issues such as weight can disturb individuals, and calling it “just a joke” doesn’t work. These kinds of jokes can inflict lasting pain and trauma. But narcissists don’t care about that. They do care about being good-looking in public and having fun at your expense. To them, you just can’t be teased.
Continue reading on the next page
Sharing Is Caring!
