You might detect abrupt shifts in their tone—suddenly louder or lower, trying to project dominance or control. Speaking loudly is often their way of claiming authority, indirectly signaling, “I’m in charge.” On the other hand, a lower, harsher tone often conceals their anxiety, as they’re trying not to reveal their underlying nervousness. Even if they smile constantly or display a relaxed façade, it’s all a carefully controlled act to maintain a sense of superiority.
5. Interruptions and Derailing Conversations
A narcissist might frequently interrupt or talk over you, hoping to derail your thought process. This behavior is intended to make you question yourself—whether you’re being understood or if you’re making mistakes. They may ask distracting questions, often with an aggressive “but what about…?” or “why didn’t you…?” The goal is to dominate the conversation and pull you off track. They’ll keep throwing out “ifs,” “buts,” and “whats” until they get a reaction. And when you react, they’ll twist it to make you seem unprofessional or emotionally unstable, all while appearing calm and collected. Their questions are rarely sincere but instead designed to provoke and destabilize you.
If a narcissist targets you with any of these behaviors, it’s because they feel threatened by you. Remember, you are their nightmare because they can’t control you. Stay true to yourself, and you’ll continue to make them nervous. Thank you for listening; I’ll talk to you in the next episode. Until then, as always—let the healing begin.
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