Narcissistic people often believe they are more important than you, busier than you, and overall better than you. When they say, “I just don’t have time for this,” it’s usually a dismissive way to shut down conversations that they find uninteresting or inconvenient—especially if the conversation requires emotional effort or self-reflection.
A busy but considerate person might say, “I really want to hear more, but I’m running into a meeting, can we talk later?” In contrast, narcissistic individuals use this phrase as a contemptuous way of brushing off what they see as trivial concerns, often because the conversation doesn’t feed their ego or feels like a threat to their self-image.
5. “I hope you know who you’re messing with.”
This is a statement of dominance, often used by narcissists who need to feel powerful and intimidating. They thrive on being the most dominant person in the room, and this phrase is their way of asserting control, ensuring that others feel intimidated.
In more extreme cases, like with malignant narcissists or individuals bordering on psychopathy, this phrase can be a genuine threat. It’s a form of psychological manipulation, meant to scare you into submission. If someone says this to you, take it seriously. Even if you’re not in physical danger, you could be at risk of legal threats, reputation damage, or other forms of harm.
6. “It’s not fair.”
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