8 Phrases to Shut Down Narcissists/Toxic People -

Getting into a drama battle with a narcissist, to me, is like stepping into quicksand. The ground may appear solid, but one step in and it becomes obvious that it isn’t stable. The interesting thing about quicksand is that it doesn’t pose a real danger—unless you struggle. In other words, unless you start reacting emotionally and panicking, you won’t sink. The more you flail, the deeper you go.

This feels similar to what happens when you’re drawn into a drama battle with a narcissist. If you fall for any of their manipulation tactics—which I covered in a video about seven common strategies—they pull you deeper into their game. If you haven’t watched that video yet, make sure to check it out. Here’s the thing: narcissists operate in conversations to manipulate and destabilize. When you fall for their strategies, it’s like taking your first step into quicksand.

The temptation might be to reason with the narcissist, to be logical, and to get them to see your perspective so the issue can be resolved. But that’s akin to struggling in quicksand—it only makes things worse. Instead, it’s time to stop falling into their traps and start using strategies that help you stay grounded. These strategies are designed to keep you in control of your emotions, even when provoked. They ensure you remain yourself despite their attempts to push you over the edge.

Here are eight statements you can use when you sense a drama battle brewing: