How To Deal With Smear Campaigns By A Narcissist
Firstly narcissists engage in smear campaigns because they want to gain others’ trust. This is why they spread rumours and talk behind your back to portray themselves as the victim. Narcissists also do this when they realize that you know about their true character. Thus, they engage in the smear campaign to persuade others that you are the villain of the story.
Some of the effective ways to deal with a narcissist’s smear campaign could be:
i) No response or reaction:
If you respond or react, you will be engaging in their wicked games. This is what the narcissist wants. Thus, the best response would be to do nothing. At first, it might be a bit difficult for you to do that. But this is the best way to respond to the smear campaign.
Even if you feel tempted to argue with the narcissist regarding their behaviour, you can’t do that because it will be a waste of time.
ii) Staying neutral and objective:
It might be painful for you if your loved ones are already pursued by the narcissist’s smear campaigns. Even if you tell others your side of the story and defend yourself, they might not believe you.
Especially if they are already convinced by the narcissist’s smear campaigns. As narcissists can be extremely charismatic and persuasive, most of the time people are likely to remain convinced with the narcissist’s side of the story. Thus, pursuing others with your side of the story is not always the best strategy.
If others ask about the rumours, try your best to stay impartial and neutral. Because whatever you comment on the issue to other people might be shared with the narcissist. The narcissist will use that information to further abuse you in the future.
While engaging with others regarding smear campaigns you can use the following statements:
- “My story is different from theirs, and I’m going to leave it at that.”
- “I appreciate your concern, but I’m not at liberty to discuss this right now.”
- “At the moment, I don’t feel the need to defend myself.”
