Are you tired of dealing with a narcissistic person who constantly belittles, manipulates, or controls you?
Are you looking for ways to get back at them and assert your autonomy and independence?
If so, you are not alone. Many people have struggled with narcissists in their lives, and they have found ways to get revenge and stand up for themselves.
This article will explore 12 ways to take revenge on a narcissist.
How to take revenge on a narcissist?
From criticizing them to exposing their behavior in public, these strategies can help you to get back at the narcissist and to assert your own power.
While getting revenge on a narcissist may not solve all of your problems, it can be a satisfying and empowering way to deal with their toxic behavior.
Remember, however, that getting revenge on a narcissist is not a healthy or productive way to deal with their behavior.
It’s important to focus on your happiness and well-being and seek support and guidance from others.
With that in mind, let’s explore 12 ways to take revenge on a narcissist.
#1: Undermine their ego by criticizing them
Criticizing a narcissist can be a way to get revenge on them, as it can dent their ego and make them feel inferior. A narcissist craves admiration and validation, and criticism can be a way to undermine their self-image.
However, it’s important to be cautious when criticizing a narcissist, as they can be extremely defensive and may retaliate. It’s best to deliver criticism in a calm and measured manner and to avoid personal attacks.
#2: Assert your own power by taking authority away from them
Taking authority away from a narcissist can be a way to get revenge on them, as it can deprive them of the power and control they crave.
A narcissist often tries to dominate and control others, and taking away their ability to do so can be a way to assert your own autonomy. This can be done in various ways, such as by delegating tasks to others, setting boundaries, or standing up for yourself.
#3: Challenge their expectations by saying “no.”
Saying “no” to a narcissist can be a way to get revenge on them, as it can show them that you are not afraid to assert your own wants and needs.
A narcissist is used to getting their own way, and saying “no” can be a way to challenge their expectations and assert their own independence.
However, it’s important to be cautious when saying “no” to a narcissist, as they may react with anger or aggression. It’s best to say “no” in a firm but polite manner and to be prepared for the potential consequences.
#4: Cut them out of your life by going “no contact.”
Cutting off all communication with a narcissist, also known as “going no contact,” can be a form of retribution. It denies them the attention and validation they desire.
A narcissist feeds off of the reactions of others. Cutting them out of your life can be a way to deny them the satisfaction of manipulating you.
Going “no contact” can be difficult, especially if the narcissist is someone you are close to. However, it can be an effective way to protect yourself from toxic behavior.
#5: Expose their behavior in public
Exposing a narcissist’s behavior in public can be a way to get revenge on them, as it can undermine their reputation and make them feel ashamed. A narcissist often tries to present a perfect image to the world, and exposing their true nature can be a way to puncture their facade.
This can be achieved by sharing stories of their manipulative or selfish behavior or documenting their actions and making them public. However, it’s important to be careful when exposing a narcissist, as they may react with anger or aggression.
#6: Achieve success in areas they wish to dominate
Succeeding in areas that a narcissist wants to dominate can be a way to get revenge on them. It will show them that you are not inferior to them. A narcissist often tries to assert superiority over others, and outperforming them in a particular area can be a way to challenge their assumptions.
This can be done by excelling in a hobby, sport, or job that the narcissist is interested in or achieving a goal that the narcissist has set for themselves. However, it’s important to be careful when trying to outdo a narcissist, as they may react with jealousy or resentment.
#7: Make them jealous
Making a narcissist jealous can be a way to get revenge on them, as it can make them feel insecure and threatened. A narcissist is often threatened by the success or happiness of others, and flaunting your own achievements or relationships can be a way to make them feel envious.
However, it’s important to be careful when making a narcissist jealous, as they may react with anger or aggression. It’s best to be subtle and discreet and to avoid taunting or gloating.
#8: Flatter them into doing a favor for you
Tricking a narcissist into doing you a favor can be a way to get them to do something for you without them realizing it. This can be done by setting up a fake situation, such as pretending that you need help with a task or problem and then making it seem like the narcissist is the only one who can help you. Alternatively, you could use flattery or manipulation to convince the narcissist to do you a favor.
For example, you could tell the narcissist that you admire their skills or talents and then ask them to help you with something that requires those skills.
This can be a way to get them to do something for you without them realizing they are being used. Alternatively, you could use reverse psychology by pretending that you don’t want their help and then making it seem like they are the only ones who can save the day.
Tricking a narcissist into doing you a favor can be a satisfying way to get back at them, but it’s important to be careful. Narcissists may react with anger or aggression if they realize they have been tricked, so it’s best to be subtle and discreet.
#9: Outperform them at a game
Outperforming a narcissist at a game can be a way to get revenge on them, as it can show them that you are not inferior to them.
A narcissist often tries to assert superiority over others, and excelling at a game that they are interested in can be a way to challenge their assumptions. This can be done by practicing and improving your skills or finding a game that the narcissist is not good at.
For example, suppose the narcissist is a skilled chess player. In that case, you could challenge them to a game and use your expertise to outmaneuver them.
Alternatively, suppose the narcissist is a talented athlete. In that case, you could compete against them in a sport that you are also good at. By outperforming the narcissist at a game, you can show them that you are not afraid to challenge them and that you are capable of standing up for yourself.
#10: Learning from your mistakes
While seeking revenge on a narcissist may seem satisfying at the moment, it ultimately will not bring you the closure or healing you need.
Instead, it is important to focus on your well-being and growth and learn from your experiences with the narcissist.
This means examining your own mistakes and taking steps to improve and avoid making similar ones in the future.
For example, you may need to work on setting healthier boundaries and asserting yourself more in relationships. You may also need to seek support from friends, family, or a therapist to help you process your experiences and move forward positively.
#11: Make yourself a priority
Putting yourself first is a crucial part of self-care, as it involves prioritizing your happiness and fulfillment over the wants and needs of others.
When you make yourself a priority, you prioritize your own happiness and fulfillment, and you take the necessary steps to ensure that you are healthy and happy.
This can involve setting boundaries, saying “no” to things that do not serve you and taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Relationship counselors advise against rebounding after a breakup, as it can create the illusion of love while doing little to heal the wounds of the past relationship.
A study from 2014 1Brumbaugh, C. (2014) Too fast, too soon? An empirical investigation into rebound relationships found that people who rebounded quickly experienced some positive outcomes, such as higher self-esteem. However, the quality of their new relationships and their feelings towards their ex-partners were less clear.
Making yourself a priority can be especially important when dealing with narcissists, as they often try to manipulate and control others. By making yourself a priority, you can assert your autonomy and independence and protect yourself from the narcissist’s toxic behavior.
#12: Spending quality time with friends
One of the best ways to get revenge on a narcissist is to focus on your own happiness and well-being. This means going outside, spending time with your friends, and enjoying life. By doing this, you can show the narcissist that you are not affected by their behavior and that you can continue without them.
This can involve setting goals, working hard, and achieving your dreams. By doing this, you can show the narcissist that you are an independent person who is not dependent on them for your self-worth.
How to get revenge on a cheating narcissist?
One way to get revenge on a cheating narcissist is to expose their behavior to others. This can involve sharing stories of their infidelity with friends, family, or colleagues, and it can be a way to undermine the narcissist’s reputation and make them feel ashamed.
By exposing the narcissist’s cheating, you can also alert others to their behavior and warn them about the narcissist’s manipulative and deceitful nature.
Another way to get revenge on a cheating narcissist is to assert your own power and independence. This can involve setting boundaries, saying “no” to their requests, and cutting them out of your life if necessary.
By doing this, you can show the narcissist that you are not dependent on them and that you can stand up for yourself and make your own decisions.
In 2008, Dr. Ian McKee, a social psychologist at Adelaide University, 2 Dr. Ian McKee (2008) Revenge, retribution, and values: social attitudes and punitive sentencing conducted a study investigating what motivates people to seek revenge. He identified two key factors that drive vengeful behavior: authoritarianism and social dominance orientation. Authoritarians desire power, status, and authority. To maintain their position, they are willing to retaliate against perceived wrongs.
Similarly, those with high social dominance orientation value hierarchy and are motivated to punish those viewed as inferior. According to Dr. McKee’s research, the root of vengeance lies in these tendencies – the need to assert power and status. People driven by such motives often seek revenge without considering potential repercussions.
How to get revenge on a covert narcissist?
If you’re looking to get revenge on a covert narcissist, one of the most effective ways to do so is by cutting off all contact with them. By removing yourself from their toxic influence, you can protect your well-being and focus on moving forward positively.
Meanwhile, the narcissist will be left to continue living in their destructive environment. Rather than seeking revenge, trust that karma will handle the situation and that justice will be served in the end. Remember to prioritize your happiness and health, and don’t let the actions of others bring you down.
In 2013, this study3Denissen, J. J. A. (2013). Narcissistic admiration and rivalry: Disentangling the bright and dark sides of narcissism proposed a two-dimensional model of narcissism: admiration and rivalry. He validated this model and showed the dimensions have distinct nomological networks and intra/interpersonal consequences, outperforming existing narcissism measures.
Final Thoughts
While getting revenge on a narcissist may be tempting, it’s important to remember that it’s not healthy or productive.
These emotions can be destructive and immature, preventing you from living a fulfilling life.
Instead, focus on your happiness and well-being, and let the narcissist fade into the background of your life.
