What to Say When a Narcissistic Parent Uses Guilt to Avoid Accountability

It’s common for narcissistic parents to use guilt to evade accountability. Sometimes, no words will work better than silence. Narcissistic parents, whether grandiose or vulnerable, often use any reaction as supply. If you notice yourself feeling pulled into a guilt narrative or self-doubt, consider pausing entirely. No response is a powerful response when the other person is not engaging in good faith.

Here are some different scripts you can use and make your own:

• “I hear that you feel that way.”
• “Thank you for sharing that.”
• “I am not willing to have this conversation.”
• “That is my boundary. It is not changing.”
• “I’m not going to argue about that.”
• “Thank you for sharing your perspective.”
• “I know my decision.”
• “Okay.”
• “I don’t have anything else to say about that.”
• “You’re entitled to that opinion.”
• “I’m not explaining this again.”
• “I’ve said what I need to say.”
• [Silence.]
• “We remember this differently.”
• “I am not going to discuss this anymore.”