If you’re here, you’re probably dealing with someone who thinks they’re the center of the universe. They can be a handful, can’t they?

But don’t worry – we’ve got some tricks up our sleeves.

We will share eight perfect comebacks to instantly shut down a self-absorbed person. These comebacks will help you stay calm, stand your ground, and control the situation.

Ready to dive in? Let’s go!

1) “I hear you, but I don’t agree.”

We’ve all been there. The person before you is talking, but their points can be different from the perspective. It’s not a matter of right or wrong; it’s simply a divergence of viewpoints. So, how do you respond without sparking a fire?

Enter the perfect response: “I hear you, but I don’t agree.” It’s straightforward, respectful, yet firm. This reply acknowledges that you’ve understood their point of view but respectfully communicates that your viewpoint differs.

It’s a perfect way to establish your stance without escalating the situation. It’s okay to disagree – how you express it matters. This phrase does it in a relaxed and classy way.

2) “Let’s just stick to the facts”

Ever felt like you’re trapped in a twisted reality show, courtesy of your self-absorbed friend? They have this uncanny ability to bend the truth, making it fit their narrative. It can be incredibly frustrating and confusing.

So, how do you bring the conversation back to reality? Simple. You say, “Let’s just stick to the facts.” This response is like a reality check. It pulls the conversation out of the murky waters of manipulation and back onto solid ground.

It’s a polite but firm way of saying, “Let’s stop the mind games and talk about what’s happening.” This can help prevent misunderstandings and keep the conversation focused and productive.

3) “That’s not okay”

Sometimes, people, especially those who are self-absorbed, tend to overstep their boundaries. They might say something hurtful or act in a way that makes you uncomfortable. I’ve experienced this myself.

This one time, my friend, let’s call her Lisa, made a derogatory comment about my appearance at a party. I was taken aback. But instead of brushing it off, I decided to respond. I looked at her and said, “That’s not okay.”

This response is clear and direct. It communicates that someone’s behavior is unacceptable and crosses your boundaries. By saying it, you’re standing up for yourself and clarifying that such behavior won’t be tolerated.

It’s crucial to assert your boundaries in a respectful yet firm manner. And trust me, this phrase does the trick.

4) ”No”

“No” – A simple two-letter word, but so powerful! Many of us struggle with saying it, fearing we might come across as rude or uncaring.

When dealing with a self-absorbed person, “No” becomes indispensable. It’s a clear and direct way of asserting your boundaries and refusing to be pushed around.

You don’t owe anyone a justification or explanation for saying “no.” It’s your right to refuse something that doesn’t sit well with you.

So next time you’re cornered into an uncomfortable situation, remember this powerful word – “No.”

5) “We’re done talking about this”

There’s a moment in every problematic conversation where it’s clear that things are no longer constructive. Tempers have flared, or the person you’re talking to has started resorting to manipulation or nasty comments.

This phrase is more than just a response. It’s an act of self-care, a way of protecting your emotional health when things get tough. By expressing this, you’re clarifying that you won’t tolerate toxicity.

It’s okay to end a conversation that’s hurting you. You have the right to protect your peace, even if that means walking away from a discussion that’s turned sour.

6) “I’m not going to argue with you”

Picture this: you’re conversing with someone with a knack for turning everything into an argument. I’ve been there, and I know how frustrating it can be—one moment that sticks out to me involved a co-worker who loved to debate every tiny detail.

We discussed a project one afternoon, and he started arguing about a minor point. After a few minutes of back-and-forth, I realized it was turning into one of his endless debates. So, I said, “I’m not going to argue with you.”

I communicated that I wouldn’t engage in a pointless argument using this phrase. It helped me avoid unnecessary stress and keep my focus on the task at hand.

You don’t have to participate in every argument you’re invited to. Sometimes, stepping back and saving energy for more productive conversations is better.

7) “That’s an interesting way to see things.”

When dealing with a self-absorbed person, it’s common to encounter some rather unique perspectives. They often see the world through their unique lens, which can lead to some interesting viewpoints.

The expression doesn’t agree or disagree; instead, it neutrally believes your perspective without feeding into your need for validation or argument.

Remember, acknowledging doesn’t mean agreeing. Try using this phrase when you face an unusual perspective. It helps keep the peace.

8) “Let’s talk more when you’ve calmed down.”

I remember this when talking to my brother, who can sometimes be self-absorbed. We were having a heated discussion about a family matter.

As the conversation continued, he became increasingly agitated, and it was clear that we weren’t going to reach any understanding in his current state.

So, I took a deep breath and said, “Let’s talk more when you’ve calmed down.”

By communicating this, I was able to step back from an escalating situation. It gave my brother some time to cool down and reflect, and it gave me some breathing space, too.

Giving each other some space is the best way forward.