Encountering a self-entitled narcissist can be more than just an annoyance—it can be a real drain on your emotional well-being.

These individuals often reveal their true nature when things don’t go their way.

They might lash out, manipulate, or even intimidate to regain control.

It’s important to understand these behaviors not only to protect yourself but also to manage your interactions with them effectively.

By being aware of the tactics narcissists use, you can better prepare yourself to handle these situations.

Let’s explore 7 common behaviors self-entitled narcissists display when they’re denied what they want.

1) They throw an adult tantrum

Ever witnessed a grown person throwing a fit like a five-year-old denied candy? It’s not a pretty sight.

But it’s something you’ll often see when a self-entitled narcissist doesn’t get their way.

They might start yelling, become overly dramatic, or even resort to name-calling.

This behavior serves two purposes for them: it’s a way to express their frustration, and it’s also a manipulation tactic.

They figure if they make enough of a scene, they’ll wear you down and get what they want.

Remember, though, that you’re dealing with an adult here.

And adults should be able to handle disappointment without resorting to toddler tactics. So don’t be fooled or bullied into giving in.

2) They play the victim

I once had a friend, let’s call him Mark. Mark was your textbook narcissist – charming, charismatic, and completely self-absorbed.

We had planned a road trip with a group of friends, but due to unforeseen circumstances, we had to change the date. Everyone else managed to adjust their schedules, but Mark couldn’t make it on the new date.

And… did he play the victim card?

Yes. He went on and on about how everyone was against him, how we were deliberately excluding him.

He even tried to guilt-trip some of us into changing the date back.

Now, life isn’t always fair and things don’t always go our way.

But a self-entitled narcissist like Mark?

They’ll twist the narrative to make themselves the poor, innocent victim – all in a bid to manipulate others into giving them what they want.

3) They dish out the silent treatment

Imagine having a disagreement with someone, a typical part of human interaction, right?

But instead of resolving it like adults, they shut you out completely. No calls, no texts, not even a glance in your direction.

That’s the silent treatment for you.

Narcissists use this as a weapon, a way to punish those who dare to defy them.

They believe their silence, their absence will make you realize the ‘error’ of your ways.

Let me tell you something. It’s okay to disagree. It’s okay to stand your ground. Don’t let the cold shoulder from a self-entitled narcissist make you question that.

Their silent treatment is more about them than it is about you. It’s their way of trying to regain control when they don’t get their way.

They’re just playing their game. Don’t let them control the narrative. Stand your ground and maintain your sanity amidst their storm of silence.

4) They resort to personal attacks

When a self-entitled narcissist is denied what they want, they often turn quite nasty.

And I’m not talking about a few harsh words here. Nope, they go for the jugular.

They’ll bring up your insecurities, your past mistakes, and anything they can use to hurt you and assert their dominance. It’s a low blow, aimed to make you feel small so they can feel big.

Their words are a reflection of their character, not yours.

Don’t let their personal attacks get to you. You are much stronger than their hurtful words and you’re definitely worth more than their petty games.

5) They manipulate the facts

Did you know that our memories aren’t as reliable as we think? Studies show that each time we recall an event, our brain subtly changes the memory.

It’s a fascinating yet slightly disturbing phenomenon.

Self-entitled narcissists, knowingly or unknowingly, exploit this by manipulating facts to suit their narrative. They’ll twist and turn the truth until it aligns with their viewpoint.

This is especially common when they don’t get their way. They’ll paint themselves as the hero, the martyr, or the victim, bending the truth until it’s unrecognizable.

So, here’s what you do: Stay grounded in reality.

Trust your instincts and don’t let their version of events sway you from what you know is true. 

6) They deflect blame

It’s always someone else’s fault, isn’t it? That’s the mantra of a self-entitled narcissist when things don’t go their way.

Maybe they missed a deadline, said something hurtful, or made a mistake. But rather than owning up to it, they deflect the blame onto others.

Nobody is perfect. We all make mistakes, and that’s okay. It’s how we grow and learn.

So when a narcissist tries to pin their shortcomings on you, remember that their refusal to accept responsibility is not a reflection on you.

7) They threaten or intimidate

When all else fails, a self-entitled narcissist might resort to threats or intimidation to get their way. This could be physical, emotional, or even financial.

It’s a desperate and dangerous tactic that shows just how far they are willing to go to maintain their control and get what they want.

Seek help immediately, be it from friends, family, or professional resources.

Your safety and well-being should always be your top priority. No one has the right to threaten or intimidate you into submission.

Stand strong, seek support, and protect yourself.

Final thoughts

Dealing with a self-entitled narcissist can be incredibly challenging, but knowing their tactics can make a big difference.

Whether they’re throwing tantrums, playing the victim, or shifting blame, these behaviors are all about maintaining control and manipulating those around them.

It’s important to stay grounded and not let their actions dictate your emotions or decisions.

Establishing firm boundaries and seeking support from trusted individuals can help you maintain your composure and protect your mental health.

Always prioritize your well-being and understand that their behavior is a reflection of them, not of you.

Stand your ground, remain confident, and focus on creating a positive environment for yourself.