Recorded at 3:31am because sleep is optional and my demons keep me company.
This article hit 40-60k views (I don’t remember numbers, sue me). People recognized exactly what I was describing because they’ve lived it.
Here’s what you need to know: narcissists want you to keep explaining yourself. The more you explain, the more ammunition you give them.
These 7 phrases stop that cycle cold.
In this episode:
“I’m not going to discuss this further” - watch them escalate
“That’s an interesting perspective” - dismissive without fighting
“I don’t remember asking for your opinion” - for unsolicited bullshit
“Your reaction is telling” - hold up the mirror
“I’m going to need that in writing/proof” - documentation is kryptonite
“I notice you’re trying to change the subject” - call out deflection
“No” - just no. A complete sentence.
The phrases matter. But HOW you say them matters more. Tone and delivery are 96% of what’s communicated.
When my therapist Emily Davis was blackmailing me, every time I asked for proof of her claims, I got dodging. “I can’t today.” “I deleted it.” “It’s gone.” That told me everything.
Decent people respond positively to boundaries. Manipulators escalate.
Want the full breakdown with examples and why each phrase works?
Read the complete article:
This isn’t theory. This cost me six figures and almost my sobriety to learn.
Also: I already started playing Christmas music. Judge me.
—Cody Taymore
Kill The Silence
P.S. Lowered Substack prices to $7/month or $50/year. Got rid of the paywall on free posts. Making this accessible because pattern recognition shouldn’t have a price tag when you’re stuck in the shit.
