How to Gray Rock a Narcissist

The best way to deal with an abusive, narcissistic person is to cut them out of your life entirely. However, sometimes these toxic people can’t be completely removed from your life. For example, they could be family members, in-laws, or co-parents. Therefore, at some point, you will have to interact with these people a little bit. One of the best ways to deal with a narcissist or a toxic person is to give them the gray rock method.

So, what is the gray rock method? Essentially, you want to make interacting with you so uninteresting that they don’t get any pleasure from their intimidation or manipulation tactics. You want to become as boring as a gray rock, so they’ll go away and find someone else to bother. Let’s dive into three easy ways to gray rock a narcissist or other toxic person.

1. Become as Interesting as a “Gray Rock”

A key aspect of the gray rock method is to bore the narcissist away from you. So, no matter how you feel inside, the goal is to remain emotionless and dull. Try to respond with short, one-word answers with zero emotion attached to them. As they are looking for some form of a reaction out of you, the best thing to do is stay reactionless.

Another way to become disinteresting is to become distracted. Only half pay attention when this person tries to engage you in a conversation. Find something else to do, fold clothes, or scroll through your phone while they speak and only give short, brief responses. Eventually, without being able to engage you in some sort of chaos, a narcissist will give up and become bored with you.

2. Become Unapproachable to Gray Rock a Narcissist

One of the best ways to keep from reacting to a narcissist’s toxic abuse is to become as unapproachable as possible. For example, when a toxic person tries to engage with you, try to take longer than normal to give them a response. Another great way to become unapproachable is to cross your arms or legs or try to distance yourself from this person physically. If you become closed off or dull, they may lose interest in you and move on.

3. Never Feed Their Drama “Supply”

The number one way to gray rock a narcissist is to become unresponsive. They are seeking a reaction from you somehow, so when you don’t give in to the drama they crave so badly, chances are they will eventually leave you alone. So, learn to avoid making any eye contact with them, and whatever you do, don’t get into any arguments no matter how bad you may want to because this is exactly the response from you that they are digging for.

A Life Coach Can Help You Set Boundaries

There are times, however, when the gray rock method may not be appropriate. For example, if you are dealing with a violent-prone individual, the gray rock method may make them more aggressive. If this is the case, you should seek professional help to ensure your safety.

But if you’re dealing with a narcissist with whom you must interact, then trying the gray rock method may work to your advantage. If you still want some relationship advice, consider hiring a life coach. Life coaches have extensive knowledge when it comes to relationships with others and can help you find a healthy way to set personal boundaries. Reach out to UnPause Your Life today and hire a life coach.