Negotiate Anything Winning Against Narcissists: Why Logic Fails — and What Actually Works
Mar 28, 2026
Rebecca Zung, attorney and bestselling author who created the SLAY method for negotiating with high-conflict personalities. She explains how narcissists think, why logic fails with them, and how to set firm boundaries. Hear practical tactics for creating leverage, anticipating baiting, and protecting yourself in divorce, work, and family conflicts.
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Narcissists Operate From An Inner Void
- Narcissists feel an inner void and seek external validation as a substitute for inherent self-worth.
- Rebecca Zung explains this is lifelong scarcity manifesting as both 'diamond' supply (status, money) and 'coal' supply (devaluing others).
Begin With One Clear Boundary
- Start by building a clear strategy: define your vision, action steps, and one concrete boundary.
- Zung's first boundary example is refusing to be spoken to disrespectfully and using an 'invisible bubble' mindset to detach.
Narcissistic Rage Comes From Limbic Hijack
- Narcissistic reactions are often limbic, not rational, because childhood trauma can damage the emotional brain.
- Zung describes 'splitting' and 'narcissistic injury' where the limbic system hijacks responses to triggers like tone or an eye roll.
