Reacting to a Narcissist: Normal, But Not Necessary It’s completely normal to react when a narcissist plays their games. They know exactly how to push your buttons—provoking anger, guilt, or self-doubt—and it’s natural for anyone to respond emotionally. These reactions are part of being human. Feeling hurt, frustrated, or defensive does not mean you’re weak or over-sensitive; it simply shows that you care about being treated fairly. However, while reacting is normal, it’s vital to learn not to.