How do you deal with deflection? The best way to deal with deflection is to communicate how you feel. Point out that you feel the person is deflecting their fault onto you and that it is not appreciated. If they continue practicing this behavior, it is best to keep your distance, as this is a very negative trait.

What to say to someone who is deflecting?

When dealing with deflection in the moment, the best technique I have found is to bring the focus back to the person by saying something like this: “I hear what you are saying, but let's talk about what you can control.”

What does it mean when someone is always deflecting?

Deflection Can Be a Coping Mechanism

We want people to see us as functional, dependable, and trustworthy. For some people, deflection is a coping mechanism to make sure others don't think less of them. In the case of substance use disorder (SUD), sufferers may use deflection to take the attention off of themselves.