Nothing feels better than finally seeing a narcissist for what and who they are and freeing yourself from the shackles of a relationship of any kind with them. However, don’t expect them to go quietly — once they realize they can’t get one over on you anymore, it won’t be long before they start scrambling by doing these things.
1. They try to get you to pity them.
Narcissists often resort to playing the victim card, sharing tales of their past hardships or trauma. This manipulation tactic aims to garner sympathy and emotionally tie you closer to them. By portraying themselves as victims, they hope to maintain control over your emotions and loyalty.
2. They sabotage your support systems.
In an attempt to isolate you further, narcissists may target your relationships with friends and family. They’ll employ tactics such as spreading rumors, creating misunderstandings, or sowing discord. By sabotaging your support systems, they ensure that you have fewer sources of emotional strength outside of the relationship.
3. They gaslight you with “concern.”
Narcissists love pretending to be extremely concerned about your well-being as a guise to gain information. They want to understand your activities, interactions, and thoughts. This information may later be used against you as they twist your words and actions to fit their narrative. They’re gaslighting you by making you feel bad for calling out their behavior since they claim they’re only doing it because they care.
4. They pretend to be vulnerable.
Some narcissists pretend to be vulnerable by opening up about their insecurities or past mistakes. This vulnerability act is a calculated move to appear more relatable and evoke empathy from you. They hope that you’ll feel guilty for considering distancing yourself from someone who appears to be struggling.
5. They weaponize gifts and favors.
Gifts and favors from narcissists are not purely acts of kindness. They’re often used strategically to create a sense of indebtedness. By offering assistance or presents, they aim to make you feel obligated to stay in the relationship, as if you owe them something in return.
6. They plant seeds of doubt.
Narcissists employ subtle tactics to make you question your own judgment and mental stability. They may cast doubt on your memory, perceptions, or understanding of events. This psychological manipulation can lead to self-doubt and confusion, making it harder for you to trust your instincts.
7. They seek validation from other people.
To boost their ego and regain control, narcissists may seek validation from external sources. They may exaggerate their accomplishments, virtues, or desirability on social media or in front of friends. This external validation serves as a means to reinforce their self-worth and assert dominance.
8. They dish out subtle criticisms.
Rather than direct criticism, some narcissists use subtle and passive-aggressive comments to chip away at your self-esteem. Sarcasm, backhanded compliments, and veiled insults can erode your confidence and make you question your self-worth.
9. They adopt a martyr persona.
Narcissists may suddenly present themselves as martyrs, claiming they make significant sacrifices for the relationship. This tactic aims to guilt-trip you into staying and making concessions. They want you to feel that they’ve given up so much for you, creating an emotional debt you’re expected to repay.
10. They pretend to be indifferent.
In a bid to regain control, some narcissists may act indifferent, as if they no longer care about the relationship or your feelings. This emotional withdrawal is designed to trigger your fear of abandonment, making you seek their approval and attention. It’s a manipulative way to reassert dominance.
11. They play the role of “misunderstood genius.”
Some narcissists portray themselves as misunderstood geniuses or visionaries. They may claim to possess exceptional talents or insights that others fail to recognize. This tactic aims to inflate their ego and convince you that they’re unique and indispensable.
12. They hijack your goals and achievements.
Narcissists might try to take credit for your accomplishments or hijack your goals. They’ll downplay your contributions and exaggerate their role in your success. This behavior is intended to assert dominance and make you dependent on their validation.
13. They have selective memory.
When confronted with past behavior or promises, narcissists may conveniently have selective memory. They might deny previous statements or actions, making it challenging to hold them accountable for their actions. This tactic aims to gaslight you into doubting your own recollections.
14. They create false emergencies.
To regain your attention and emotional investment, narcissists may manufacture crises or emergencies. They’ll make it seem like only they can solve these issues, manipulating you into focusing on them and their problems instead of your own needs.
15. They become intellectual snobs.
Some narcissists employ intellectual snobbery, belittling your ideas or interests as inferior or unsophisticated. They want to position themselves as superior and make you feel inadequate, undermining your self-esteem.
16. They act all enlightened.
Narcissists may claim to have achieved a higher level of enlightenment or self-awareness. They’ll use this as a basis for offering unsolicited life advice and criticizing your choices. This tactic aims to establish themselves as authorities and diminish your autonomy.
17. They use ambiguity to regain control.
Narcissists may communicate ambiguously or withhold information intentionally. They want to keep you in a state of uncertainty, making you more reliant on them for clarity. This behavior reinforces their position of control in the relationship.
Enjoy this piece? Give it a like and follow Bolde on MSN for more!
