A narcissist is someone who has an inflated sense of their importance, a deep need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. They may come across as...
A narcissist is someone who has an inflated sense of their importance, a deep need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. They may come across as cocky or conceited, boastful or pretentious. Narcissists often use manipulation tactics to maintain control in relationships, exploiting their narcissistic traits to create an abusive relationship dynamic. Individuals with narcissistic personality disorder frequently employ tactics that can exacerbate mental disorders and lead to low self-esteem in their victims. Narcissists are often charming at first- but the charm wears off very quickly. Using the skills of spending time shifting blame and avoiding taking responsibility, these self-absorbed individuals may even drive others to self harm through their relentless and harmful actions. Narcissists can be difficult to deal with and they often try to manipulate the people around them.
One of the ways that narcissists manipulate is by playing on your emotions. They may try to make you feel guilty or ashamed, to control you.
Some examples of how this can look are:
These are just a few examples of how a narcissist might try to manipulate you emotionally. If you're dealing with a narcissist, it's important to be aware of their tactics so you can protect yourself.
In addition to emotional manipulation, narcissists may also try physical manipulation. This can involve using their physical presence to intimidate or control you. For example, they might stand too close to you, invade your personal space, or even threaten you physically. They might also try to control your behavior by using physical force or violence. This is one way how a narcissist manipulates.
Narcissists may also try to manipulate you psychologically. This can involve trying to control how you think or feel about yourself or the situation. For example, they might try to gaslight you- which means they try to make you question your own reality or memory. They might say things like, "You're just imagining things," or "I never said that." They might also try to convince you that you're not good enough, or that you're to blame for whatever problems they're experiencing. This is another way how a narcissist manipulates.
Understanding how narcissists manipulate you can help you recognize and protect yourself from narcissistic abuse in various relationships.
Tactic
Example
Blame Shifting
The narcissist creates scenarios where they blame you for their own actions, leaving you questioning your self worth.
Love Bombing
In the beginning of romantic relationships, they may overwhelm you with affection to gain control and make you overly sensitive to their needs.
Silent Treatment
They may ignore you completely to maintain control and make you feel insignificant, leading to constant fear of rejection.
Smear Campaign
Narcissists often spread rumors about you to ruin your reputation and isolate you from your support network.
Emotional Blackmail
They use your emotions against you, threatening to harm themselves or others to manipulate your actions.
Projection
A tactic where they accuse you of having the same negative traits they possess, making you question your mental state and self esteem.
Triangulation
They involve a third person in conflicts to create jealousy and rivalry, further maintaining control over the relationship.
Minimizing Your Feelings
Narcissists often downplay your feelings and experiences to make you feel overly sensitive and unimportant.
Gaslighting is a type of psychological manipulation that can be very damaging. It involves making someone question their own reality or memory, to the point where they doubt themselves. Gaslighting can be extremely harmful and it's important to be aware of it if you're dealing with a narcissist. The name gaslighting comes from the 1938 play Gas Light, in which a husband tries to make his wife think she's going crazy by dimming the gas lights and then denying that he did it. Be mindful of those who try to gaslight you- it's a form of control and manipulation that can have a serious impact on your life. Gaslighting is different than lying in that it's not just about deceiving someone, it's about making them doubt their own reality or memory.
Narcissists can be difficult to deal with and they often try to manipulate the people around them. If you're in a relationship with a narcissist, it's important to be aware of their tactics so you can protect yourself.
Some warning signs of narcissism are:
These are a few things to look out for when identifying. This is an important part of learning how a narcissist manipulates.
It can be a challenge to have to share space with a narcissist. If you have to deal with a narcissist, here are some tips:
If you're in a relationship with a narcissist, it's important to get out of it if possible. If you can't leave, there are still things you can do to protect yourself.
If you're struggling to deal with a narcissist, it's important to seek professional help if necessary. A therapist can help you understand the situation and give you the tools to deal with it.
The information in this article is for informational purposes only. This content should not be considered professional medical advice. If you need help please seek medical attention from a licensed medical professional, therapist, counselor, or psychologist. They can help you by offering professional advice and giving you the tools you need to navigate challenging mental health situations.
If you're in a relationship with a narcissist, it's important to be aware of their tactics so you can protect yourself. Try to get them to see things from your perspective and avoid arguing with them. Set boundaries and stick to them. Make sure you have a support system of friends or family you can rely on. If you're struggling to deal with a narcissist, it's important to seek professional help if necessary. A therapist can help you understand the situation and give you the tools to deal with it.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, and owner of Overcomers Counseling. I'm dedicated to helping individuals find strength and healing through life’s challenges. With a deep understanding of mental health and years of professional experience, I specialize in fostering hope and resilience while equipping her clients with tools to thrive. Passionate about empowering others, she creates a safe, supportive space where everyone feels seen, valued, and capable of overcoming obstacles on their path to well-being.
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