“Unmasking the Manipulators: 12 Surprising Tactics Narcissists Use When They Know You’ve Discovered Their Game”
This creates a false sense of loyalty while undermining your support system. Isolation is a dangerous game that can lead to loneliness and confusion.
5. Gaslighting
Gaslighting is a classic trait of narcissistic behavior and can ramp up when they sense you’re catching on. They might say, “I never said that…you must be imagining things,” leaving you feeling puzzled and unsure.
The goal is to spin an alternate reality where you feel uncertain and confused. It’s a deliberate tactic to shake your confidence, so stay strong and trust yourself!
6. Playing the Victim
“You just don’t understand how hard my life has been,” is a common line from victim-playing narcissists. When they sense their grip on you is slipping, they will share sob stories about their past, positioning themselves as misunderstood individuals constantly facing adversity.
This victim mentality serves to evoke sympathy from others. They may also frame themselves as the hero in their narrative however it’s not them sharing and being vulnerable, it’s coercion.
7. Threatening Dire Consequences
When narcissists sense they’re losing control, they might use subtle or direct threats to maintain their influence. It could be as gentle as hinting that your relationships or opportunities might take a hit if you don’t align with their wishes.
For example, “If you keep doing this, I might have to leave.” They use intimidation as a tool to keep you toeing the line.
