When someone plays the victim, you sense manipulation. When they gaslight, you feel a narcissist’s grip.
Welcome to the art of reading narcissists.
It’s not a walk in the park, I’ll tell you that. Their minds are like labyrinths, filled with confusing twists and turns that make it a challenge to understand their true intentions.
But some signs are clear as day. Especially when their usual tricks fail to work. And that’s what we’re going to dig into today.
Get ready to dive into the world of narcissists and explore the eight things they do when they realize their tricks aren’t working anymore.
Manipulation is a narcissist’s favorite game. It’s how they maintain control, how they keep people under their thumb.
But what happens when those tactics stop working? When the people they’re trying to manipulate start catching on to their tricks?
Well, they don’t back down. Not a chance.
Instead, they double down.
They push harder, use more force, and become even more relentless in their pursuit of control. They see it as a challenge that needs to be overcome, not a sign that they should change their ways.
It’s like a battle for dominance, and they’re not willing to lose. It can be incredibly frustrating to deal with, but recognizing this pattern is the first step in breaking free from a narcissist’s grip.
In my experience, when a narcissist feels their control slipping away, they turn to a new weapon – personal attacks.
I remember when I first started standing up for myself against a narcissistic friend. I began voicing my opinions more, asserting my boundaries, and not giving in to their manipulative tactics.
Their reaction?
They started attacking me personally. They would criticize my character, belittle my achievements, and even question my mental stability. It was like they were trying to chip away at my self-esteem to regain their control.
It hurt, I won’t lie. But it also made me realize just how desperate they were to maintain control. And that realization? It gave me the strength to keep pushing back.
Narcissists have a unique talent for flipping the script. When their manipulation isn’t working, they often resort to playing the victim.
Suddenly, they’re the ones who are being treated unfairly. They’re the ones who are being misunderstood. The fault is never theirs; it’s always someone else’s.
This tactic is known as ‘DARVO‘ – Deny, Attack, and Reverse Victim and Offender. It’s a classic move in a narcissist’s playbook and a psychological manipulation tactic that can make you second-guess your own perceptions.
So, next time you see a narcissist playing the victim, remember this: it’s not you, it’s their last-ditch attempt to regain control.
When narcissists feel their grip loosening, they often resort to bringing up your past mistakes.
Ever had an argument and suddenly they’re bringing up that one time you messed up years ago? That’s a red flag right there. It’s a desperate move to shift the focus from their failing tactics onto your past errors.
What they’re trying to do is make you feel guilty, hoping that the guilt will make you more susceptible to their manipulation. It’s another twisted way for them to regain control and maintain their upper hand.
But remember, everyone makes mistakes. Don’t let them use your past against you.
When narcissists realize their manipulation isn’t getting through, they might resort to giving you the silent treatment. I’ve seen this happen more times than I can count.
Suddenly, they become unresponsive, ignoring your texts and calls, and acting as though you don’t exist. It’s their way of punishing you for not falling in line with their manipulation.
I’ve been on the receiving end of this tactic, and it’s incredibly unsettling. It makes you feel like you’re in the wrong, like you’re the one who messed up.
But here’s the truth: The silent treatment is not a mature response, it’s a manipulation tactic. Don’t let it make you question your worth or your actions. You’re not in the wrong for standing up to a narcissist.
It might seem odd, but when a narcissist’s manipulation fails, they sometimes switch gears and act overly nice.
Suddenly, they’re showering you with compliments, agreeing with everything you say, and being incredibly supportive. It can be confusing, to say the least.
But this sudden shift in behavior is just another form of manipulation. They’re hoping that by being excessively nice, they can lure you back into their web of control.
So if you notice this sudden change, be cautious. It’s not genuine kindness; it’s a mask hiding their true intentions.
When a narcissist senses their manipulation isn’t working, they might resort to threats. One of their favorites is threatening to leave or abandon the relationship.
It’s a scare tactic, designed to make you panic and give in to their demands. They’re banking on your fear of loss and abandonment to regain control.
But remember this: A relationship based on manipulation and control is not a healthy one. If a narcissist threatens to leave, it might be the best thing for you in the long run. Stand your ground and prioritize your own wellbeing.
When a narcissist’s manipulation isn’t working, they’ll often seek outside validation.
They’ll surround themselves with people who support their narrative and reinforce their sense of superiority.
They do this to rebuild their fragile ego and to create an illusion of being right. It’s a desperate attempt to regain control and maintain their self-image.
This tactic can be particularly damaging as it not only isolates you but also reinforces the narcissist’s delusion.
Stay aware, stay strong, and remember that you’re not alone in this.
If you’ve journeyed with me until this point, it’s clear you’re seeking understanding about the complex maze that is a narcissist’s mind. And hopefully, you’ve gained insight into their reactions when their manipulation fails.
Remember, it’s not about blaming or demonizing them. It’s about understanding their patterns and how they operate.
This awareness is crucial for self-preservation and maintaining your sanity when dealing with a narcissist.
Narcissists live in a world of control and manipulation. But that doesn’t mean we have to join them in that world.
We have the choice to step out of their maze, to regain our own control.
As we navigate these relationships, let’s remember this: Our self-worth is not dependent on their validation.
And it’s ok – more than ok – to prioritize our wellbeing above their need for control.
Take a moment to reflect on that. Let it sink in, because it’s important.
You matter. Your emotions matter. And you have every right to protect yourself against manipulation.
The labyrinth may be complex, but now you have a map. Use it wisely.
The post 8 things a narcissist will do when they realize their manipulation isn’t working appeared first on Small Business Bonfire.
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