A key characteristic of narcissists is their manipulative nature. This manipulation is the source of their power and control over others. Once a narcissist successfully manipulates you, you become vulnerable to their repeated tactics, often finding yourself trapped in their web with little chance of escape. This manipulation erodes your self-esteem and personal power. These are the most powerful strategies narcissists use to gain manipulative power over their partners or others.
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Love Bombing:
In the initial stages of a relationship, the narcissist showers the victim with excessive attention, affection, and gifts to gain their trust and control.A narcissistic partner might constantly text, shower the victim with compliments, and buy them expensive gifts, only to withdraw affection and become critical later on.
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Gaslighting:
Gaslighting is the act of twisting the truth or someone’s words or denying reality to make the victim question their own sanity. narcissistic partner might deny saying something hurtful to you, even when you have evidence, insisting that you are “imagining things” or “too sensitive.”
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Triangulation:
In this case, the narcissistic partner introduces a third person to create jealousy, insecurity, and competition. narcissistic partner might flirt with others in front of you, compare you unfavorably to an ex, or constantly talk about how much their ex admired him or her.
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Projection:
A narcissistic partner can also attribute his or her own negative qualities or behaviors to the significant other. narcissistic partner who is cheating might accuse you of being unfaithful.
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Playing the Victim:
Narcissists often portray themselves as helpless and unfairly treated to evoke sympathy and avoid taking responsibility for their actions.A narcissistic partner might blame their anger or bad behavior on the victim, claiming they were “pushed too far” or “provoked.”
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Guilt-Tripping:
Narcissists use guilt to manipulate and control others. narcissistic partner might guilt-trip you by saying things like, “You’re breaking my heart” or “You never think of me.” The purpose of saying this is to make you feel guilty (especially in an argument) and withdraw from an argument or withdraw from they a decision you have taken that would not favor him or her. This helps them to always have you to themselves and do what they want you to do. Simply, a narcissist would want to see your entire life tied or glued to him.
