10 Ways Narcissists Test You: Analyzing the Tactics of Manipulation:
Narcissistic individuals possess a unique set of traits that can make it difficult for others to maintain healthy relationships with them. These individuals often employ various manipulative tactics to test the boundaries of those around them. In this article, we will explore ten common methods used by narcissists to assess their control over others and gain power in their relationships. These tactics include withholding information, exaggeration, gaslighting, triangulation, creating conflict, pushing boundaries, criticism and humiliation, playing the victim, isolation, and the pattern of love bombing, devaluation, discard, and repeat.
Some narcissists test you because they want an easy ride, others are looking for a challenge.
Withholding information: To test your self-esteem.
One tactic frequently employed by narcissists is withholding information. They use this method as a means of control, ensuring that they have an advantage over others by possessing exclusive knowledge. By withholding information, they create an unequal power dynamic within the relationship, putting their counterparts at a disadvantage and manipulating them into seeking their approval and validation.
Exaggeration: To see how much you’ll hang onto their every word.
Narcissists are masters of exaggeration. They often amplify their accomplishments, skills, or abilities to create an illusion of superiority. This tactic aims to manipulate others into viewing the narcissist as exceptional, despite the reality being far different. By inflating their achievements, they seek to gain admiration and maintain control over those around them.
Gaslighting: To see how much they can get away with.
Perhaps one of the most insidious tactics employed by narcissists is gaslighting. Gaslighting involves distorting the truth, making others doubt their own experiences and memories. The narcissist manipulates the perception of reality, leaving their victims confused and unsure of themselves. This method carefully chips away at the victim’s self-esteem and provides the manipulator with greater control.
Triangulation: To see if you’ll blindly believe and support them.
Triangulation is a tactic wherein the narcissist involves a third party to manipulate relationships. By bringing others into the dynamic, the narcissist creates a divide between individuals, diverting attention and shifting blame. The intention is to weaken the support system of the victim, making them more reliant on the narcissist for emotional stability.
Creating conflict: To see how far they can push you.
Narcissists thrive on conflict and drama. They often instigate arguments or disagreements with the intention of asserting control and dominating the situation. By creating tension, they can divert attention from their own shortcomings and project blame onto their victims, ultimately reinforcing their power over them.
Pushing boundaries: To see how much you’ll give up for them.
Narcissists test the limits of those around them by consistently pushing boundaries. They engage in behaviours that challenge personal or relational boundaries, seeking to discern how much control they can exert. This manipulation can range from invading personal space to engaging in emotionally abusive behaviours, effectively asserting dominance over their victims.
Criticism and humiliation: To test strength of character.
Narcissists frequently employ criticism and humiliation to undermine the confidence and self-esteem of others. They use demeaning language, mocking gestures, or sarcastic comments to control and silence their victims. By dragging others down, they aim to elevate themselves and assert their superiority.
Playing the victim: To test your willingness to believe and support them.
Narcissists are adept at playing the victim card. They often manipulate situations to portray themselves as innocent victims, deflecting blame and evoking sympathy from others. By adopting this persona, they manipulate the emotions of those around them, ultimately reinforcing their control over relationships.
Isolation: To test your loyalty.
Isolation is a powerful tool in the narcissist’s arsenal. By isolating their victims, often subtly and gradually, they cut off their support systems, making them entirely reliant on the narcissist for validation and companionship. This tactic ensures that the narcissist’s voice is the only one they hear, further cementing their control.
Love bombing, devaluation, discard and repeat: To test your resolve.
One of the most complex and damaging patterns employed by narcissists is the cycle of love bombing, devaluation, discarding, and repetition. They shower their victims with affection and attention during the love bombing phase, enticing them into the relationship. However, as the relationship progresses, the narcissist gradually devalues their partner, cutting them down emotionally until they discard them and search for a new victim. This pattern keeps their victims hooked in an endless cycle of manipulation.
Recognising and understanding the tactics employed by narcissists is crucial for safeguarding oneself and maintaining healthy relationships. From withholding information and exaggeration to gaslighting and isolation, narcissists employ a range of manipulative strategies to exert control over others. By being aware of these tactics, one can be better equipped to protect their own emotional well-being.
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Elizabeth Shaw is not a Doctor or a therapist. She is a mother of five, a blogger, a survivor of narcissistic abuse, and a life coach, She always recommends you get the support you feel comfortable and happy with. Finding the right support for you. Elizabeth has partnered with BetterHelp (Sponsored.), where you will be matched with a licensed councillor who specialises in recovery from this kind of abuse.
