Narcissistic Deception: 10 Ways Narcissists Keep The Truth Hidden.
Narcissistic behaviour is a personality disorder characterised by an inflated sense of self-importance, a constant need for attention and admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. These individuals often resort to deceitful tactics to maintain their facade and hide their true selves. In this article, we will explore 10 common methods that narcissists use to deceive others and keep the truth hidden, as well as how to recognise the signs early and steps for self-help recovery.
- Exaggeration of talents and achievements.
One of the most common ways that narcissists deceive others is by exaggerating their talents and achievements. They will often boast about their accomplishments, even if they are not entirely truthful. For example, a narcissist may claim to have an impressive career or educational background, but upon further investigation, these claims may be found to be false or heavily embellished.
- Playing the victim.
Narcissists are skilled manipulators and often use playing the victim to garner sympathy and turn the focus away from their own faults. They may fabricate stories of abuse or mistreatment to gain the support and attention of others. For example, a narcissist may claim to have been unfairly treated by their colleagues at work to gain sympathy and deflect from their own toxic behaviour.
- Guilt trips.
Narcissists are adept at using guilt as a tool for manipulation. They may use emotional blackmail or create scenarios that make others feel responsible for their unhappiness or problems. For example, a narcissist may guilt trip a friend or family member by insinuating that they are not doing enough to support them, or that they are the cause of their distress.
- Gaslighting.
Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation in which a narcissist seeks to make their victim doubt their own reality and memory. They may deny events or conversations that have taken place, making the victim feel as though they are going crazy. For example, a narcissist may deny making hurtful comments or actions, causing their victim to question their own sanity.
- Love bombing.
Love bombing is a tactic used by narcissists to win over their victims and gain their trust and affection. They may shower their victim with excessive praise, attention, and affection, in order to manipulate and control them. For example, a narcissist may lavish their new partner with gifts and affection in the early stages of the relationship, only to later use this as a form of control.
- Projection.
Narcissists often project their own negative traits onto others in an attempt to avoid taking responsibility for their actions. They may accuse others of behaviour that they themselves are guilty of, in order to shift the blame and avoid facing their own flaws. For example, a narcissist who is cheating on their partner may accuse their partner of being unfaithful as a way to deflect attention from their own betrayal.
- Invalidation.
Narcissists are known for invalidating the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of others. They may dismiss or belittle the emotions and opinions of their victims, making them feel insignificant and unworthy. For example, a narcissist may invalidate their partner’s feelings by telling them that they are overreacting or being too sensitive.
- Blame shifting.
Narcissists rarely take responsibility for their own actions and often shift the blame onto others. They may blame their victims for their own shortcomings, mistakes, or failures, in order to avoid accountability. For example, a narcissist may blame their co-worker for a project’s failure, even though it was their own lack of effort and commitment that led to the poor outcome.
- Lying.
Narcissists are habitual liars and often fabricate stories or manipulate the truth to suit their own agenda. They may deceive others about their actions, intentions, or motivations in order to maintain their false persona. For example, a narcissist may lie about their whereabouts or activities to cover up their infidelity or inappropriate behaviour.
- Emotional manipulation.
Emotional manipulation is a key tool in the narcissist’s arsenal. They may use tactics such as gaslighting, guilt trips, and love bombing to control and manipulate the emotions of their victims. This can leave the victim feeling confused, drained, and emotionally depleted.
Recognising the Signs.
It is important to recognise the signs of narcissistic deception early on, in order to protect oneself from falling victim to their manipulative tactics. Some common red flags to look out for include:
- Excessive self-importance and a constant need for admiration.
- A lack of empathy and an inability to consider the feelings of others.
- Manipulative and controlling behaviour
- A tendency to lie and deceive others.
- Difficulty taking responsibility for their actions.
Self-Help Recovery Steps:
If you find yourself in a relationship or situation with a narcissist, it is important to take steps to protect yourself and seek help. Some self-help recovery steps to consider include:
- Setting boundaries and limiting contact with the narcissist.
- Seeking support from friends, family members, or a therapist.
- Learning to recognise and assert your own needs and boundaries.
- Engaging in self-care practices to rebuild your self-esteem and confidence.
- Educating yourself about narcissistic behaviour and manipulation tactics.
Narcissists are adept at using deceptive tactics to maintain their false persona and manipulate others. By recognising the signs of narcissistic behaviour and taking steps to protect oneself, it is possible to break free from their control and reclaim your own sense of self-worth. If you or someone you know is dealing with a narcissist, it is important to seek support and take steps towards healing and recovery.
10 Ways Narcissists Deceive You To Keep The Truth Hidden: Narcissistic Behaviour.
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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.
