Narcissism is a personality disorder characterised by a grandiose sense of self-importance, a lack of empathy for others, and a constant need for admiration. When a narcissist feels threatened or exposed, their behaviour may change in response. If you have recently discovered that a person in your life is a narcissist, you may notice a variety of reactions from them as they realise that you are onto their manipulative and harmful behaviour. In this article, we will explore 8 ways a narcissist might react when they know you have figured them out.
- Anger and Defensiveness: When a narcissist realises that you have seen through their facade, their initial reaction is likely to be anger and defensiveness. They may become hostile and lash out at you, accusing you of being the problem and trying to turn the situation around on you. This is a classic manipulation tactic used by narcissists to avoid taking responsibility for their actions and to regain control over the narrative.
- Gaslighting: Gaslighting is a common tactic used by narcissists to manipulate and control their victims. When they know you’re catching on to their behavior, they may attempt to gaslight you by denying their actions or trying to make you doubt your own perception of reality. They may insist that you are imagining things or misremembering events in order to make you feel confused and doubt yourself.
- Love Bombing: Love bombing is a manipulation tactic often used by narcissists to regain control and make their victims doubt their initial perceptions of them. When they realise that you are onto them, they may shower you with affection, gifts, and attention in an effort to make you doubt your suspicions and to keep you under their control. This sudden, overwhelming display of love and affection is usually insincere and is meant to manipulate and confuse you.
- Playing the Victim: Another common reaction from a narcissist when they know you have figured them out is to play the victim. They may try to garner sympathy and paint themselves as the victim of a cruel and unfair attack, hoping to deflect attention away from their own behaviour and gain support from others. They may try to make you feel guilty for questioning them and manipulating you into believing that you are the one in the wrong.
- Triangulation: Triangulation is a tactic often used by narcissists to manipulate and control their victims by involving a third party in the relationship. When they realise that you have seen through their false image, they may try to introduce a new person into the situation to create jealousy and insecurity in you. This third party could be a new love interest or a friend they claim to be confiding in about your behaviour, all in an effort to regain control and manipulate the situation.
- Silent Treatment: When a narcissist feels threatened or exposed, they may resort to giving you the silent treatment as a form of punishment. They may suddenly withdraw and refuse to engage with you, hoping that the lack of attention and validation will make you doubt your suspicions and crave their approval once again. This is a way for them to regain control and to punish you for daring to challenge them.
- Smear Campaign: If a narcissist feels that their false image is at risk of being exposed, they may resort to a smear campaign to discredit you and damage your reputation. They may spread lies and rumours about you to others in an effort to make you seem untrustworthy and unstable, all while presenting themselves as the innocent victim. This is a way for them to regain control and turn others against you.
- Hoovering: Hoovering is a manipulation tactic often used by narcissists to regain control and reestablish contact with a former victim. When they realise that you are onto them, they may try to hoover you back into their toxic cycle by reaching out and attempting to re-establish contact. They may use flattery, promises of change, or even threats to convince you to come back under their control.
In conclusion, when a narcissist realises that you have figured them out, their reaction is likely to be manipulative, defensive, and potentially harmful. It is important to recognise these behaviours for what they are and to seek support from trusted friends, family, or mental health professionals. Remember that you deserve to be treated with respect and kindness, and it is okay to set boundaries and distance yourself from toxic individuals. Remember that you are not alone, and there is help and support available to you.
Check these out!
15 Rules To Deal With Narcissistic People.: How To Stay Sane And Break The Chain.
Narcissists Handbook: The ultimate guide to understanding and overcoming narcissistic and emotional abuse.-1
Boundaries with Narcissists: Safeguarding Emotional, Psychological, and Physical Independence.
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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.
What Happens When A Narcissist Knows You Know, 15 Things Narcissists Do When They Lose Control.
