Narcissists are masters of manipulation and control, and their covert ways of changing the game on their victims can be subtle and insidious. These individuals often display a pattern of behaviour that involves acting nice when they need something, being dismissive when they don’t, making promises only to back out later, showing initial interest and then becoming indifferent, and oscillating between flattery and criticism. Additionally, they may present themselves as overly honest and open, only to later reveal themselves as liars and secretive individuals. In this article, we will explore these subtle, covert ways in which narcissists change the game on their victims and provide insight into how to recognise and navigate these tactics.
Acts nice when they need something, dismissive when they don’t.
One of the hallmarks of narcissistic behaviour is the ability to switch between being excessively nice and charming when they need something from their victim and being dismissive and indifferent when they no longer require their attention or assistance. This manipulation tactic is used to create a sense of dependency and control, making the victim feel obligated to comply with the narcissist’s wishes in order to receive their validation and approval. However, once the narcissist has obtained what they wanted, they may suddenly withdraw their attention and become dismissive, leaving the victim feeling confused and rejected.
Promise you something to back out later.
Narcissists often use promises as a means of gaining compliance and control over their victims. They may make grandiose declarations of love, support, or assistance, only to later back out or fail to follow through on their commitments. This behavior serves to keep the victim in a state of uncertainty and dependency, as they are left constantly hoping for the fulfillment of the narcissist’s promises, only to be disappointed time and time again.
Interested, then indifferent.
Another subtle, covert way that narcissists change the game on their victims is by displaying initial interest and engagement, only to later become indifferent and disengaged. This tactic is designed to keep the victim on their toes, never knowing when the narcissist will suddenly withdraw their attention and affection. The victim may find themselves constantly seeking validation and approval from the narcissist, only to feel rejected and unimportant when the narcissist’s interest wanes.
One minute, they can’t do enough for you. The next, they disappear on you.
Narcissists are notorious for their hot-and-cold behaviour, where they may initially shower their victim with attention and affection, only to suddenly disappear and become unresponsive. This erratic pattern of behaviour leaves the victim feeling confused and frustrated as they struggle to understand why the narcissist’s attitude towards them has changed so suddenly. This tactic is used to keep the victim off balance and perpetually seeking the narcissist’s approval and validation.
Flattery to criticism.
Narcissists are skilled in the art of manipulation, and one of their favourite tactics is to oscillate between flattery and criticism. They may initially shower their victim with praise and admiration, only to later switch to harsh criticism and disapproval. This behaviour is designed to keep the victim in a state of uncertainty and self-doubt, constantly seeking validation and approval from the narcissist in order to avoid their harsh judgment.
Interested to judgmental.
In a similar vein, narcissists may display initial interest and engagement with their victim, only to later become judgmental and critical. This change in behaviour can leave the victim feeling confused and insecure and as they struggle to understand why the narcissist’s attitude towards them has shifted so suddenly. This tactic is used to maintain control and power over the victim, as they constantly seek to avoid the narcissist’s disapproval and judgment.
Overly honest and open, liars and secretive.
Narcissists are adept at presenting themselves as honest and open individuals, often sharing personal details and vulnerabilities with their victims in order to create a sense of intimacy and trust. However, as the relationship progresses, the victim may come to realise that the narcissist is actually a liar and a secretive individual, hiding their true intentions and manipulating the victim’s emotions for their own gain. This tactic is used to keep the victim dependent on the narcissist as they struggle to reconcile the image of the honest and open individual they initially perceived with the manipulative and deceitful person the narcissist truly is.
In conclusion, narcissists are skilled manipulators who employ a variety of covert tactics to change the game on their victims. From acting nice when they need something to being dismissive when they don’t, making empty promises, and oscillating between flattery and criticism, these individuals are adept at creating a sense of dependency and control over their victims. By recognising these subtle, covert ways in which narcissists operate, individuals can begin to understand and navigate these tactics and protect themselves from falling victim to the narcissist’s manipulative behaviour.
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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Subtle Covert Ways Narcissists Change The Game On You.
