Narcissists are known for their manipulative tactics, which they use to control and manipulate others to serve their own needs and desires. These tactics can be subtle and difficult to detect, but they are designed to undermine the victim’s sense of reality, stability, and self-esteem. Here are some common manipulation tactics that narcissists use:

Gaslighting: This is a form of psychological manipulation where the narcissist makes the victim doubt their own perceptions, memories, and sanity. They will deny facts and events, twist the truth, and manipulate situations to confuse the victim, making them question their own memory and perception of reality.

Projection: Narcissists will often project their own flaws and negative traits onto others. For example, if they are feeling insecure or guilty, they might accuse their victim of being insecure or untrustworthy. This allows the narcissist to shift the focus away from their own shortcomings and onto the victim.

Triangulation: Narcissists use triangulation to create conflict and competition between individuals. They might involve a third party in the conversation, or compare their victim to someone else, creating a sense of insecurity and competition in the relationship.

Love bombing: Narcissists are experts at “love bombing”, which is a technique used to lure someone into a relationship by showering them with excessive attention, affection, and flattery. Once the victim is hooked, the narcissistic behavior can become abusive, and the victim may find it difficult to escape the relationship.

Silent treatment: Narcissists use the silent treatment as a form of punishment and control. They will withdraw from communication, ignore their victim, and refuse to engage in conversation. This creates a sense of uncertainty and insecurity in the victim, making them more dependent on the narcissist.

Blame-shifting: Narcissists are skilled at shifting blame onto others and taking no responsibility for their actions. They will always find a way to justify their behavior and make their victim feel responsible for any problems in the relationship.

Playing the victim: Narcissists are master manipulators and can play the victim when it suits their needs. They may use tears and emotional appeals to evoke sympathy and manipulate others into doing what they want.

These are some of the common manipulation tactics that narcissists use. It’s important to be aware of these tactics and to understand the warning signs of narcissistic abuse. If you suspect that you are being manipulated by a narcissistic person, it’s important to seek support from trusted friends, family members, or a mental health professional.