Narcissism is a personality disorder characterized by an excessive need for admiration, a lack of empathy, and a grandiose sense of self-importance. When dealing with a narcissist, whether it be a friend, family member, or romantic partner, it is important to understand the impact they can have on your emotional well-being. Continue reading to find out how narcissists make you feel.
Emotional manipulation tactics used by narcissists
Narcissists are masters at emotional manipulation. They use a range of tactics to control and manipulate those around them, often leaving their victims feeling confused, hurt, and questioning their sanity. One common manipulation tactic is gaslighting. Gaslighting involves distorting the truth or denying events to make the victim doubt their perception of reality. For example, a narcissist may downplay or dismiss the emotions of their partner, making them feel like their feelings are invalid or exaggerated.
Another tactic narcissists employ is projection. They project their flaws and insecurities onto others, often criticizing and blaming their victims for things they are guilty of. This can leave the victim feeling guilty, ashamed, and constantly on the defensive.
Related: Signs of a narcissist mother
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10 Ways Narcissists Make You Feel
- Inferior: Narcissists have an inflated sense of self-worth and often belittle and demean those around them. They make their victims feel inferior, constantly criticizing and degrading them to boost their ego.
- Isolated: Narcissists are skilled at isolating their victims from their support networks. They may discourage or sabotage relationships with friends and family, leaving the victim feeling alone and dependent on the narcissist.
- Manipulated: The manipulation tactics employed by narcissists leave their victims feeling manipulated and controlled. They may twist conversations and situations to suit their agenda, leaving the victim feeling powerless.
- Confused: Narcissists often engage in contradictory behavior, leaving their victims feeling confused and unsure of what is real. They may alternate between love and affection and cold indifference, creating a constant state of uncertainty.
- Invisible: Narcissists tend to dismiss the emotions and needs of others. They may ignore or invalidate their victim’s feelings, leaving them feeling invisible and unheard.
- Drained: Interacting with a narcissist can be emotionally exhausting. They have a way of sucking the energy out of those around them, leaving their victims feeling drained and depleted.
- Anxious: Narcissists are known for their unpredictable behavior and mood swings. Their victims are constantly walking on eggshells, never knowing what will set them off or how they will react. This constant state of anxiety takes a toll on the victim’s mental health.
- Guilty: Narcissists excel at making their victims feel guilty for things that are not their fault. They shift blame and responsibility onto their victims, making them feel responsible for the narcissist’s actions or emotions.
- Insecure: Constant criticism and belittling by a narcissist can erode a victim’s self-esteem and leave them feeling insecure. The narcissist’s need to constantly be superior can make their victims doubt their worth.
- Trapped: Narcissists often create a sense of dependency in their victims. They may manipulate them into thinking they cannot survive without them, leaving the victim feeling trapped and unable to leave the toxic relationship.
Related: Why do Narcissists pathologically lie?
Conclusion
Dealing with a narcissist can be incredibly challenging and emotionally draining. Their manipulation tactics can leave their victims feeling inferior, isolated, and trapped. Refer to my previous post about how to deal with a narcissist if you don’t know how to confront them.
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