Signs A Narcissist Is Playing Mind Games With You And What To Do

Now, I don’t want to alarm you, but narcissists are among some of the most dangerous personalities you can ever come up against. The stark reality is that they are such slippery characters that manipulation is in their DNA, meaning they can’t resist playing a few devious games to get what they want.  They are so good at what they do, that picking up on their toxic behavior isn’t always straightforward. In this article, we’ll help you identify their tactics and protect yourself from their manipulation.

What are the signs a narcissist is playing mind games with you? - 5 Give-away indications

Here we are dealing with elite manipulators, who are so skillful in the dark arts of deception that they make acknowledging the reality of their actions and motives very complicated. However, despite their abilities to dissimulate the truth, they can’t disguise all of their toxic behaviors, meaning there are some telltale signs that they are toying with you. Here are 5 signs a narcissist is toying with you:

• 1) You constantly question yourself: One of the hallmark tactics of narcissists is gaslighting, where they manipulate your perception of reality to make you doubt your own thoughts, feelings, and experiences. You find yourself constantly questioning your memory, judgment, and sanity as the narcissist subtly undermines your confidence and self-trust.
• 2) You never know where you stand: Narcissists are masters of inconsistency and unpredictability. They may shower you with affection and praise one moment, only to suddenly withdraw or criticize you the next. This rollercoaster of emotions leaves you feeling confused, anxious, and constantly on edge.
• 3) Your gut feeling tells you something is wrong: Trust your intuition. Deep down, you sense that something isn’t right in your relationship with the narcissist. Despite their charm and charisma, there’s an underlying feeling of unease or discomfort that you can’t shake off.
• 4) Your version of events is always wrong: Narcissists excel at rewriting history and twisting the truth to suit their agenda. They gaslight and invalidate your experiences, insisting that their version of events is the only valid perspective. You’re left feeling unheard, dismissed, and frustrated.
• 5) Their promises and actions don’t align: The narcissist’s words rarely match their actions. They may make grand promises and declarations of love, yet their behavior consistently falls short. You’re left feeling disillusioned and betrayed.

8 Narcissist mind games these devious bullies use 

Narcissists are notorious for their cunning strategies to manipulate and control others. Below are eight of their most common mind games, explained in detail:

1) Victim playing

Playing the victim comes naturally to narcissists. By adopting the victim mentality, these manipulative individuals believe they can ditch the bad guy label and make themselves out to be the person who has been wronged. This tactic not only shifts blame but also makes the real victim question their own behavior.

2) Blame shifting

The simple truth is that narcissists never feel guilty for their actions. They are experts at accusing their legitimate victims of being the cause of their own bad behavior. Whether it’s cheating or breaking trust, they’ll never admit fault, always finding someone else to blame.

3) Ghosting

As master puppeteers, narcissists love pulling the strings in relationships. They promise the world to their victims, only to cut communication abruptly. Ghosting is a cruel tactic they use to destabilize their victims and maintain control.

>>> Discover 8 reasons why ghosters always come back

4) Love bombing

Love bombing is a covert form of emotional abuse. Narcissists shower their victims with affection, gifts, and compliments to lower their boundaries. Once defenses are down, manipulation becomes much easier.

5) Emotional manipulation

Emotional manipulation is a key weapon in the narcissist’s arsenal. They use it to convince their victims of their love and devotion, only to exploit them later. Their dishonesty and bad behavior are powerful tools to maintain control.

6) Passive-aggressive behavior

Passive aggression is a subtle yet damaging tactic. Narcissists use it to imply dissatisfaction without directly expressing it. This leads to gaslighting and self-doubt in their victims.

7) Self-esteem reduction

To keep their victims dependent, narcissists attack their self-confidence. They criticize everything from appearance to intelligence, leaving their victims feeling worthless.

8) Triggering you

Triggering is a tactic narcissists use to provoke emotional reactions. Once their victims lash out, they play the victim to manipulate guilt and maintain control.

How do you outsmart a narcissist?

When faced with a narcissistic person, it’s important to remain calm, confident, and in control. Here are some ways to outsmart and deal with manipulators:

• Be aware of their tactics: Understand common manipulative tactics like gaslighting and projection to protect yourself.
• Remain firm and assertive: Clearly express your limits and stand firm in your convictions.
• Don’t engage in pointless debates: Choose your battles wisely and avoid fruitless discussions.
• Set clear limits: Be prepared to walk away from toxic relationships.
• Take care of yourself: Seek support from friends, family, or professionals to maintain your well-being.

Be sure to check out the following articles too;

• What will a narcissist say to get you back?
• How do you know if a narcissist is cheating?
• How to tell a narcissist you want a divorce