7 clear signs a narcissist is trying to manipulate you

Manipulation by a narcissist can be emotionally devastating. It is never too late to give yourself the gift of peace of mind. Do yourself a huge favor and cut your ties with people who are very damaging to your emotional and mental health. 

According to Rohn Jim, you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.

Keep in mind that the personalities of the people you surround yourself have a direct effect on your self-confidence and overall well-being. Surely, you do not want to be the sponge of the negative energy of the toxic people around you, do you?

One of the types of people we should keep ourselves away from are the manipulative narcissists who do not care about anyone but themselves.

They are those who would stop at nothing just to get what they want, even if it involves using people for their own advantage.

Charming but self-serving; Confident but conceited; With impeccable manners but deviously deceitful, these are the words that perfectly describe what a manipulative narcissist is.

Never allow yourself to be at their mercy. Prevent yourself from being exploited by this type of toxic people by learning about these 7 warning signs!

[1] All you ever talk about is them

The easiest way you could spot a narcissist is if you engage in a conversation with one. Narcissists are self-absorbed and pompous people. They always love to present themselves in a package with the label of being the best.

And the only way they could do this is by talking about themselves, their achievements, their heroic deeds, and impossible feats.

Do you know someone who loves to talk about themselves for hours and hours, without even asking about the opinion of the person they are speaking with? Do yourself a favor and distance yourself from this person, talking to a narcissist is like having a one-sided conversation.

[2] They hate to be outshined and downplays the success of others

Narcissists are conceited and have an inflated balloon for an ego, yet they are also insecure. They find it hard to bear when someone else does better than them. No one could take the spotlight away from them or else, you would have a glimpse of their devious nature.

When outshined, narcissists tend to downplay that person’s success, sometimes, they would even ignore their accomplishments.

Do you know someone who always spat words of insult to you whenever you achieve something? Don’t let their words affect your perception of yourself. they are the problem, not you!

[3] They are always a victim of someone or a situation

Narcissists love to be adored, that’s why they always brag about their good deeds and achievements. However, if there’s one thing narcissists cannot take, it’s being held accountable for their mistakes.

In times of misbehavior or mistakes, a narcissist will always emphasize a difficult situation they have experienced during that time. Chances are he will talk about being sick just so you would pity him.

Do you know someone who never runs out of excuses or is always facing a difficult situation? Do not let them guilt-trip you all the time.

Remember that our problems are not a free pass to not be held responsible for our mistakes. Stop pitying them, their ‘difficult’ situations exist only in their minds!

[4] They are passive-aggressive people

Narcissists love to be in control, not only of their own life but of situations and people as well. To achieve this, they employ their sly scare tactics.

Whenever they fail to achieve what they want, the charming narcissist would tap on their passive-aggressive characteristic. More often than not, it involves psychological intimidation and tugs on your emotions.

Do you know someone who suddenly got mad at you simply because you did not let them have their way? Or do you know someone who is overly attentive to you, and a minute later, he treats you with the cold silent treatment?

Do not let their scare tactics succeed over you! A good friend is always a good friend, even in times of disagreement!

[5]  Narcissists always have someone to blame for their failures

Every time a narcissist is at risk of losing a spotless reputation, they always have someone to point their fingers at.

A narcissist never runs out of people to blame for their misfortunes in life, it is actually surprising how they never get tired of coming up with ridiculous reasons to blame other people for their own mistakes.

Was there an instance in your life in which you have been blamed for the misfortune of others? Pay no attention to their absurd whims. No one is responsible for your actions but yourself!

[6] They love having supporter/s!

When you find yourself having a heated argument with a narcissist, expect a third party to join your conversation. This is the so-called Triangulation game which narcissists employ to make it look like they are the ones who are making the right stand.

Narcissists do this by convincing the third party that his opponent is completely wrong, by discrediting his opponent, the third party will believe and support him in his argument. This makes them feel as if they have one the argument because they have a supporter!

[7] Narcissists do not know that they are the problem!

Narcissists always equate themselves as the solution, never the problem. Thus, a person with a Narcissist Personality Disorder would never change, unless they seek medical help.

And if you think you can inform a narcissist that something is wrong with them, better think again. Doing so would only result in a tension between the two of you, which could result in an unwanted and pointless confrontation.

Did someone pop in your mind as you went on the list? If your answer is yes, then congratulations!

At least by now, you know that he or she is only manipulating you, and hopefully, their deceitful tactics would no longer affect you. After all, thou shall never let the behavior of others to destroy thy peace of mind! 

(Note: This article is for informational purposes only and not to be treated as a professional opinion or diagnosis. If you’re dealing with something similar or know someone who does, it’s important to always consult with your doctor or a specialist.)