Narcissists believe they deserve special treatment and will argue relentlessly to get what they want. Their goal is to overwhelm and destabilize you, so you eventually give in to their demands. These arguments are often calculated to leave you emotionally drained and more likely to submit to their wishes.
3. Using You as a Source of Narcissistic Supply
For narcissists, arguments are a means of securing narcissistic supply—validation, attention, and control. They will gaslight you, causing you to doubt your perception of reality. For example, they might make a request, deny ever doing so, and then argue when you react.
During these arguments, they often play the victim, framing you as the villain. This manipulative tactic aims to guilt you into complying with their desires, as you don’t want to be perceived as the bad guy.
4. They Cannot Live Without a Competitor
Narcissists thrive on competition and constant comparison. They measure their self-worth by comparing themselves to others and believing they are superior. Arguments provide them an opportunity to assert their dominance, brag about their accomplishments, or highlight perceived flaws in others.
By engaging in these arguments, they reinforce their inflated sense of value, using you as a benchmark to validate their superiority.
How to Handle Narcissists
Understanding the inner workings of a narcissist’s mind is crucial to protecting yourself from their manipulative tactics. Setting clear boundaries and standing firm against their games can help you fend them off and reclaim your sense of control.
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