Let’s say you’re polite to a coworker or smile at a stranger. To the narcissist, this isn’t kindness—it’s “proof” you’re seeking attention.
- They may ask: “Why were you laughing at their joke? Do you always talk to them like that?”
- If you buy a bouquet for a friend’s anniversary and they see it, they’ll accuse you: “Is it for your new boyfriend?”
Narcissists view friendliness as a threat because they can’t stand the idea of you forming connections outside the relationship. Their possessiveness, disguised as jealousy or concern, is really about control.
If they convince you to stop being friendly, they isolate you further and ensure all your energy is directed at them.
Sign 3: Keeping Your Phone Private
In healthy relationships, privacy and trust go hand in hand. But for a narcissist, your phone becomes something they believe they’re entitled to access.
- If you have a password, they’ll demand: “Why do you need one?”
- Refuse to let them scroll through your messages, and they’ll accuse: “What are you hiding?”
It’s not about privacy—it’s about stripping away your sense of safety and control. They want access to your phone to keep you under surveillance, not to build trust.
Ironically, narcissists often have plenty to hide themselves. Their accusations are projections of their own secretive or unfaithful behavior. Refusing to hand over your phone isn’t about wrongdoing—it’s about valuing boundaries, something they refuse to understand.
Sign 4: Taking Care of Your Appearance
continue reading on the next page
Sharing is caring!
