Imagine a world of balance where people share a give-and-take relationship without a hidden agenda, where everyone is equal and nobody is inferior or superior to another. How wonderful would it be? Unfortunately, the reality is not as wonderful as we’ve imagined. Some people want everything for themselves, severing the supposed give-and-take relationship by taking and taking without giving anything back. It may be for wealth, fame, or any objective you can name. Some people just want the spotlight pointed solely at them, and like a predator who devours both the hunter and their prey, these individuals hoard the rewards while keeping their hands clean, making others do all the dirty work.
These predators are known as narcissists, who exhibit traits like extreme self-centeredness and an exaggerated sense of self-importance. They don’t care about the means as long as the end benefits them. Here are ten ways narcissists manipulate their prey. Let’s find out how they do it:
1. The Top-Down Approach
Narcissists are known for their sense of entitlement; they believe they are superior to others and are positioned at the top of the hierarchy, always demanding authority. Hence, their will must always be done. This approach is commonly used by organizations for management or by parents to control their children. A brutal example of this takes us back to Adolf Hitler, who believed in the supremacy of his race over anyone else’s. His inferiors questioned his decisions because he thought he knew best and must be obeyed.
2. The Guilt Trip
Have you ever experienced someone—either a friend or a lover—asking you for a favor, but when you said no, they started saying things like, “Aren’t we friends? Don’t you love me anymore?” or “I’ve done you many favors, and this is how you would repay me?” Narcissists use these kinds of conscience-triggering phrases to coerce their prey into doing what they want. Who doesn’t feel guilty when someone they don’t want to lose says things like that? This leaves their prey with no choice but to say yes against their own feelings. The thing is, narcissists do not care about others’ feelings; they only care about their own gain.
3. Playing the Victim Role
Narcissists are great actors. They may act as if they are victims of some injustice, making their prey believe that their situation is not their fault. This is the narcissist’s way to escape blame, gain sympathy and support, or simply get what they want. They take advantage of other people’s empathy, like spoiled children who throw tantrums, knowing that it only takes a scream to get their parents to grant their wishes.
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