Number 2: They’ll see and treat you as their adversary.
When dealing with a narcissist, if they sense that you have greater personal power than they’d prefer, a few things tend to happen. Their specific reactions can vary depending on the type of narcissist you’re dealing with. For instance, a more covert narcissist might initially be drawn to your strength, courage, and confidence. However, eventually, they’ll feel triggered and threatened by these qualities. Once your strong nature starts highlighting their flaws, inadequacies, or lack of integrity, those traits they initially admired become problematic for them. In their mind, you become their adversary. Suddenly, you’re cast as the villain while they conveniently assume the role of the victim. This victimhood narrative is typical when dealing with a covert narcissist. They constantly position themselves as the victim, even in situations they’ve created and perpetuated. A more overt and grandiose narcissist will also be drawn to your strength and personal power at first, but once they realize that you can’t be easily dominated, swayed, deceived, manipulated, or controlled, that attraction will fade. At that point, your strength and personal power become a huge issue for them, and this frustration might give them the excuse they need to exhibit some retaliatory behavior, which they see as entirely justifiable. While a covert narcissist may try to hide their fear, jealousy, and insecurity, you can still get under their skin without knowing it. On the other hand, an overt narcissist can quickly go from acting nice and friendly to showing their true colors, unable to hide their triggers or wounded ego as easily. Based on what we’ve seen, all narcissists are sneaky and crafty, but covert narcissists often take their behavior to another level.
Number 3: They’ll try to ruin your reputation.
Narcissists have a fundamental desire to always feel superior, in control, and dominant. When they can’t control you, they start feeling threatened. You know what they do? They protect their false image in their own unique way. They’ll manipulate how others see you, judge you, and influence their opinions about you. It’s a preemptive strategy. They’ll discredit you, belittle you, and degrade you so people won’t perceive you as strong. This behavior can go on for a long time, even before you realize that something’s not right. Remember, narcissists are deceptive; they love to fabricate falsehoods and hide the truth, all without feeling a shred of guilt, shame, or remorse. They’re masters at putting on a front, acting like everything’s peachy while tearing you apart behind your back. This kind of behavior isn’t limited to specific relationships. Narcissistic parents, siblings, spouses, relatives, friends, bosses, and ex-lovers all engage in this behavior regularly. For instance, narcissistic parents manipulate, dominate, and control their children, while narcissistic in-laws can’t wait to tarnish the reputation of newcomers in the family.
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