One of the dirtiest tricks narcissists pull when ending a relationship is smearing your reputation. They want to present themselves as shining heroes while casting you as the villain. Psychologists have observed this behavior in narcissists, who believe that by tarnishing your image, they can elevate their own status in the eyes of others. It’s as if they are saying, “Look at me, I’m so amazing and flawless, while that other person is a total mess.” This reputation-smearing tactic can take various forms, including spreading rumors, outright lies, or attempting to turn your friends and family against you. The emotional fallout from this behavior can leave you feeling isolated and deeply hurt.
6. Narcissists Look for Another Partner and Replace You Quickly
Narcissists are often on the lookout for a new partner to feed their ego, a need they refer to as narcissistic supply. When a new partner enters the picture, the narcissist may start distancing themselves from you. It’s as if you are no longer the shiny object they want to play with; instead, they are captivated by their new toy that boosts their ego. This often leads to a confusing and painful end to the relationship, as narcissists can be manipulative and cunning, leaving you unsure of where you stand.
7. Narcissists Move On to a New Lover But Still Keep You in Their Grip
Dr. Romani notes that narcissists often crave attention and admiration from multiple sources. When they feel bored or unsatisfied in a relationship, they may seek validation elsewhere while keeping you as a backup. This means the narcissist may still talk to you, see you, and even engage in intimate activities, but without any commitment. They utilize you as a safety net, ensuring they never feel abandoned or lonely.
8. Narcissists Initiate an Issue or Argument to End a Relationship
Picture this: your partner suddenly picks a fight over the tiniest, most insignificant thing—perhaps you left the cap off the toothpaste or forgot to take out the trash. But narcissists won’t stop there; they blow these issues out of proportion, making a mountain out of a molehill. Psychologists believe that narcissists use this tactic as a manipulative strategy to create chaos and turmoil in the relationship. They know that by constantly starting fights, they can make you feel frustrated, anxious, and emotionally exhausted. Dr. Romani describes narcissists as having a remarkable ability to exploit your weaknesses, using tactics like starting fights to maintain control and power over you.
9. Stalking
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