When you go against a narcissist, have you ever seen a narcissist change right before your eyes? Suddenly, it’s like the mask slips, revealing a new and sometimes terrifying side of them. If you don’t know what’s happening, you could fall into their next trap, even if you think you’ve already broken free. Knowing what to expect can save you from unprecedented manipulation and keep you protected and safe.
I spent the last 20 years researching self-worth and narcissistic relationships. As a coach, author, and survivor myself, I teach simple systems to help empower you in any situation. In this article, I’ll break down the three key things narcissists will do when they realize they can’t manipulate you anymore. I’ll share examples to help you recognize these behaviors and give you actionable tips to stay strong and empowered no matter what they try next.
But before we get into what the narcissist does, I want to make sure you can spot the signs when they know you’re no longer manipulatable. To them, it means they’ve noticed a change in your pattern. They see that you’re no longer willing to give them the same amount of time, attention, or energy. In this context, energy can be emotional, financial, or enabling—anything that helps reinforce the narrative they have about themselves. They notice if you’re no longer playing along with their story, whether it’s that of the admired hero or the pitiful victim.
Somehow, your behavior has changed enough to alert them that you’re no longer going to give them what they want. To a narcissist, this is an act of war against the carefully curated image they present to the world, and they feel extremely threatened by it. They’ll be watching you like a hawk for anything they can use against you, whether it’s something you say or something you do.
So just be aware that the minute you start to heal, communicate boundaries, or change your behavior—even if it’s a subtle pushback against their manipulation—that’s when they will switch tactics to deal with this new threat. Don’t underestimate this; a narcissist would rather see your life ruined at their own expense than let you go in peace.
Three Things You Can Expect
Let’s get into the three things you can expect, ordered by difficulty, and how you can deal with these challenges.
Continue reading on the next page
Sharing is caring!
