7 warning signs you’re dealing with a manipulator or narcissist

Spotting a manipulator or a narcissist is difficult. They are often the most charming and Magnetic of individuals, who sweep us off our feet and away into the clouds.

Everything looks like a dreamy fairy tale until reality hits you in the middle of your forehead.

Through subtle coercion and attraction, these manipulators and narcissists have a knack for leaving you questioning your sanity and not even trusting yourself.

I’ve been there. Being young and naive and believing that everyone has the same optimistic intentions as I did, I let people fool me with big gestures and bold announcements…

That soon turned into Rotten Ashes.

So trust me when I say that recognizing the warning signs (7 of which are listed below) early can save you from a world of emotional turmoil.

So how can you spot one?

Let’s start and pull the manipulator curtain to expose their disguise:

1) they constantly play the victim

In the world of manipulation, playing the role of a victim is a common tactic. It’s a subtle but incredibly effective way to shift blame and control.

Now think of a poor defenseless cat. Or a puppy. It’s in the rain, deserted and wet. Aren’t you pulling your heartstrings? Will Heaven and Earth not move to make sure that she gets a warm house and a cozy blanket?

The manipulator is a convenient mutant, who regularly assumes the disguise of this sad little animal (or something he knows better arouses your pity.)

Now, we all have moments of self-pity, in which we also want to be cocooned in warmth and spoon-fed milk.

But when you are dealing with a manipulator or a narcissist, this behavior becomes a pattern.

They often paint themselves as the innocent party in every dispute or disagreement. Regardless of the situation, they are always the ones who are being wronged, misunderstood, or treated unfairly.

The goal here is to manipulate empathy and guilt. By always being the victim, they make you feel like the aggressor. They turn the tables so that you are always on the defensive, always trying to compensate.

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It’s a cunning move that can make you feel confused and guilty about things you haven’t even done.

And if this is true for someone in your life, it’s a big red flag that you might be dealing with a manipulator or narcissist.

2) they gaslight you

You’ve probably heard of the term gas lighting (regardless, check out the most common tactics to look for here.)

This manipulative tactic has gained quite a bit of traction in recent years, and for good reason too. It is a psychological term for hidden manipulation that is as destructive as it is subtle.

A somewhat similar formula is usually followed, where a manipulator or narcissist wins you over through tricks and charm.

Then they pull the rug out from under your feet. They challenge your perception of reality by denying facts, rejecting your memories, and twisting the truth until you begin to doubt your sanity.

Say that beautiful girl you’ve been dating for two years starts saying harsh statements, like;

“I never said that you should lose your mind.”

“Idiot! I always come home late on Thursdays. How is your memory so bad?”

“My god, you are so sensitive. Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning, huh?”

For example, they may say something hurtful, and when you confront them about it, they will deny that it happened at all.

Or they will make you think that you are overreacting, being too sensitive, or misremembering events.

So watch out for jokes that go too far, stick out your guns if you know you’ve got the truth in the palm of your hand.

3) they are always right

We like to be right, but even the best of us in the end concedes and accepts when we lose.

Notice * better. This does not include gas workers or manipulators, who will pretty much die on the hill of anything they say – even if it is wrong.

Regardless of the situation, regardless of the evidence, they always insist that they are right. And you stupid/stupid/boring / mean not just roll over and let them win.

Due to their inflated sense of their health, it’s as if they live in a world where they can do nothing wrong.

They will argue tirelessly, twist facts, and even resort to personal attacks just to avoid admitting a mistake or mistake.

So if you regularly find yourself feeling this way with someone, it’s a telltale sign of their manipulative or narcissistic tendencies.

4) they are too arrogant and conceited

Maybe not at first, but eventually, the lid will break.

Narcissists and manipulators often show a unique sense of entitlement. They see themselves as superior, almost god-like, deserving of special treatment, and consider their needs more important than others.

You may notice this greatness in several ways:

• They will direct every conversation to themselves
• They exaggerate or lie about their achievements and talents
• They need constant praise, compliments, and attention
• They ignore the feelings and needs of others, even after promising to help.

Being in the presence of someone with such an inflated self-perception can make you feel unimportant, undervalued, and overlooked, hence it is important to discern when someone is living in a fake reality where the Supreme rules.

5) they lack empathy

Empathy is a basic human quality, which is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It is a state of feeling what another person feels as if the emotion were your own.

It is this empathy that allows us to communicate, comfort, and support each other.

So perhaps it is not surprising that narcissists and manipulators often lack this crucial trait.

Often, they cannot feel others or understand their feelings. Instead, they focus too much on getting their way and prioritizing their feelings.

This lack of empathy is not only painful, it also creates a one-sided relationship.

You may find yourself constantly meeting their needs without receiving any emotional support in return.

6) they use the use of use (but do not give give give)

Manipulators and narcissists are known to exploit others for their ends. As mentioned above, they have little sympathy towards charity or the help of those around them.

Help?! How boring it is! What can I get out of it?

However, they seem to have no problem using people as a way to get what they want, without any consideration for their feelings or well-being.

So if you think about someone in your life who repeatedly takes advantage of others, but never shows up to help in return, you may be playing with a manipulator…

7) they constantly envy others

It’s funny: narcissists and manipulators can own a lot, be very beautiful, have achieved a lot of wealth and fame, and yet still envy others.

They constantly have to one-up everyone in their presence.

If you get a promotion, they will get a full 6-digit managerial position.

If you got a new car, then they bought one twice as expensive.

If you shyly talk about how much you love your new partner, they smile strangely and tell you that this is a great propose to me! Check out this ring.

Narcissists and manipulators are often green with envy. They cannot stand to see others succeed or have something that they do not succeed in, so they constantly compare themselves with others and try to come to the fore.

Such envy can manifest itself in belittling comments, individual superiority, or even outright sabotage. It is an attempt to strengthen their sense of superiority by projecting others.

Help! help! I’ve got a manipulator in my life…

Realizing that you are dealing with a manipulator or a narcissist is only the first step. The next steps include setting boundaries, seeking support, and taking care of your mental health.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Do not get involved in their manipulative games and do not descend to their level, and even if you want to, it is their territory, and they are experts in this.
• Seek support from trusted friends, family members, or a mental health professional.
• Be kind to yourself and take care of yourself. Emotional manipulation can affect your mental health. Be sure to prioritize self-care and consider seeking professional help if necessary.

It’s not easy to decide what to do when you’re dealing with a manipulator or narcissist. There is no one-size-fits-all answer.

But hopefully being aware of these warning signs will give you clarity and confidence to make the best decision for you.

Remember that it’s okay to prioritize your well-being and peace of mind. You deserve relationships that are based on respect, empathy and genuine care. Do not settle for anything less.