Narcissists are highly skilled at exploiting others for their own benefit. Whether in relationships, at work, or in social settings, they often use manipulation, charm, and control tactics to get what they want while leaving others feeling drained, confused, or used. Here are nine ways narcissists typically take advantage of people.
Part 1: Emotional Manipulation and Control
- Love-Bombing and Idealization
Narcissists often start relationships by showering you with attention, affection, and praise, a tactic known as love-bombing. This intense flattery makes you feel special and wanted. However, it’s a strategy to quickly gain your trust and dependency. Once they feel they’ve “hooked” you emotionally, their true colors start to show, and the affection wanes, leaving you craving the initial attention they gave you. - Gaslighting
Gaslighting is one of the most insidious forms of manipulation narcissists use to distort your reality. They will deny your experiences, feelings, or even things they said, making you question your sanity. By constantly twisting the truth, they make you dependent on their version of reality, weakening your confidence and self-esteem over time. - Emotional Blackmail
Narcissists are masters at using guilt, shame, or fear to manipulate. They may act as if you’re responsible for their happiness or well-being and blame you when things don’t go their way. Statements like, “If you really loved me, you would…” are common emotional blackmail tactics. They create a false sense of obligation, pushing you to do things against your better judgment.
Part 2: Eroding Boundaries and Exploiting Trust
- Violation of Personal Boundaries
Narcissists frequently disregard personal boundaries, often pressuring others to act or give in ways they wouldn’t normally. Whether it’s invading your privacy, making unreasonable demands on your time, or coercing you into situations you’re uncomfortable with, they thrive on breaking down your defenses. They do this subtly at first, but the violations increase over time. - Exploiting Empathy and Kindness
One of the main tools narcissists use to their advantage is your empathy. They often target individuals who are naturally caring and compassionate because they know that kind-hearted people will bend over backward to help others. Narcissists will play the victim or exaggerate their hardships to gain sympathy, all while taking advantage of your goodwill. - Triangulation
Narcissists often use triangulation to maintain control over people in their lives. This involves drawing a third person into your relationship, whether it’s a friend, coworker, or family member. They will create jealousy, competition, or rivalry between you and this third party to make you feel insecure and dependent on them for approval or validation.
Related : 6 Ways How Narcissists Fool You
Part 3: Power Plays and Exploitation of Resources
- Withholding and Punishing
Narcissists are experts at using what you value against you. They may withhold affection, attention, communication, or even material resources as a form of punishment when they don’t get what they want. This tactic keeps you in a constant state of insecurity, always striving to earn back what they’ve taken away. - Financial Exploitation
Narcissists often take advantage of others financially, whether by borrowing money with no intention of repaying, living off someone else’s income, or manipulating you into financially supporting their lifestyle. They feel entitled to your resources and have little regard for how their actions affect your financial stability. - Devaluation and Discard
Once a narcissist feels they’ve drained you of what they wanted—be it emotional energy, admiration, or financial resources—they begin the process of devaluation. They criticize, belittle, or ignore you to make you feel worthless. Eventually, they may discard you entirely, often moving on to a new target without any remorse or explanation, leaving you feeling used and abandoned.
Conclusion: Protecting Yourself From Narcissistic Exploitation
Recognizing these patterns of behavior is crucial to protecting yourself from narcissists. They can be highly manipulative and skilled at masking their true intentions. Setting firm boundaries, trusting your instincts, and understanding their tactics will empower you to resist their control and reclaim your sense of self-worth.
