The strange thing I’ve noticed about narcissists is that although they’re subtle manipulators, they’re also naive. They can be manipulated. They can fall prey to scams.
Some of the narcissists’ defenses and traits can be used against them. Although it is largely designed to protect them.
Here are some of the ways narcissists are naive and easily deceived…
Please watch this short video to help you understand…
Narcissists want to be loved
I’m sure you realize that narcissists want to be loved. Their self-esteem is built on the opinions of others. Admiration for them reaffirms their delusions of being greater than they really are.
This is why narcissists suck at compliments. Although compliments are used to manipulate others. Narcissists can’t resist falling prey to someone telling them how amazing they are. Why would they have any reason to suspect them?! In their minds, they are only telling the truth! And this person must be great in order to realize his greatness.
Throw a compliment, and you’ll be putty in your hands. Some manipulators see this trait, and take advantage of it. “You are so beautiful and kind. I’m sure you wouldn’t mind lending me your car for a while?!”
I’ve also seen situations where two narcissists successfully “love bombed” each other at the same time. As you probably know, narcissists love excessive praise at the beginning of a friendship or relationship, in order to attract the other. This is what “love bombing” means.
When two narcissists meet, you get a strange situation. They both love to bomb each other at the same time. And they both fall in love with her. And they both think they cheated the other!
They are anxious to please
Narcissists are eager to please some people. They usually consider people important and of high status.
The narcissist may be isolated with his or her family. But they bowed backwards for their boss or other high-ranking person.
Manipulators pick up on this and use it to their advantage. Don’t be surprised to see a narcissist regularly stay late at work to impress their boss.
I think they are smarter
Narcissists often overestimate their own intelligence. And underestimate everyone. So they think they are smarter than almost everyone around them.
Narcissists often think they are too smart to be deceived. So they let their guard down. This leaves them open to being taken advantage of. They often do not consider that others can be just as scheming as they are. And good at that.
Narcissists think they are the best at everything. This includes manipulation. So they often let their guard down.
Narcissists think they deserve more
Narcissists believe they are special, and more deserving than everyone else. And this has nothing to do with merit. They feel special simply because they are who they are!
Narcissists are so desperate to have fancy cars, vacations, clothes etc. that they fall for scams. They feel they are finally getting what they deserve. “The African Prince has finally realized my true value!”
Narcissists are prone to “magical thinking.” They believe that somehow, in some way, they are destined to achieve greatness. Even if they do nothing to make it happen.
When they get scammed, they sometimes think the universe is giving them what they deserve. So they are less skeptical when a “golden opportunity” comes their way.
Narcissists don’t have their own opinions
Narcissists are fake people. And they don’t really have opinions of their own. They usually imitate the opinions of others, passing them off as their own.
This leaves narcissists vulnerable to manipulation. People can literally tell them what to think, and form their opinions.
The classic example is making a narcissist believe something is their idea. When he really proposed to them. Sprinkle a few compliments on a great idea they have, and they’ll probably love it.
Narcissists attract manipulation
Narcissists manipulate, control and frustrate many people, they attract the same thing. Some people affected will seek revenge. Either to themselves, or to others who have been wronged by the narcissist.
Most people are anxious to cross them for fear of reprisals. Narcissists seem oblivious to this threat. Some collect many haters and enemies over time. This makes them more vulnerable to attack or manipulation.
final thoughts
When it comes to manipulation, narcissists are good at exploiting it. But surprisingly, they are prone to falling in love. But we don’t always see this side of them because we’re so busy defending ourselves against their manipulations.
Narcissists want to be loved and adored. Which makes them a seller’s dream. “Buy this car and watch all the kids roll!” They’re also suckers for compliments. “A man like you must be the best.”
Narcissists live in a fantasy world, where they are smart, successful, and popular. Manipulators see this and prey on their weaknesses.
Narcissists are not protected from bullets or made of stone. They are just as vulnerable as the rest of us. And in some cases, more than that.
Narcissists are damaged people. They may know deep down that they are weak. They adopt a life or death policy. Get them, before they get me.