One of the strange things I’ve noticed about narcissists is that, despite their mastery of manipulation, they are also somewhat gullible. They are susceptible to manipulation and can fall prey to deception.

Some of narcissists’ defenses and traits can be used against them, although they are mostly designed to protect them.

Here are some ways narcissists are gullible and easily deceived…

Narcissists Want To Be Admired

As I’m sure you know, narcissists want to be admired. Their self-esteem is built on the opinions of others. Admiration validates their delusions that they are greater than they actually are.

That’s why narcissists love compliments. Despite using compliments to manipulate others, narcissists can’t resist falling prey to someone who tells them how great they are. Why would they have any reason to doubt them? In their eyes, they’re only telling the truth! And that person must be amazing to realize their greatness.

Add a compliment, and it’s easy to get. Some manipulators see this trait and exploit it to its fullest. “You’re 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 “lovebomb” each other at the same time. As you probably know, narcissists love to shower excessive compliments at the beginning of a friendship or relationship to attract the other person. This is “lovebombing.”

When two narcissists get together, you’re faced with a strange situation. They’re both lovebombing each other at the same time. They’re both falling for it. They both believe they’ve fooled the other!

They Are Hoping To Please

Narcissists are desperate to please certain people. Typically, narcissists are people they consider important and high-status.

A narcissist may be isolated with their family, but they’ll go out of their way for their boss or other high-status people.

Manipulators notice this and exploit it to their advantage. Don’t be surprised if you see a narcissist working late hours to impress their boss.

Status Drive

Narcissists care about appearance and want to be perceived as high-status. This makes them a dream for anyone who promotes them.

Narcissists are often easily manipulated by things like “platinum memberships,” “VIPs,” “exclusive access,” and so on. They may overpay just to feel special.

They Believing They’re Smarter

Narcissists often overestimate their own intelligence and underestimate that of others. As a result, they believe they are smarter than almost everyone around them.

Narcissists often believe they are too smart to be fooled. So, they lower their guard. This makes them vulnerable to exploitation. They often don’t realize that others may be just as scheming and cunning as they are, or even more so.

Narcissists believe they’re the best at everything, and this includes manipulation. So they often let their guard down.

Narcissists Believe They’re More Deserving

Narcissists believe they’re special, more deserving than anyone else. This has nothing to do with merit. They feel special simply because they are who they are!

Narcissists strive for luxury cars, vacations, designer clothes, and so on, to the point where they fall prey to fraud. They feel they’ve finally gotten what they deserve. “An African prince finally realized my true worth!”

Narcissists are prone to “magical thinking.” They believe they are somehow destined for greatness, even if they haven’t done anything to achieve it.

When faced with a deception, they sometimes believe the universe is giving them what they deserve. Therefore, they are less skeptical when presented with a “golden opportunity.”

Narcissists Have No Owned Opinions

Narcissists are fake. They don’t really have their own opinions. They often mimic the opinions of others, passing them off as their own.

This leaves narcissists vulnerable to manipulation. People can literally dictate what they should think and shape their opinions.

A classic example of this is convincing a narcissist that something is their idea, when in fact it was suggested to them. Add some praise for their brilliant idea, and they’ll often rush to implement it.

Narcissists Attract Manipulation

Narcissists manipulate and control many people, eliciting the same feelings. Some of those wronged seek revenge, either for themselves or for others the narcissist has wronged.

Most people are wary of those who antagonize them for fear of retaliation. Narcissists seem oblivious to this threat. Some accumulate a large following of haters and enemies over time. This makes them more vulnerable to attack or manipulation.

Conclusion

When it comes to manipulation, narcissists are adept at it. But they are surprisingly vulnerable to falling for it. But we don’t always see this side of them because we’re busy defending ourselves against their manipulation.

Narcissists want to be loved and admired. This makes them a salesperson’s dream. “Buy this car and watch all the girls flock!” They also enjoy flattery. A man like you deserves the best.

Narcissists live in a fantasy world where they are brilliant, successful, and famous. Manipulators see this and exploit their vulnerabilities.

Narcissists are not bulletproof or stone-proof. They are just as vulnerable as the rest of us, and in some cases, even more so.

Narcissists are broken people. Deep down, they may realize they are vulnerable. They adopt a “do or die” policy. Take them out before they take me out.