Just when you think nothing else can make you feel ignored, a narcissist will appear and take the lead.

And I don’t mean just once, but constantly. They won’t keep up with you; they’ll want to be at the forefront.

Why?

Actually, there isn’t just one reason, but six.

They have numerous ways of making you feel worthless, and I believe this is a topic that gets overlooked.

So let me share some information with you as you learn more about these toxic individuals.

1 They don’t want to be seen with you.

Narcissists look for any opportunity, and if that opportunity is to walk alone and exude confidence, they’ll seize it whenever the chance arises.

This includes walking ahead of you because they don’t want to be seen with you, and believe me, I know how hurtful that is.

Related : 6 Secrets Narcissists Protect

When you imagine yourself in the narcissist’s shoes, experiencing all those times they’ve done this to you, it feels like you’ve been left alone.

Essentially, it’s true. You’re left alone because you’re not important enough for them to want to be seen with you.

This might stem from their embarrassment at being seen with someone who struggles to hold their head high and walk confidently because of the abuse you’ve endured.

But this has nothing to do with who you really are. It’s not a true reflection of who you are. It’s simply a reflection of what they see and think (which isn’t supposed to be taken seriously, but it is).

2 Their preceding steps reflect who’s in charge.

Narcissists seek control wherever they can find it, even when they’re right there with you.

Therefore, they won’t hesitate to leave you in their shadow as they advance and seize control.

It’s like walking behind a charming flute player; the one who plays the tune and you watch as they lead you around.

You don’t intend for it to happen, but that’s how it is, and that’s how it becomes ingrained.

And narcissists love it. They’ll never turn around and say, “Hey, here you go. Let’s walk together.”

Their advancement over you may be clear evidence that you’re following them in life, whatever that means or looks like.

A harsh truth!

3 You’re in Their Shadow

It’s nothing new to be in a narcissist’s shadow, is it? I mean, you probably live every day as if you’re surrounded by their darkness, with no way to express yourself or your personality, not even once.

That’s how narcissists like it. They don’t want you seen or heard, if they can, unless it serves their personal interests.

Don’t be fooled into thinking they’re your protector.

“I’ll take care of it.”

“Stay with me, and I’ll get us where we need to be.”

This isn’t someone who truly has your best interests at heart. They don’t want you as an equal in the relationship and will do anything to make you feel small and ignored.

Over time, all victims start thinking this way about themselves, and unfortunately, this is where mental health deteriorates significantly in many cases.

Don’t let that happen to you.

4 They Hate Casual Conversations with You

Wherever you go, a narcissist only wants to be there.

They don’t want to waste time talking about how beautiful the day is, or about the shops that seem about to close, or even about lunch.

For them, it’s boring, and they consider themselves above such conversations.

Being ahead of you means they’re avoiding this kind of talk at all costs.

In their eyes, walking alone is far better than pretending to like you more than they actually do.

They’re bored and have withdrawn. For them, walking is the perfect excuse to show this and pretend to be busy so you don’t accuse them of being rude or indifferent.

Related : Male vs. Female Narcissists: Same Poison, Different Bottles

But it’s different for you, isn’t it? You love to chat. You want to know their opinion on the weather, or whether they’re having fun.

For you, these conversations are what build a strong relationship and strengthen that bond.

But don’t expect them to agree; they’d rather watch the paint dry.

5 They’re more interested in what’s going on around them.

If there’s one thing for sure, it’s that a narcissist is always looking for an opportunity to appear perfect in front of any audience.

I’m not surprised that this includes walking down the street surrounded by strangers, but that’s the reality.

Walking ahead of you means they’re seeing everything first. They hear the news first, they sense the atmosphere, and they understand the dynamics of the situation.

From there, they quickly steer the conversation wherever they need to, wherever there’s a chance of trouble.

I regret to say that this is just another instance where they don’t care about you or any conversation you try to initiate.

Remember a time you were in a public place with a narcissist, and you asked them a question.

You look at them, waiting for a reasonable response, but they’re looking elsewhere.

They’ve noticed the couple arguing, the pretty waitress, or the wealthy couple walking by with their shopping bags.

It’s frustrating. You feel invisible again. And nothing you say or do changes that.

6 Their Strutting Walk

I’m almost surprised to even think about it, but it’s true. Narcissists have a swaggering walk they’ve perfected over three years.

I wouldn’t be surprised if they used a mirror to perfect it.

Imagine this: you always see the back of that narcissist in your life in public. It’s as if they think the world is a catwalk, and any swagger they display will attract everyone’s attention.

Related : Why Narcissists Hate Christmas: 7 Reasons They Always Ruin the Holidays

Wow, who is this important person?

Look at them!

They must have a lot of money.

So confident!

Is it confidence? No. A confident person doesn’t need to show off; they live simply.

But an insecure person who’s always looking for an opportunity to show off needs to show off.

Or, as I like to call it, excessive showing off.

Look at me, don’t I look great?

No. You look ridiculous. Your excessive boasting makes you look like you desperately need to use the restroom.

Let me remind you that you deserve to walk alongside him, and if you have to keep an eye on the back of a narcissist’s head, that’s a place you can walk away from.

When you get the chance to escape this excessive boasting, run!