There is much discussion about narcissists today, and we know the traits to watch for. But are we aware of what occurs when we stop being manipulated?

Let’s quickly explain what a narcissist is.

A narcissist will bring you down when they feel they are losing control, as they crave power. They use manipulative tactics to hurt your self-esteem and often resort to emotional abuse and gaslighting. This kind of behaviour not only pushes you away but also boosts their ego, making it feel impossible to break free from their toxic grip.

When they start acting erratic, it’s important to notice the signs and take care of yourself, realising their behaviour is about their insecurities, not love.

The whole experience can be rough since they manipulate your emotions, making you second-guess your worth. They might have seemed so charming at first, showering you with love, but eventually, their refusal to accept you being your own person really hits home. You may feel like you’re walking on eggshells to dodge their anger and snarky comments, which can come off as teasing or just shutting you out.

This messed-up relationship can leave you confused and heartbroken as you try to make sense of the person you fell for and the one who keeps trying to put you down. It’s super important to notice these red flags and reach out for help if you want to escape and find yourself again.

But what occurs when you do?

In these situations, you might notice them going to extreme lengths, like having emotional outbursts, acting aggressively, or trying to create chaos in your life. Their usual tactics aren’t working anymore, so they become more desperate. This behaviour can look like spreading rumours, trying to cut you off from friends, or using guilt to regain control. Overall, this dramatic behaviour is a sign of their desperation as they struggle to keep the power they once had over you.

So, enough is enough. You see them clearly now and walk away. For some, that’s the end, but for others, especially those in long-term relationships with children, it’s more complex. The narcissist’s desperation often increases during separations and financial settlements, leading to heightened emotions and manipulative behaviours that can further escalate matters into a whirlwind of conflict and uncertainty.

So what’s next?

They might harm your reputation with gossip or false stories designed to damage your credibility. Motivated by a desire for control or revenge, they may enlist others to join them, creating lies that distort the truth. This tactic aims to turn friends and family against you, sowing doubt in your personal and work relationships.

Make no mistake, they are skilled at twisting facts and spreading lies to paint themselves as victims while damaging your reputation. They might misuse the system by making false claims and exploiting official channels to further their goals, creating chaos around your image. Their actions not only harm their credibility but also create a toxic environment that affects everyone involved.

Their goal in this confusing time is to create fear and doubt, making you question your own feelings and experiences, which is a sign of their manipulation. Don’t let them do it.

The video below shows what a narcissist does when they can’t manipulate you anymore. They will keep escalating their efforts to maintain control, that’s for sure.

Don’t underestimate a narcissist; take care of yourself.