There’s a saying: “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.” I’m not sure where this originates, but it is very fitting for narcissists, who are both controlling and manipulative. Today, I want to quickly explore the psychological and strategic reasons why narcissists adhere to this motto of keeping their enemies close.
The key thing to remember is that even if you don’t consider a narcissist your enemy, they may consider you theirs. It doesn’t take much for a narcissist to put you on their bad side. They are incredibly petty and insecure, and even the smallest critique of something they said or did can make you a target for their vengeance. Furthermore, if you possess a life or personality they envy, that alone could be enough for them to dislike and target you.
Today’s article will shed light on why a narcissist might want to get close—or stay close—to you, even if they don’t genuinely like you. They often do so under the guise of wanting to be your friend or lover. Narcissists try to convince their enemies that they like them or have their best interests at heart, but this is far from the truth.
This is why a narcissist’s initial kindness or love-bombing is never genuine; it’s a means to an end. Their goal is to get close enough to you to take what you have, destroy you, or both. Recognizing the signs of genuine versus manipulative behavior is crucial.
No matter how much a narcissist tries to bombard your senses by looking good, smelling good, or saying the right things, pay attention to your intuition.
Now, let’s delve into the reasons why narcissists like to keep their enemies close.
It’s All About Control
The first reason is control and manipulation. Narcissists thrive on controlling others. By keeping perceived enemies close, they can monitor them and manipulate situations to their advantage. This proximity allows them to influence the narrative, control how others perceive their target, and undermine them in subtle ways. It also enables them to stay informed about their target’s movements and plans, making it easier to sabotage their progress. Narcissists prefer to keep a close eye on their competitors and are twisted enough to marry people they secretly envy or hate, monopolizing their time and ruining their lives. They take satisfaction in having a front-row seat to the destruction they helped orchestrate.
It’s All A Game
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