The second mind game involves establishing an upper hand.
Once they have drawn you in and you presume they are pleasant and friendly, you may notice subtle criticisms creeping into the relationship. Comments such as, “Why did you do it that way?” or “I don’t think you should have said that,” begin to emerge. These statements suggest that they believe they know better than you. Narcissists often possess an inflated sense of their own correctness, and if you attempt to express a different viewpoint, they may dismiss you entirely. They might revert to the first game, insisting, “You need to trust me; I see life more clearly than most.”
The third mind game is instilling fear.
As you grow closer, they may become more stubborn and judgmental, using strong emotions to intimidate you. What might start as mild criticism can escalate into harsh anger. You may find yourself thinking, “If I reveal this truth about myself, they will explode.” This fear can lead you to suppress your own preferences and comply with their demands to avoid conflict. Many people I’ve counseled have described feeling confident in other areas of their lives, but when dealing with a narcissist, they feel diminished, believing that expressing their uniqueness will only create more problems.
The fourth mind game is sabotage behind your back.
As you get to know them, they learn your tendencies and may isolate you from other individuals. They don’t want you to have strong allies or supporters, so they might speak negatively about you to others without your knowledge. For instance, in a family setting, they might talk to your relatives who have complimented you, saying, “I know you were impressed by what they did, but you don’t know the whole story.” This keeps people from forming a strong connection with you, thus maintaining the narcissist’s superior position.
How The Narcissist Knows They Have Lost You
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