Along with rage, narcissists often engage in gaslighting—a manipulative tactic designed to make you doubt your reality. Even with evidence in hand, they might try to convince you that you’re the one misinterpreting the situation or that you’re overly sensitive. Gaslighting is meant to erode your confidence and make you question your own perception of events. It can be especially harmful because it blurs the line between truth and fiction, leaving you feeling confused and unsure of what to believe.
Projection is another common defense mechanism narcissists use when they’re caught in a lie. Instead of owning up to their dishonesty, they might accuse you of lying or being manipulative. This deflection serves to take the spotlight off their behavior and put you on the defensive. It’s a tactic that can turn what should be a straightforward conversation about their dishonesty into a toxic blame game.
The Impact of Lies on the Relationship
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