(Elizabeth DeVille) With studies revealing that as high as 30% of young people would meet the classification requirements for narcissism, it is clear that narcissism is still alive and well in the world today. By understanding their manipulative techniques, we empower ourselves to avoid being the victim.
Related The Difference Between Narcissism & Narcissistic Personality Disorder
by Elizabeth DeVille, December 16th, 2018
The term ‘narcissism’ is one that finds its roots in Greek mythology and the tale of Narcissus. Well-known for his incredible beauty, Narcissus was admired by everyone that he met, however, after rejecting the love of the nymph Echo (or, in some versions of the myth, a young man named Ameinias), the Gods made Narcissus fall in love with his own reflection. Staring into his own eyes in a pool of spring water, some say he simply wasted away, pining over his own beauty, while others say he eventually killed himself.
Today the term has come to refer to those who have an inflated and unhealthy sense of importance and talent, leading to an ego that demands an excessive amount of attention and admiration from everyone that they meet. This over-the-top sense of self, combined with a complete lack of compassion and empathy for others, leads them to live an ‘all about me’ lifestyle. They use others as pawns, manipulating and playing them as necessary in order to ensure they always get what they feel they deserve in every situation. Unfortunately, narcissism is on the rise in modern-day America.
The best thing that you can do in order to avoid falling victim to a narcissist’s abuse is to educate yourself on their tactics. One common form of manipulation used by these toxic individuals is the circular conversation. When faced with a question they aren’t comfortable answering or one that they believe will paint them in a less than positive light, they will use these conversations as a form of avoidance. It allows them to avoid engaging with you in the topic at hand, redirecting the attention in a different direction.
However, note that they aren’t content with just simple avoidance, they take it a step further. Spinning and redirecting the conversation, they do it in a way that the finger is now pointing directly at you, the victim. This leads to feelings of guilt or shame, often causing the victim to avoid the conversation entirely, now believing at some level that the entire situation was actually their fault all along.
Buy Book Rethinking Narcissism: The Secret to Recognizing and Coping with Narcissists
Buy Book Unmasking Narcissism: A Guide to Understanding the Narcissist in Your Life
For example, imagine you are in a relationship with a narcissist and have found the courage to confront your partner on the negative and derogatory way that they often address you. In fact, you show such bravery that you are able to come right out and ask them why they treat you in this way. Rather than answering your question, they then return with a question of their own, asking about the many ways you have apparently done them wrong. They will fill this accusation with examples, situations they will paint as a clear explanation for their actions. The information they spit out may include some truths, but these truths are so carefully mixed in with lies and fiction that you no longer know whether your own recollection of the events at hand holds any weight. Did you just make it all up? Were you really the abusive one?
Pay careful attention to the way in which your partner, family member, co-worker, or whoever else you are interacting with responds to you. Are they respecting you during your conversations with one another, or do you walk away feeling worse than when you went in? If you are engaging with a narcissist, learn to recognize the signs!
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Stillness in the Storm Editor: Why did we post this?
Narcissistic traits are expressed by many people in the world today. It is a condition that emerges due to neglect or abuse during childhood, often through aloof parents who employ behavioral modification techniques to rear their children. Without true support and love, the child never develops a health personality regulation process. This usually leads to an unstable personality and an inability to properly regulate one’s sense of self; hence a narcissist requires more ego validation and is less capable of being humble for self-improvement. The preceding article alerts the public to this personality form, which is important for navigating social situations for the purpose of constructively uplifting one’s fellows. Despite the fact the preceding article offered no advice to help, through proper ministry and loving interactions, a narcissist can be confronted in their ways and encouraged to grow into the fullness of who they truly are. In doing so, the narcissistic tendencies will fade as they embrace growth and change.
– Justin
Not sure how to make sense of this? Want to learn how to discern like a pro? Read this essential guide to discernment, analysis of claims, and understanding the truth in a world of deception: 4 Key Steps of Discernment – Advanced Truth-Seeking Tools
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Justin
Wow, this entire article gives recall to the MSM tactics when confronted with opposing arguments or questions.
Perhaps this article should be sent to FOX news, CNN< MSNBC et al.
Confront them all with their own Modus Operandi like a mirror..
Great idea! I’m for it.