{"id":2358,"date":"2026-03-19T12:57:00","date_gmt":"2026-03-19T12:57:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/?p=2358"},"modified":"2026-04-11T18:10:39","modified_gmt":"2026-04-11T18:10:39","slug":"narcissist-tactics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/narcissist-tactics\/","title":{"rendered":"Narcissist Tactics You Need to Know: The Subtle Ways That Drain You"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2749\" src=\"http:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Re-EDIT-41.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2240\" height=\"1260\" \/>You feel emotionally drained, second-guess yourself, and can\u2019t figure out why. This is the goal of the narcissist when they use their abuse tactics, the more drained you are the more obedient you are.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A narcissist has to appear perfect to all, to keep their over inflated ego so behaviors have to be used to manipulate and control without obvious aggression, future faking, passive aggressive behaviors, and gaslighting, others think the devil is a saint.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-4\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let\u2019s explore some of the most common narcissist tactics including covert narcissist tactics and why they work. We also need to explore how to protect yourself from narcissist tactics so that you do not lose yourself.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_81 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/narcissist-tactics\/#What_Are_Narcissist_Tactics\" >What Are Narcissist Tactics?\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/narcissist-tactics\/#10_Covert_Narcissist_Tactics_That_Drain_You\" >10 Covert Narcissist Tactics That Drain You\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/narcissist-tactics\/#The_Cumulative_Emotional_Toll_of_These_Tactics\" >The Cumulative Emotional Toll of These Tactics\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/narcissist-tactics\/#Why_These_Tactics_Work_So_Well\" >Why These Tactics Work So Well\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/narcissist-tactics\/#How_to_Protect_Yourself_from_Narcissist_Tactics\" >How to Protect Yourself from Narcissist Tactics\u00a0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 data-rm-block-id=\"block-5\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_Narcissist_Tactics\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Are Narcissist Tactics?\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-6\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-2360\" src=\"http:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-1024x765.png\" alt=\"Woman journaling at night, emotionally drained from covert narcissist tactics.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"765\" srcset=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-1024x765.png 1024w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-300x224.png 300w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-768x573.png 768w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-150x112.png 150w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12.png 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-7\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Narcissist tactics while intentional become unconscious behaviors designed to secure control, attention, and dominance. They figured out how to get what they want and now they just do it and it still works, they don\u2019t realize they intensified other areas.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-8\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Narcissist tactics are often subtle, this is so that the narc can maintain their image of perfection while making the victim question whether they\u2019re even being mistreated. It\u2019s the back handed compliments type things that happen all the time.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-9\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A narcissist has a fragile sense of self that can be easily shifted by others&#8217; opinions of them. This causes them to need narcissistic emotions to be very easily shifted one way or the other, by use of narcissist tactics that they have learned worked, they then secure supply to heal themselves.<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-10\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The psychological underpinning to the narcissist tactics is the low ego that is easily damaged, and a learned behavior that they can make others make them feel better by these learned and adapted narcissist tactics.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 data-rm-block-id=\"block-11\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_Covert_Narcissist_Tactics_That_Drain_You\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10 Covert Narcissist Tactics That Drain You\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-12\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-2361\" src=\"http:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-1-1024x765.png\" alt=\"Woman questioning reality in mirror, symbolizing gaslighting by a narcissist\" width=\"1024\" height=\"765\" srcset=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-1-1024x765.png 1024w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-1-300x224.png 300w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-1-768x573.png 768w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-1-150x112.png 150w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-1.png 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3 data-rm-block-id=\"block-13\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Gaslighting<\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-14\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The narcissist tactic of gaslighting is a form of manipulation to make you doubt your reality or even question your own sanity.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-15\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common phrases like \u201cYou\u2019re too sensitive,\u201d \u201cThat never happened.\u201d \u201cYou\u2019re overreacting.\u201d \u201cI did that because I was trying to help you.\u201d They might not say the exact words in this narcissist tactic they learn to imply instead of using exact words.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-2362\" src=\"http:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-2-1024x765.png\" alt=\"Tense office interaction showing passive-aggressive narcissist behavior.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"765\" srcset=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-2-1024x765.png 1024w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-2-300x224.png 300w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-2-768x573.png 768w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-2-150x112.png 150w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-2.png 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 data-rm-block-id=\"block-16\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Passive-Aggression<\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-17\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is a difficult narcissist tactic to spot, they use an indirect means to express their anger. Instead of being direct about being mad at you they are nice to you but snidely.<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-18\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common narcissist tactics in this area include silent treatment, snide comments, or sarcasm with a smile. They are employed to keep you guessing and feeling inferior, but still look like a nice person while they do it.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-2363\" src=\"http:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-3-1024x765.png\" alt=\"Dinner table triangulation creating jealousy and confusion in a toxic relationship.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"765\" srcset=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-3-1024x765.png 1024w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-3-300x224.png 300w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-3-768x573.png 768w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-3-150x112.png 150w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-3.png 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 data-rm-block-id=\"block-19\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Triangulation<\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-20\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Narcissist tactics do not only involve you. They will bring in a third party to create jealousy, a shared opinion that backs their belief or competition.<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-21\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By having an additional party involved, the narcissist tactics make you question reality because now they have a backup story or create jealousy or competition to manipulate you into doing what they want you to do.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-2364\" src=\"http:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-4-1024x765.png\" alt=\"Love bombing and withholding cycle shown by flowers and a locked doorway.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"765\" srcset=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-4-1024x765.png 1024w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-4-300x224.png 300w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-4-768x573.png 768w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-4-150x112.png 150w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-4.png 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 data-rm-block-id=\"block-22\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Love Bombing and Withholding<\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-23\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Imagine you get showered with affection, attention and gifts for the first 2 weeks of the relationship and then they completely ghost you for the next 2 weeks, it causes confusion of their approval of you.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-24\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As you go through this yo-yo of a relationship you are constantly seeking their approval thinking during the non love bombing times you are not worthy of their love. The extremes of the behavior is what causes the lasting effect of feeling inadequate.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-2365\" src=\"http:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-5-1024x765.png\" alt=\"Blame-shifting argument where narcissist accuses partner to avoid accountability\" width=\"1024\" height=\"765\" srcset=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-5-1024x765.png 1024w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-5-300x224.png 300w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-5-768x573.png 768w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-5-150x112.png 150w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-5.png 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 data-rm-block-id=\"block-25\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Blame-Shifting and Projection<\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-26\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This narcissistic tactic can look like gaslighting as well. They will actually be straight faced accusing you of what they\u2019re doing.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-27\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While they keep you on the defensive, you&#8217;re too busy to work on your case against them leaving them blameless and you looking like you were not able to validate your story, that you actually never needed to validate because they did it not you.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-2366\" src=\"http:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-6-1024x765.png\" alt=\"Emotional invalidation as partner dismisses feelings during narcissistic abuse.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"765\" srcset=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-6-1024x765.png 1024w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-6-300x224.png 300w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-6-768x573.png 768w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-6-150x112.png 150w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-6.png 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 data-rm-block-id=\"block-28\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6. Minimizing and Invalidating Your Feelings<\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-29\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The narcissist tactics of minimizing and invalidating your feelings helps to minimize your experiences in their narrative, by undermining your self-worth and making you question and suppress your own emotions and emotional needs and focus on theirs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-30\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Statements like \u201cYou\u2019re overreacting.\u201d \u201cIt\u2019s not a big deal.\u201d or \u201cYou\u2019re getting mad over nothing.\u201d make you feel like you are overreacting when all you are really doing is expressing your honest feelings.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-2367\" src=\"http:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-7-1024x765.png\" alt=\"Future faking promises used to keep someone emotionally invested.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"765\" srcset=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-7-1024x765.png 1024w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-7-300x224.png 300w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-7-768x573.png 768w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-7-150x112.png 150w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-7.png 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 data-rm-block-id=\"block-31\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7. Future Faking<\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-32\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is the narcissist&#8217;s tactic of making promises for the future to keep you holding on for the promise. It keeps you emotionally invested providing continued support to the narcissist no matter what they need because you are going to get this grand reward.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-33\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cWe\u2019ll move in together\u201d or \u201cWe\u2019ll travel soon\u201d but it never happens, sound familiar? These narcissist tactics are the same as when your parents told you if you are good you will get a treat. It\u2019s exactly the same the narcissist wants you to obey.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-2368\" src=\"http:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-8-1024x765.png\" alt=\"Waiting for unpredictable messages, symbolizing intermittent reinforcement and trauma bond.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"765\" srcset=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-8-1024x765.png 1024w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-8-300x224.png 300w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-8-768x573.png 768w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-8-150x112.png 150w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-8.png 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 data-rm-block-id=\"block-34\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8. Intermittent Reinforcement<\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-35\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The narcissist tactics of occasional praise or reprimand is to keep you on your toes. You never know what to expect as a reaction, causing emotional instability within the victim. The instability caused by the narcissist tactics can have long-lasting impacts such as anxiety.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-36\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Similar to addiction cycles the victim is constantly seeking to satisfy and possibly please the narcissist, tactics of constantly raising the bar to keep the victim constantly under their command to please them, or reprimanding for something that they currently were pleased with.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-2369\" src=\"http:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-9-1024x765.png\" alt=\"Narcissist playing the victim to trigger guilt and regain control.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"765\" srcset=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-9-1024x765.png 1024w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-9-300x224.png 300w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-9-768x573.png 768w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-9-150x112.png 150w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-9.png 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 data-rm-block-id=\"block-37\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9. Victimhood Masking<\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-38\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The narcissist tactics involve flipping the script to make themselves the victim. They may have committed the act but they want you to feel bad for asking them to be accountable. Or even just because you caught them.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-39\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Statements like \u201cYou\u2019re just trying to make me look bad.\u201d cause guilt and prolongs a toxic connection almost indebting you emotionally to the narcissist because you made them almost learn empathy.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-2370\" src=\"http:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-10-572x1024.png\" alt=\"Smear campaign as people whisper and judge a survivor of narcissistic abuse.\" width=\"572\" height=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-10-572x1024.png 572w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-10-167x300.png 167w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-10-150x269.png 150w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-10.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 572px) 100vw, 572px\" \/><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 data-rm-block-id=\"block-40\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10. Smear Campaigns<\/span><\/h4>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-41\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are trying to leave a narcissist or discussing their bad behavior with others. The narcist tactics change to offense by bad-mouthing you to others to control how you&#8217;re perceived.<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-42\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They use this to actually set a boundary for you, not a healthy one like what we are trying to set, a controlling one, like a perimeter fence, the narc sees you as a threat to their image and you need to be put in bad light so no one will believe the truths you are trying to tell.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 data-rm-block-id=\"block-43\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Cumulative_Emotional_Toll_of_These_Tactics\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Cumulative Emotional Toll of These Tactics\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-44\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-2371\" src=\"http:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-11-1024x765.png\" alt=\"Walking away from the game to stop narcissist manipulation and control.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"765\" srcset=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-11-1024x765.png 1024w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-11-300x224.png 300w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-11-768x573.png 768w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-11-150x112.png 150w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-11.png 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-45\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Over time there is a cumulative emotional toll taken on the victim of narcissist tactics. If someone says something to you one time, yes it hurts for a minute. But when you are constantly subtly criticized it causes emotional confusion, self-doubt, and low self-worth.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-46\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cDeath by a thousand cuts\u201d: If it is a one time huge cut it would be noticeable, but if it\u2019s 1000 papercuts, they can create a larger cut then the one cut, because it\u2019s not even noticed as it\u2019s happening, giving more opportunity for a larger damage area.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-47\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After long enough exposure to the narcissist tactics of abuse as a victim we develop anxiety, depression, PTSD, CPSTD, and even suicidal tendencies. These are not made up terms; these are clinical illnesses being caused by the constant small cuts.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-48\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\ud83d\udd0d <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tip Box<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: \u201cIf you feel exhausted and unsure of yourself after every interaction\u2014it\u2019s not in your head.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 data-rm-block-id=\"block-49\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_These_Tactics_Work_So_Well\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why These Tactics Work So Well\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-50\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-2372\" src=\"http:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-12-1024x765.png\" alt=\"Gray rock method shown by emotional neutrality during narcissistic conflict.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"765\" srcset=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-12-1024x765.png 1024w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-12-300x224.png 300w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-12-768x573.png 768w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-12-150x112.png 150w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-12.png 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-51\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The narcissist tactics of subtlety provide plausible deniability. They can\u2019t be accused of causing a large cut, no one noticed all the small cuts that caused the large cut, so no one blames the narcissist tactics compounding causing the damage.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-52\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Survivors tend to be found as empathetic and conflict-avoidant but after being removed from the abuse have a high emotional intelligence, making the narcissist subtly manipulation in the beginning and then building lets them utilize your empathy against you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-53\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Intermittent reinforcement of narcissist tactics is what creates the trauma bond. With the emotional instability of a narcissistic relationship, and constantly being on eggshells and then not even knowing which way to walk to avoid waking the beast.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 data-rm-block-id=\"block-54\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Protect_Yourself_from_Narcissist_Tactics\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Protect Yourself from Narcissist Tactics\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-55\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-2373\" src=\"http:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-13-1024x765.png\" alt=\"Journaling to track patterns and recognize covert narcissist tactics\" width=\"1024\" height=\"765\" srcset=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-13-1024x765.png 1024w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-13-300x224.png 300w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-13-768x573.png 768w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-13-150x112.png 150w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-13.png 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<h4 data-rm-block-id=\"block-56\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Awareness Is Step One<\/span><\/h4>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-57\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Narcissist tactics are subtle but if you use journaling and pattern tracking it will help to validate your instincts and continue to learn more and reach out to others to discuss what you\u2019re experiencing. Sometimes validation is helpful in starting to heal.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 data-rm-block-id=\"block-58\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Set Clear and Non-Negotiable Boundaries<\/span><\/h4>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-59\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Boundaries are your protection against the narcissist tactics that are trying to destroy you and should not be negotiable. They should be explained once and then a consequence or action. These are not little fences for the narc to jump back and forth over, they\u2019re protection.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 data-rm-block-id=\"block-60\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Use the Gray Rock Method<\/span><\/h4>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-61\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be boring to the narc and emotionally neutral, it deprives them of the reaction they are looking for as their supply. If you hold it back they will back off on their attempts to contact you. If you are also gray\/black rocking them. They will eventually lose interest and look elsewhere.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 data-rm-block-id=\"block-62\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Don\u2019t Try to \u201cWin\u201d<\/span><\/h4>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-63\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How do you win a game you didn\u2019t even know you were playing or a game when you don&#8217;t know the rules because as soon as you follow the rules, they change, or you think you reach the reward level and the bar is raised to the next level before the reward is earned now.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 data-rm-block-id=\"block-64\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Seek Professional Help<\/span><\/h4>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-65\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s especially helpful to seek\u00a0 trauma-informed or narcissistic abuse-focused therapy. Therapy comes in different forms for different problems, what you\u2019ve gone through in a narcissistically abusive relationship is a combo meal with a couple extra sides of mental abuse.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-66\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-2374\" src=\"http:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-14-1024x765.png\" alt=\"Rebuilding self-trust and peace after leaving a narcissistic relationship\" width=\"1024\" height=\"765\" srcset=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-14-1024x765.png 1024w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-14-300x224.png 300w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-14-768x573.png 768w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-14-150x112.png 150w, https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/generated-image-2026-02-12-14.png 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-67\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The narcissist tactics are designed to confuse and control you. They want to drain you to get their supply needs met. The narcissist in no way reflects our worth or who we are, we are some of the strongest people ever to get through their narcissist tactics.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-68\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breaking free and rebuilding starts with clarity and understanding what you\u2019ve been through. You are allowed to protect your peace and part of that is learning what the dangers are. By taking the first steps of learning, you are taking the steps to regaining your freedom.<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-69\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re noticing signs of narcissistic abuse or you feel stuck in a narcissistic relationship, you\u2019re not alone \u2014 and it\u2019s not your fault. What you\u2019re experiencing is real, and healing is possible.<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-70\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For more support, visit<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.themarymcconnell.com\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.themarymcconnell.com<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for free educational resources, recovery tools, and guidance to help you recognize toxic patterns, rebuild your self-trust, and move forward safely.<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-71\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you need immediate help, support is available 24\/7: <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Domestic Violence Hotline<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehotline.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.thehotline.org\/<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (1-800-799-7233), <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Crisis Text Line<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Text HOME to 741741), and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">988<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Suicide &amp; Crisis Lifeline).<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-72\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have you dealt with a narcissist or recovered from narcissistic abuse? If you feel safe, share your experience in the comments \u2014 your story might be the moment someone else realizes they\u2019re not \u201ccrazy,\u201d they\u2019re being harmed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-73\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Looking for more guidance on narcissism and recovery? Explore the related articles below on boundaries, gaslighting, love bombing, and healing after narcissistic abuse to keep building your path to emotional freedom.<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-75\"><a href=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/narcissist-eyes\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Hidden Meaning Behind the Narcissist Eyes<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-76\"><a href=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/why-do-narcissists-want-to-hurt-you\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why Do Narcissists Want to Hurt You: The Truth Behind Their Manipulative Behavior<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-77\"><a href=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/how-to-expose-a-narcissist\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Expose a Narcissist Safely Without Falling Into Their Trap<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-78\"><a href=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/what-does-narc-mean\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Does Narc Mean? A Deep Dive into Narcissism and Its Impact on Relationships<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-79\"><a href=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/narcissist-and-the-silent-treatment\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Narcissist and the Silent Treatment: How to Recognize, Respond and Reclaim Your Voice<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-80\"><a href=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/narcissist-at-work\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dealing with a Narcissist at Work: 9 Survival Strategies to Protect Your Sanity and Career<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-81\"><a href=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/how-to-shut-down-a-narcissist\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Shut Down a Narcissist: 7 Powerful Responses to Silence Them<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-82\"><a href=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/narcissistic-traits-in-males\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Narcissistic Traits in Males: 12 Disturbing Signs You Can\u2019t Ignore<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-83\"><a href=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/do-narcissists-know-they-are-narcissists\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do Narcissists Know They Are Narcissists? The Truth About Their Self-Perception and Denial<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-84\"><a href=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/how-does-the-narcissist-feel-when-you-move-on\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How Does the Narcissist Feel When You Move On: The Shocking Truth They Don\u2019t Want You to Know!<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-85\"><a href=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/are-narcissists-evil\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are Narcissists Evil or Products of Their Past?<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-86\"><a href=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/narcissist-love-bombing\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Narcissist Love Bombing: How to Spot the Signs Before It\u2019s Too Late<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-87\"><a href=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/narcissist-quotes\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">40 Eye-Opening Narcissist Quotes That Reveal How Narcissists Think and Manipulate<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-88\"><a href=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/what-causes-narcissism\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Causes Narcissism: Find Out About Its Origins<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-89\"><a href=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/signs-you-are-healing-from-narcissistic-abuse\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10 Empowering Signs You\u2019re Healing from Narcissistic Abuse<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-90\"><a href=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/things-narcissists-say\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Things Narcissists Say: 18 Classic Phrases That Reveal Their True Personality<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-91\"><a href=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/narcissistic-family\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Toxic Dynamics of a Narcissistic Family: How Control and Silence Keep the Cycle Alive<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-92\"><a href=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/narcissistic-victim-syndrome\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Narcissistic Victim Syndrome: Everything You Need to Know<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-93\"><a href=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/can-a-narcissist-change-for-the-right-woman\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can a Narcissist Change for the Right Woman? Why Love Alone Isn\u2019t Enough to Fix Them<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-94\"><a href=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/long-term-effects-of-narcissistic-abuse\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understanding and Overcoming the Long-Term Effects of Narcissistic Abuse<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-95\"><a href=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/how-to-break-up-with-a-narcissist\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Break Up with a Narcissist: The Step-by-Step Guide to Leaving Without Losing Yourself<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-96\"><a href=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/how-are-narcissists-created\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How Are Narcissists Created: Uncovering the Deep-Rooted Causes of Narcissism<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-97\"><a href=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/stages-of-narcissistic-abuse\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Stages of Narcissistic Abuse Explained and How to Break the Cycle<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p data-rm-block-id=\"block-98\"><a href=\"https:\/\/themarymcconnell.com\/blog\/no-contact-with-the-narcissist\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Ultimate Guide to No Contact with the Narcissist: How to Stay Strong, Set Boundaries and Heal for Good<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You feel emotionally drained, second-guess yourself, and can\u2019t figure out why. 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