Narcissists often push personal limits to maintain control and manipulate others. Understanding their tactics can help protect your emotional well-being. Here are five common ways they test your boundaries.

1. Gaslighting

Narcissists frequently distort reality, making you doubt your perceptions. This manipulation can lead to confusion and self-doubt, allowing them to control narratives.

2. Love Bombing

They may shower you with affection and attention initially, creating a false sense of intimacy. This tactic can later be reversed to justify emotional withdrawal or criticism.

3. Guilt Tripping

Narcissists often impose guilt to manipulate you into complying with their demands. They may portray themselves as victims to elicit sympathy and control your actions.

4. Boundary Testing

They may intentionally violate your boundaries to see how you react. This gradual escalation can desensitize you to their manipulative behavior over time.

5. Triangulation

Narcissists might involve third parties to create conflict or insecurity. This tactic undermines relationships and keeps you off-balance, reinforcing their dominance.