Narcissists often employ manipulative tactics to alienate individuals from their families. Understanding these methods can help in recognizing their harmful influence. Here are six common strategies used by narcissists:

1. Gaslighting

Narcissists frequently distort reality, making victims doubt their perceptions and feelings. This manipulation can lead family members to question the victim’s credibility.

2. Triangulation

By involving a third party, narcissists create division and foster distrust within the family, often pitting relatives against each other.

3. Blame Shifting

Narcissists often deflect responsibility for their actions, blaming the victim instead. This tactic can lead family members to side with the narcissist.

4. Playing the Victim

By portraying themselves as the victim, narcissists can elicit sympathy from family members, further isolating the actual victim.

5. Withholding Information

Narcissists may selectively share information or lie, creating confusion and suspicion among family members about the victim’s intentions.

6. Exploiting Family Dynamics

They exploit existing family tensions or insecurities, exacerbating conflicts and driving wedges between relatives, ultimately isolating their target.