5 Cruel Things A Narcissist Does To Torture You

Written By:

Daisy Simon

Written By:

Daisy Simon

Toxic Things A Narcissist Does To Hurt You

Being in a relationship with a narcissist can feel like you’re trapped in an emotional storm that never settles. If you suspect this type of behavior in a relationship, then here are five inhuman things a narcissist does to torture you.

But, What Is Narcissist Torture?

Narcissist torture isn’t an official psychological term, but it’s commonly used to describe emotional or psychological manipulation by those with narcissistic traits or narcissistic personality disorder (NPD).

It usually refers to the harmful behaviors or tactics that a narcissist uses to control, demean, or manipulate you, all in an effort to uphold their sense of superiority, gain power, or reinforce their self-image.

So below 5 signs will help you to recognize harmful behaviors before it gets too exhausting and painful.

But What Is Narcissist Torture

5 things a narcissist does to hurt you

1. They Make You Question Your Reality

Gaslighting is one of the most common narcissist torture tactic, and it can be incredibly damaging. They twist the truth, deny things they’ve said, or accuse you of being too sensitive or imagining things. 

Over time, you may start to doubt your own memory and how you perceive events. This kind of mental manipulation can make you feel like you’re losing touch with reality.

You might find yourself second-guessing everything, including your own thoughts and feelings, which gives them even more power over you.

Example: Imagine confronting them about hurtful words they said, only for them to claim it never happened, or that you’re “making a big deal out of nothing.”

2. They Always Criticize and Belittle You

Narcissists thrive on control, and one of the 5 things a narcissist does for maintaining it is through relentless criticism. No matter what you do, it’s never enough for them. 

They’ll downplay your accomplishments, ridicule your decisions, and make you feel small. Gradually, their words erode your self-esteem. You start to doubt your abilities and worth, which only strengthens their grip on you.

Example: You might reach a significant milestone at work, but the narcissist will dismiss it, claiming it’s “not a big deal” or that “anyone could have done that.”

3. They Turn Others Against You (Triangulation)

Narcissists are experts in creating drama and discord between people. This tactic is called triangulation, where they bring a third person into the mix to manipulate and isolate you further. 

They might badmouth you to mutual friends or colleagues, creating doubt and division. This leaves you feeling isolated and unsure of whom to trust, which serves the narcissist’s goal of keeping you dependent on them.

Example: They might tell you that a mutual friend has been talking behind your back, even though this isn’t true, just to make you question that friendship.

4. They Use Your Emotions Against You

Narcissists thrive on emotional manipulation. They know your vulnerabilities and use your emotions against you. If you’re sensitive, they’ll exploit that sensitivity to provoke reactions.

If you express sadness or frustration, they may mock your feelings or accuse you of being overly emotional. The goal is to keep you off balance and make you feel powerless, ensuring that you’ll turn to them for validation and approval.

Example: If you’re upset about something, instead of comforting you, they might accuse you of being dramatic or tell you that you’re the reason for your own pain.

5. They Use Silent Treatment and Withholding Affection

Narcissists can be incredibly cold and calculated when it comes to punishing you. One of their most chilling tactics is the silent treatment. When they don’t get their way or want to hurt you, they might withdraw affection, ignore you, or act as if you don’t exist. 

This emotional abandonment is designed to make you feel unworthy and desperate for their attention and approval. The cycle of giving and withholding affection keeps you in a state of emotional dependence.

Example: After a disagreement, they may refuse to speak to you for days, leaving you feeling confused, anxious, and desperate to make amends, even if you weren’t at fault.

How to Protect Yourself From Naricisst Torture?

Identifying these tactics is the first step toward protecting yourself. Narcissists are skilled at manipulation, but by learning about their strategies, you can begin to take back control of your life.

Keep in mind that their aim is to keep you trapped in their control, so focus on your well-being, to break free from their manipulation and start to reclaim your identity. 

You deserve relationships built on mutual respect, trust, and love, not on control or narcissist torture!

Read More Here: 22 Stages of Relationship Between An Empath And Narcissist

Share your thoughts in the comments below!

5 things a narcissist does

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— About the Author —

Daisy Simon

I enjoy reading and learning about new things in life. I found writing helpful when I began to explore about various topics on WordPress. My interests also lie with movies, lifestyle, and health.

Response

  1. Sandra M Rottloff Avatar
    Sandra M Rottloff

    Love all the topics and articles covered in mind’s journal first and foremost. I am choosing to comment on Narcissist’s and their warped characteristics. My son has had 2 kids with a female narcissist/psychpath and got wise to her “mind games” after she literally caused him to have a psychotic break and I had to give consent for in patient treatment for him so they could stabilize him because he wasn’t able to. He lost who he was as a person because of her. In 4 years time that my son has been on this rollercoaster with her, she has gotten 4 different TRO’s against him the second things didn’t go her way. Lied and said she is afraid for her life and that my son beats her etc. Each judge has granted her petition every time because she’s a great actress when playing her part as the victim. This 4th one which was granted recently,
    the judge stipulated in the order that my son can’t see his kids for 2 years. So now, she’s using their kids as pawns because she knows that’s one of my son’s vulnerabilities (she might as well just have stabbed him in the heart instead).
    His kids are his world and once again he’s devastated because of
    the judges decision and her manipulating the judicial system once again with her lies about him.
    He has never laid a hand on her. In
    fact she was the violent one when they were living together and I witnessed her physically attacking him several times when they argued and still have photos I took of his injuries. The first time I met her, I
    had to restrain her myself for an hour to stop her violent behavior towards my son. Fast forward to today, I would very much appreciate your feedback on what I’ve shared 👌

    Reply
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