Glossary of Narcissistic Personality Traits and Behaviours
1. Gaslighting
A manipulative tactic where the narcissist makes a person question their own memory, perception, or sanity. Example: denying abusive events ever happened.
2. Love Bombing
Overwhelming someone with excessive affection, gifts, and attention at the start of a relationship to gain trust and control.
3. Devaluation
The stage where the narcissist shifts from idealising someone to criticising, belittling, or humiliating them.
4. Hoovering
Attempts to “suck” someone back into a toxic relationship after they have left, often through false promises, guilt, or dramatic gestures.
5. Triangulation
Involving a third person to create jealousy, insecurity, or rivalry in order to maintain control.
6. Projection
Accusing others of the very behaviours or feelings the narcissist is guilty of. Example: calling someone unfaithful while being unfaithful themselves.
7. Silent Treatment
Withdrawing communication and affection to punish, control, or destabilise the other person.
8. Flying Monkeys
People the narcissist manipulates into siding with them or carrying out their attacks on others.
9. Smear Campaign
Spreading lies, rumours, or half-truths to damage someone’s reputation and maintain the narcissist’s image.
10. Narcissistic Rage
An intense, disproportionate anger response when the narcissist feels criticised, exposed, or challenged.
11. Entitlement
Believing they deserve special treatment, obedience, or privileges regardless of reality.
12. Exploitation
Taking advantage of others’ kindness, labour, or resources without guilt or reciprocity.
13. Enmeshment
Blurring personal boundaries to maintain control, often making others feel responsible for the narcissist’s emotions.
14. Idealisation
Placing someone on a pedestal at the start of a relationship, portraying them as “perfect” to hook them in.
15. Devaluation Cycle
The repeated loop of idealisation → devaluation → discard → hoovering, which keeps victims trapped.
16. Mirroring
Copying someone’s interests, values, and language to create a false sense of similarity and closeness.
17. Masking
Hiding their abusive or controlling nature by presenting a charming, quiet, or generous persona in public.
18. Pathological Lying
Consistently lying or exaggerating to manipulate, cover abuse, or inflate their image.
19. Boundary Violations
Ignoring or pushing past personal limits, from emotional boundaries to physical space, to test control.
20. Control by Fear
Creating an atmosphere of intimidation, unpredictability, or threats to keep others compliant.
Comments
Post a Comment