Learn about the types of Narcissism and how they manipulate

Did you know that not all narcissists are the same? Narcissism presents itself in different forms, and each type brings its own manipulation tactics that can leave its victims disoriented and emotionally destroyed.

In this article, we'll explore the main types of narcissism, revealing how these individuals use subtle and deceptive strategies to control and exploit others.

If you've ever felt trapped in a cycle of love and pain, Understanding these differences can be the first step towards liberation.

The main types of Narcissism

Grandiose Narcissist

This is the best-known type: confident, arrogant and hungry for attention. They stand out in public, love to be admired and make it clear that they are better than others.

In the relationship, he treats you like a trophy - something he shows off when it suits him, but which loses its value if he's not reinforcing his ego all the time.

Practical example:

You're at a dinner party with friends, and your narcissistic partner starts subtly criticizing you in front of everyone, saying something like: "She tries to cook, but I always end up having to give her a hand, otherwise nothing comes out right."

At first glance, it may seem like a joke, but the repetition of these destructive comments undermines their self-esteem and reinforces the idea that they are always in control, and you will never be enough.

Vulnerable Narcissist

This type is more difficult to detect because they hide behind a victim image. He presents himself as a sensitive, insecure person who needs constant reassurance and care.

In the relationship, he will make you feel sorry for him, always blaming past traumas or the actions of other people.

Practical example:

Whenever you try to confront your partner about something that bothers you, they respond with something like: "You know I'm like this because of my difficult childhood. I need your support, not your criticism."

This makes you feel guilty for bringing up legitimate issues, and you end up going back to the cycle of trying to please him, ignoring your own feelings.

Hidden Narcissist

This is the most dangerous because he is the most covert. He's not openly aggressive or vain, but he manipulates in a subtle way. He acts with the so-called "passive aggressiveness".

You start to wonder if you're overreacting, because the emotional abuse is so camouflaged that it's hard to see what's going on.

He will make you believe that YOU are the abusive person in the relationship, and you begin to doubt your own sanity.

Practical example:

You share an important concern about the future of the relationship, and he responds with a vague phrase like: "You're exaggerating, it's not that important."

He doesn't say exactly what's wrong, but he plants a doubt in you. Little by little, you begin to feel that you can never understand what's going on, and insecurity takes over.

Receive our free 100% e-book by e-mail

Manipulation mechanisms common

Now that you know the types of narcissists, it's essential to understand how they act to keep their victims emotionally trapped.

The narcissist creates a parallel reality in which you don't realize you're being manipulated, and this happens through highly calculated tactics.

Love bombing

At the beginning of the relationship, the narcissist will shower you with love and attention. They will make you feel that you are the most important person in the world, creating a feeling of intense and immediate connection. This serves to "trap" you emotionally.

Practical example:

In the first few months of dating, he sends romantic messages all the time, buys expensive presents, plans trips and makes public declarations of love.

It seems like a dream. But suddenly, when he feels he has won you over, that special treatment disappears, leaving you wondering what you did wrong.

However, just when you think about giving up, he resumes his romantic behavior and goes back to being the person you fell in love with, leaving you trapped in a cycle that's hard to break.

Gaslighting

One of the cruelest tactics. The narcissist distorts reality, fmaking you doubt your own perceptions.

He'll deny having said or done anything, even if you're sure otherwise, leading you to question your sanity.

Practical example:

You clearly remember an argument where he was extremely rude, but when you try to talk about it, he replies: "I never said that. You're imagining things again."

Little by little, you begin to believe that you really are exaggerating or being too sensitive, and try to change yourself to be "softer" to the abuses against you.

Triangulation

The narcissist loves to create rivalries between you and other people, using third parties as a tool for manipulation.

He may compare you to ex-partners or even friends and family, implying that you'll never be as good as them.

He deliberately makes you jealous in order to manipulate you, and criticizes you for the negative reactions he himself has provoked.

Practical example:

He says something like: "My ex always understood me better, you should be more like her." This awakens in you a desire to try harder to please him, creating a competition that undermines your self-esteem and strengthens his control.

He'll always make it seem like everyone is sensible and that no one would act like you. He'll make you feel like the worst person in the worldAnd it can do so in a very subtle way.

Projection

Narcissists often accuse you of doing exactly what they are doing. If they're being unfaithful, for example, they'll accuse you of being disloyal, diverting attention from their own behavior.

Practical example:

You begin to notice that he is pulling away and becoming more emotionally distant. When confronted, he accuses you of not being there or of no longer caring about the relationship.

This makes you doubt yourself and ends up distracting you from the real problem: his behavior.

Ice treatment

The ice (or silent) treatment is yet another of the cruel tactics used by narcissists to manipulate and control their victims.

In this case, he deliberately ignores you, acts cold and emotionally distant, without providing any explanation or apparent reason. The intention is to punish you, to make you feel insignificant and desperate for his attention.

Practical example:

Everything seems to be going well, but suddenly the narcissist stops answering your messages, avoids conversations or acts as if you are no longer there. When you try to understand what happened, they treat you with indifference, making it clear that something is wrong, but without telling you what it is.

This makes you feel anxious and insecure, leading you to question whether you've done something wrong. The narcissist knows that this feeling of exclusion will make you try to get closer, often ignoring your own needs, while they maintain emotional control over you.