12 Dirty Tactics Narcissists Employ to Break You Down

If you love a particular type of music or have a favorite hobby, a narcissist might dismiss it, acting as if it doesn’t matter. They might even say things like, “So what? Why should I care about what you’re interested in?” It gets worse when you pursue that interest—they’ll criticize or judge you for simply enjoying what you love.

3. They Isolate You From Others

Narcissists often try to cut you off from your support system. Whether it’s friends, family, or coworkers who genuinely care about you, they’ll find sneaky ways to create distance between you and them—often without you noticing at first.

They might suggest that you don’t need those relationships or even spread lies to sabotage them. Their ultimate goal? To isolate you from the people who bring positivity and support into your life so they can have complete control over you.

4. They Turn People Against You

This tactic ties into isolation. Narcissists may actively turn your loved ones against you, twisting the narrative to make you look like the bad guy while portraying themselves as the victim.

For example, they might say things like, “I’m the better person in this family. That person doesn’t stop hurting others,” when the truth is the opposite. In cases involving children, they may engage in parental alienation, making themselves seem like the perfect parent while undermining you.