The Narcissist’s Mirror: How They Copy You, Become You, and Then Destroy You
Projection involves attributing their own undesirable traits or behaviors onto you. It’s a defense mechanism that allows them to avoid confronting their own flaws by shifting the focus onto you. Gaslighting, on the other hand, is a deliberate tactic to make you question your perceptions, memories, and sanity. The narcissist may deny events occurred, insist that things you remember never happened, or tell you that you’re overreacting or imagining things. Over time, this constant manipulation can lead to debilitating confusion and self-doubt, ultimately making you more dependent on the narcissist for their interpretation of reality rather than your own eyes, ears, and perceptions, which is again the narcissist’s ultimate goal.
Once they gain this kind of control over your mind, they know they have you right where they want you. Usually, the narcissist will use the traits they have copied and mimicked from you to manipulate and exploit other people. They will attempt to present themselves as someone they are not—namely, you—in order to gain favor or advantage.
In social settings, social circles, or professional environments, the narcissist may adopt your mannerisms, speech patterns, or interests to charm new acquaintances, creating an illusion of authenticity and relatability. They might even steal your ideas or achievements and present them as their own, leveraging your strengths to advance their status while undermining your credibility. This allows them to bask in the admiration and respect that rightfully belong to you, reinforcing their inflated self-image and positioning them as indispensable within various social and professional networks. Meanwhile, you may find yourself marginalized, your contributions overlooked, and your reputation unjustly tarnished.
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