Why do narcissists like to triangulate?

Why do people with NPD use triangulation? People who have narcissistic personality disorder frequently use triangulation to enhance their feelings of superiority, raise their self-esteem, devalue other people, and keep potential competitors off-balance.
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Why does a narcissist use triangulation?

By bringing in a third person to agree with them and make the other person look wrong, it increases their sense of “rightness” and superiority over the other person. Triangulation also is a way for narcissists to gain attention, particularly when they're in the “victim” role.
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What happens when you triangulate a narcissist?

Triangulation is considered a form of emotional abuse that can occur in any relationship. Your covert narcissistic partner may pull in a third person into your toxic relationship to create conflicts between the two of you so they can manipulate and take advantage of you.
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How do you respond to narcissistic triangulation?

Build a strong support network. It's important to have people to turn to for healthy interaction. Focus on people who aren't really close to the narcissist you're talking to. Make sure that anyone who knows whoever is triangulating you can be a strong ally.
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Why do narcissists triangulate their ex's with their new supply?

Narcissists enjoy using triangulation as a mind game that enables them to gain a sense of power and control over multiple people simultaneously. It confirms to them their own grandiosity – after all, aren't they superior if they have all these people competing for their approval and validation? They certainly think so.
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Narcissist's Favorite Triangulation Phrases



Why do narcissists mirror you?

People with NPD engage in narcissistic mirroring for three primary reasons: They lack a defined identity and are trying on yours. They are working to win you over, reflecting back what they think you want to see. They are faking intimacy, because they lack the skills and desire for genuine connection.
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How does a narcissist feel when you go no contact while they are doing the same to you?

They can be moody, angry and irritable

A narcissist struggles with no in-person contact because they utilize body language to communicate, get their needs met, and maintain control. They have low self-esteem, and without validation, they can come become moody, angry, and irritable.
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What type of people triangulate?

People who triangulate see people as objects that are only meant to be reflections or extensions of themselves, to serve them when they need to protect their ego. Triangulation is a common tactic used by people with strong narcissistic tendencies and other dark personality traits.
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Is triangulation toxic?

Think of it like gossiping, but with much more sinister motives. Abusers use toxic triangulation to turn the victim's family members, friends, colleagues and sometimes children against them.
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What is an example of triangulation?

Examples. If a parent refuses to acknowledge their children's personality and individualism, and at the same time, siblings are treated very differently and discouraged from communicating with one another except through the parent, it's triangulation.
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Is triangulation a form of abuse?

This is also referred to as “Toxic Triangulation” which is one form of mental abuse. People who use this tactic will often charm their way into relationships that pre-exist between their partner and those who are directly involved in their life.
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How do you make a narcissist miserable?

How to Make a Narcissist Miserable: 12 Things They Can't Stand
  1. Ignore them.
  2. Act indifferent toward them.
  3. Tell them how happy you are.
  4. Speak in facts, not emotions.
  5. Set boundaries and stick to them.
  6. Tell them no.
  7. Give them an ultimatum for commitment.
  8. Push them to answer to authority.
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What does cutting off all contact with a narcissist do to them?

Breaking up with a narcissist is likely to be a draining experience. Either they won't let you go without a fight, or they will discard you without looking back. Both experiences are extremely hurtful.
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How does a narcissist bait you?

The narcissist “baits” their victim by purposely doing or saying things to annoy or taunt them. They may also do it in order to get their victim to do what they want. They would often use baiting as a way to continually assert their power and superiority in the relationship.
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Will a narcissist leave you alone if you ignore them?

If you ignore a narcissist and deny them their source, they may become enraged and try even harder for your attention – especially in ways that can be toxic or abusive. Ignoring a narcissist will enrage them because of their fragile egos. They'll feel humiliated and lash out against you to protect themselves.
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Why do narcissists want you to chase them?

Once you've been identified as a source of narcissistic supply, they'll do everything in their power to make you dependent on them. They need you to chase them to satisfy their internal insecurity. The rush of grandiosity they feel when being glorified is enough to distract them from reality.
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What are the 4 types of triangulation?

In 1978, Norman Denzin identified four basic types of triangulation: (1) data triangulation: the use of multiple data sources in a single study; (2) investigator triangulation: the use of multiple investigators/research- ers to study a particular phenomenon; (3) theory triangulation: the use of multiple perspectives to ...
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How do you break triangulation?

Set some ground rules, including:
  1. The feedback should avoid evaluative statements and focus on descriptions of the other person's behavior. ...
  2. Each person should be curious as to why the other sees things the way they do. ...
  3. The two people involved should talk to each other and not to the facilitator.
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How do you disengage triangulation?

How to Disengage from a Triangle
  1. Recognize a triangle when you see one. If you're talking to Fred about a problem you're having with Ginger, that's triangulation. ...
  2. Keep things clean; maintain good boundaries. ...
  3. Talk openly with family members about triangulation.
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Why do people engage in triangulation?

Triangulation occurs when an outside person intervenes or is drawn into a conflicted or stressful relationship in an attempt to ease tension and facilitate communication. This situation is often seen in family therapy.
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Does a narcissist regret losing you?

Realize that people with NPD can't feel regret. Come to terms with the fact that you can't make them feel a certain way. Push yourself to move on because the narcissist won't miss you—they'll miss whatever they were getting from you. Unfortunately, people with NPD can't give genuine love.
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How do you confuse a narcissist?

11 Ways to Confuse and Disarm a Narcissist
  1. 1 Be unpredictable.
  2. 2 Say “no” when they ask for favors.
  3. 3 Remove all emotion from your reactions to them.
  4. 4 Bore them with the “gray rock” treatment.
  5. 5 Guard your sensitive information closely.
  6. 6 Walk away while they're talking.
  7. 7 Cut off all communication.
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What happens if you give a narcissist the silent treatment?

The silent treatment, while sometimes seemingly harmless when talking about it, can be a highly damaging and effective form of manipulation, coercion, and control used by toxic people. It is common, even though many victims feel alone and like they cant talk about it because no one will believe them or understand.
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What weird things do narcissists do?

One of the weird things narcissists do involves destroying your happiness and relaxing moments. They will purposefully do things to prevent you from doing something as simple as sleep. Even if you had a long day or are sick, a narcissist may start a fight while you are trying to sleep.
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