Have you found yourself unwittingly giving away more and more trust to a person while having no idea how it happened? You are not alone. Narcissists are skilled manipulators. They know exactly what psychological tools to use to help build up your trust, making it easier for them to get what they want from you. But understanding how they do this is the first step towards protecting yourself from their games. In this blog post, we will discuss 4 ways narcissists can build your trust so that you can become aware of their tactics and protect yourself.
#1 Narcissists Build Trust by Manipulating or Playing with your Emotions. Narcissists manipulate your emotions to gain your trust. They possess an innate ability to understand your vulnerabilities and exploit them. Although they lack genuine empathy, they adeptly feign emotions to deceive you. This manipulation begins with conditioning, followed by an astute reading of your emotional state, and culminates in showering you with affection to establish a false sense of intimacy—a technique known as love bombing.
#2 Narcissists Build Trust by Making a Great First Impression. Narcissists are adept at building trust through their ability to make great first impressions. They know how to present themselves in a way that aligns with your expectations, showcasing excellent skills in reading people. This has been a critical survival strategy for them throughout history. By being punctual, well-dressed, and well-groomed, they understand the significance of creating a positive initial impact to forge a sense of trust. However, it is important to note that this trust is short-lived. Once they have established a stronghold over you and progressed to the next level, they no longer prioritize respecting your time. Their behavior becomes passive-aggressive, displaying a lack of regard for your needs and feelings.
#3 Narcissists Build Trust by being Excellent Liars. Narcissists build trust through their exceptional ability to deceive, which is both intriguing and alarming. They skillfully fabricate stories about their achievements, their motives, and even their emotions, leaving their unsuspecting victims captivated by their charm. These manipulative individuals have perfected the art of “future faking,” engaging in countless conversations about shared aspirations and dreams that align perfectly with what their targets desire. This masterful manipulation not only enhances their self-image but also creates an illusion of compatibility and connection, leaving you awestruck by what appears to be a remarkable person. However, beneath this fabricated facade lies a dangerous game of manipulation and a calculated and systematic exploitation of trust.
#4 Narcissists Build Trust by Reading People. Narcissists have a unique way of building trust through their exceptional ability to read people. It is the final method we will discuss today. This skill is deeply ingrained in them from a young age as a coping mechanism in response to the trauma they experienced. Their survival instincts propelled them to develop the art of manipulating others, which necessitated honing their keen sense of perception. By mastering the art of reading people, narcissists establish a sense of power and control, making it crucial to recognize and navigate their tactics.
