5 Signs You Are Dealing with a Narcissist

Oct 12, 2026

Last week, I introduced you to 5 signs that you are in a relationship with a person with narcissistic or psychopathic traits. Read it here: Are You in a Narcissistic Relationship?

Today, we dive into 5 more psychological tactics they use to keep you hooked and controlled.

Knowledge is the key to liberation. If you recognise these toxic dynamics in your life - whether in an intimate relationship, your career, or family - know this: The only way to win is to walk away and stop playing the game.

1. Future Faking

Grand plans, empty intentions. He sells you a dream - trips, moving in together, marriage, your dream future, or simply: "things are getting better next month." It keeps you invested in his potential - and the future of the relationship if you stay - rather than looking at his current behaviour.

2. Breadcrumbing

Keeping you on emotional starvation rations. They give you minimal effort just to make you stick around for more. A sweet text right when you start pulling away, a small burst of warmth after days of distance, a vague promise. Just enough to reset your boundaries and keep you hooked, hoping for a full meal.

3. Moving the Goalposts

An impossible game to win. You are constantly chasing a moving target. No matter how much you adapt, compromise, or change, it is never enough. The conditions for his approval will always shift.

4. Constant Criticism (The "Never Good Enough" Loop)

Too quiet or too loud, too ambitious or not driven enough, too fat or too thin, too messy or too rigid. When someone constantly picks at you and tells you how you should be in order to be "good enough," you end up bending over backward trying to perfect yourself - and end up losing yourself in the process.

5. Triangulation & Comparison

Comparing you to exes, friends, or strangers to make you feel like you're never enough - and easily replaceable. Adding the classic phrase: "Everyone else thinks you’re..." to make you doubt your own perception and who is actually having your back.

You cannot fix a narcissist. But you can save yourself.

If you recognise these dynamics and want help to break free, you can download my short free guide here: 👉 Download the Free Guide Here

And if you want a complete in depth guidance to identify, plan, and break free, you can now access STEP 1 in The RisingFem Guide here: 👉 Get Direct Access to Step 1 Now

This is a fully packed module with video lessons, exercises, and guidance designed to help you see clearly, leave safely, and stay strong so you don't get reeled back in.

⚠️ SAFETY NOTE: If you are still living with your abuser, remember to clear your browsing history after visiting this page.