Shielding His Reputation:
The Master of Perception
Manipulation by a narcissist is not achieved through blatant lies; they are often too clever for that, except when cornered. Instead, they manipulate reality to fit their narrative, selectively hiding the truth or presenting it in a way that suits their agenda. When they do share the truth, their choice of words is calculated, often merging their own experiences with those of others to create a story that appears to be their own.
They have a knack for adding a touch of embellishment to the slivers of truth they disclose, employing slight exaggerations tailored to their audience. Additionally, they often remind everyone of their own perfection.
In emergency situations, I have never witnessed a narcissist make a decisive choice. Instead, they hand off responsibility to others, seeking guidance by calling for help while providing minimal information. This pattern persists even when someone, such as a girlfriend, is in urgent need of medical attention.
This behavior may stem from a desire to avoid responsibility or to seek validation from others for decisions they have already made. In such cases, they can deflect blame by saying, “He/She told me to do it.”
Ultimately, it is never their fault.
