The Narcissist's Dilemma: When Plans Fail and Reality Hits

A narcissist's behavior can drastically change when their carefully laid plans fall through or things go wrong. Instead of accepting responsibility, these individuals may engage in a variety of strategies to deflect or conceal their true emotions and intentions.

Immediate Escapes and Emotion Management

Narcissists may find themselves physically fleeing the scene, often via the nearest exit, such as in a back door. They might freeze in place, mimicking their desire to disappear and vanish without a trace.

Other times, their emotional response might be industriously rehearsed, like in the scene from Forrest Gump. They might express a nonchalant and dismissive attitude, stating something along the lines of, "Move along, now… nobody here but us shrimp farmers."

Blame Shifting and Argumentation

When confusion sets in, these individuals may engage in heated debates or even shortages rooted in injustice. They might loudly proclaim, "Why weren't we elected jury foremen?" This constant need to assert self-righteousness is a hallmark of their ego.

Other times, they might seek medical attention or an urgent appointment, developing a fabricated health issue such as a weak bladder or a sudden need to visit a Documents Specialist who does part-time dental work. This fabricated urgency is often used as an extreme and desperate measure.

Misdirection and Distraction

Narcissists might create distractions or misdirect blame onto others. They might yell for attention, "Look at that snake over there," or they might throw distractions or even bait, grabbing a person as if to use them as a decoy.

A classic tactic is the display of vulnerability or distress, such as fake heart attacks, panic attacks, or epileptic seizures. This strategy is intended to elicit sympathy and create confusion, albeit temporarily.

Emotional Deterioration and Manipulation

They might indulge in emotional manipulation, such as crying over trivial matters or pretending to see ghosts, similar to the character in "The Sixth Sense". In extreme cases, they may even convert to an entirely different faith to justify their actions, like converting to Islam, leaving their prayer rug in another coat.

These tactics are not just reactive; they are part of a persistent pattern of deception. When confronted with reality, they deflect blame and persist in their lies. This consistent behavior often leads to gaslighting others, including the author of this article who experienced such manipulation personally.

The Indestructible Ego

Despite the myriad strategies employed by narcissists, their ego and stubbornness remain undeterred. Even if their delusions fail, they will continue to invent new ones, repeatedly lying to cover their tracks. They will blame others and stay the course until their last day, as their delusions and gaslighting create a web of deception that is hard to unravel.

For the narcissist's target, this behavior is both traumatic and frustrating. Recent evidence suggests that even after the dissolution of a relationship, a narcissist may continue to express delusions of reprise, making it difficult for their targets to move on.

Concluding Remarks

Narcissistic behavior is a complex and deeply ingrained psychological trait. Their inability to accept reality and their propensity for deception are key characteristics. Recognizing these behaviors can help survivors navigate the aftermath of such relationships and prevent further emotional distress.

Keywords: narcissist behavior, delusions, gaslighting, deceptive behavior, ego-centric