A narcissist may praise other women in front of you for several reasons, which are often rooted in their manipulative and self-centered behavior:
Triangulation: Narcissists often employ a tactic called triangulation, where they create jealousy or competition among people in their lives to maintain control and power. By praising other women in front of you, they may be trying to evoke feelings of insecurity or jealousy, making you feel like you need to compete for their attention and approval.
Seeking Narcissistic Supply: Narcissists thrive on admiration and attention from others, known as narcissistic supply. Praising other women in front of you might be a way for them to elicit a reaction from you, ensuring that you are still emotionally invested in the relationship and that they have a level of control over your emotions.
Gaslighting: Gaslighting is a manipulation tactic used by narcissists to make others doubt their perceptions and reality. By praising other women, the narcissist might be trying to make you question your worth and desirability, thus increasing your dependence on their validation and approval.
Maintaining Superiority: Narcissists have an insatiable need to feel superior and special. Praising other women can be a way for them to assert their perceived superiority and remind you that you are not the only one deserving of their attention and affection.
Lack of Empathy: Narcissists often struggle with empathy and may not understand or care about how their actions affect others emotionally. They may not consider how their praise of other women might hurt or upset you.
Emotional Manipulation: Praise can be used as a tool for emotional manipulation. By alternating between praise and criticism, the narcissist can keep you off balance and emotionally dependent on them.
Controlling Reactions: Narcissists can use praise as a way to control your reactions and emotions. If you react negatively to their behavior, they may use it against you, portraying themselves as the victim or blaming you for being overly sensitive.
It's essential to recognize these patterns of behavior and understand that they are manipulative tactics used by narcissists to maintain power and control in the relationship. If you find yourself in such a situation, it's crucial to prioritize your well-being and consider seeking support from a therapist or counselor who specializes in dealing with narcissistic relationships. Establishing boundaries and focusing on self-care can help protect yourself from the negative impact of a narcissistic partner's behavior.