Narcissists often have a distorted view of themselves and others. They believe they are special, unique, and superior to others, which leads them to engage in manipulative behaviors to maintain this self-image. One of the key elements of narcissism is a deep-seated need for admiration and validation. They desperately crave positive attention and will go to great lengths to maintain the façade of being perfect, successful, and faultless.
There are a few reasons why narcissists might think that others won't eventually know who they truly are:
Grandiosity and Entitlement: Narcissists have an inflated sense of self-importance and entitlement. They genuinely believe they are exceptional and beyond reproach, which leads them to assume that others will be blind to their faults and won't see through their manipulations.
Charm and Manipulation: Many narcissists are skilled manipulators and expert charmers. They can be extremely charming and charismatic, especially when trying to win over new people or when trying to mask their true intentions. Their charm can make it difficult for others to see their true nature initially.
Projection: Narcissists often project their own insecurities, faults, and negative traits onto others. They may accuse others of being envious, dishonest, or disloyal to deflect attention away from their own shortcomings. This projection can confuse and mislead people, making it harder for them to discern the narcissist's true nature.
Gaslighting: Narcissists commonly engage in gaslighting, a manipulative tactic where they try to make others doubt their perceptions and reality. By sowing seeds of doubt and confusion, they can further obfuscate their true selves and maintain control over their victims.
Isolation and Smear Campaigns: Narcissists may try to isolate their victims from friends and family or create a negative image of their victims through smear campaigns. By doing so, they hope to ensure that others won't believe any negative information that might come to light about them.
Fear of Vulnerability: Revealing their true selves can make narcissists feel vulnerable, which is something they usually avoid at all costs. Admitting their flaws and shortcomings threatens their carefully constructed self-image, so they will do whatever it takes to protect it.
It's important to note that while narcissists may believe they can successfully deceive others indefinitely, their tactics often become apparent over time to those who are observant and willing to question the inconsistencies in their behavior. As people become more familiar with narcissistic patterns and manipulation tactics, it becomes increasingly difficult for narcissists to maintain their façade. As a result, their web of lies and deceit may eventually unravel, revealing the true nature of the narcissist to those around them.