Covert narcissists, like other narcissistic individuals, can be vindictive and seek revenge when they feel their ego has been injured or when they perceive someone as a threat to their self-esteem. However, their revenge tactics may differ from those of overt or more aggressive narcissists. Covert narcissists tend to be more subtle and manipulative in their approach. Here are some ways in which a covert narcissist might take revenge:
Smear Campaigns: Covert narcissists may engage in a smear campaign against the person they feel has wronged them. Instead of directly confronting the individual, they may subtly spread rumors, lies, or half-truths about them to damage their reputation and credibility.
Gaslighting: Gaslighting is a manipulative tactic used by covert narcissists to make the target doubt their own perceptions and reality. They may try to convince the person that their feelings and experiences are invalid, further undermining their self-esteem.
Silent Treatment: Covert narcissists might resort to the silent treatment as a form of revenge. By withdrawing their attention and affection, they aim to punish the individual and make them feel insignificant.
Triangulation: Covert narcissists may engage in triangulation, involving a third party to create conflicts or drama. They may manipulate the situation, making the target believe that someone else is undermining their relationship or spreading negative information about them.
Playing the Victim: Covert narcissists are skilled at playing the victim role. They may twist situations to appear as if they are the ones who have been wronged, garnering sympathy from others and turning people against the target.
Sabotaging Relationships: If a covert narcissist believes that someone has caused them harm, they may try to sabotage the person's personal or professional relationships as a form of revenge.
Passive-Aggressive Behavior: Covert narcissists may use passive-aggressive behavior to express their anger and frustration. They might make subtle jabs, sarcastic comments, or engage in indirect forms of aggression.
It's important to remember that not all individuals who display some narcissistic traits engage in revengeful behavior. However, when dealing with a covert narcissist, it's crucial to be aware of their manipulative tactics and set healthy boundaries to protect yourself from their potential revenge-seeking behaviors. If you find yourself in a situation where you suspect you are dealing with a narcissistic individual and feel overwhelmed or unsafe, consider seeking support from a mental health professional or counselor.