It's possible for a narcissist to purposely grab the wrong items when running an errand to the grocery store as a form of manipulation or to exert control over others. Narcissists often exhibit manipulative behavior to meet their own needs and desires, regardless of the impact on others.
There are a few potential reasons why a narcissist might do this:
Seeking Attention: Narcissists crave attention and validation. By intentionally getting the wrong items, they may create a situation where others have to focus on their mistake, thus drawing attention to themselves.
Testing Boundaries: Narcissists often push boundaries to gauge how much control they have over others. Intentionally grabbing the wrong items could be a way for them to assess how much influence they have over the people around them.
Feeling Superior: Narcissists have a sense of entitlement and may believe that they know better than others, including which items to buy at the store. By choosing the wrong items, they might feel a false sense of superiority or intelligence.
Creating Drama: Some narcissists thrive on creating drama and chaos to maintain control or keep people off-balance. Intentionally buying the wrong items could be a way for them to cause confusion and drama.
Gaslighting: Gaslighting is a manipulative tactic where a person distorts or denies reality to make someone doubt their perceptions or sanity. By getting the wrong items and then denying it was intentional, a narcissist could gaslight others.
It's important to remember that not every mistake or error is a sign of narcissism. People can make genuine mistakes or be forgetful without having narcissistic traits. However, if you notice a pattern of manipulative behavior, lack of empathy, and a constant need for control, these may be indicators of narcissistic tendencies.
Dealing with a narcissistic individual can be challenging, and setting boundaries and seeking support from friends, family, or professionals can be crucial in maintaining your well-being in such situations.