A narcissist might not want you to meet their friends for several reasons, and the claim that their friends hate you without even meeting you could be a manipulation tactic. Here are some possible explanations for this behavior:
Isolation and Control: Narcissists often seek to isolate their victims from friends and family as a way to gain more control over them. By keeping you away from their friends, they can create an environment where their influence is more significant, and they can manipulate you without interference from others who might see through their behavior.
Fear of Exposure: Narcissists are often concerned about their true nature being revealed to others. Introducing you to their friends could lead to their friends seeing through their facade and recognizing their manipulative tendencies. To avoid this, they keep you apart from their social circles.
Maintaining Multiple Facades: Narcissists tend to have different personas for different social groups. If they keep you separate from their friends, they can maintain a different image with them, hiding any negative behavior they may display when they are alone with you.
Envy and Rivalry: If their friends have significant connections with them, the narcissist might fear that their friends could become competition for their attention or admiration. This might lead the narcissist to keep you apart from their social circle to avoid any potential threats to their ego.
Gossip and Preemptive Damage Control: Narcissists might worry that if their friends get to know you, they may share unfavorable information or express concerns about the narcissist's behavior, which could tarnish their image. By preventing you from meeting their friends, they can control the narrative and avoid potential negative consequences.
Lack of Empathy: Narcissists often lack empathy and may not consider your feelings or desire to meet their friends. They might prioritize their own needs and desires over yours, leading them to disregard your wishes to be part of their social circle.
Creating Doubt and Insecurity: By claiming that their friends dislike you without even meeting you, the narcissist can manipulate your emotions and create doubt and insecurity within you. This tactic can make you question your self-worth and depend more on the narcissist for validation.
Remember that narcissists are skilled manipulators, and their actions are driven by their desire for control, admiration, and self-preservation. If you find yourself in such a situation, it's essential to be cautious and seek support from trusted friends or family members who can provide you with a more objective perspective. Additionally, educating yourself about narcissism and setting healthy boundaries can help protect you from the negative effects of this manipulative behavior.