Narcissists are often skilled manipulators and can be highly adept at distorting the truth to serve their own interests. Whether they are fully aware they are lying or not can vary depending on the individual narcissist and the specific situation. Here are some possibilities:
Conscious Manipulation: Some narcissists are fully aware of their deceptive tactics. They intentionally lie and manipulate others to control the narrative and maintain their image or gain an advantage. They may lie about you to damage your reputation, make themselves look better, or to turn others against you.
Delusional Thinking: In some cases, narcissists can become so wrapped up in their grandiose self-image that they genuinely believe their lies. They may distort reality to fit their narrative and have a skewed perception of events or people, including you.
Rationalization and Justification: Narcissists often rationalize their actions and believe that they are justified in their behavior. They might convince themselves that lying about you is necessary to protect themselves or maintain their self-esteem.
Selective Memory: Narcissists may have a tendency to selectively remember events in a way that aligns with their desired narrative. They might genuinely believe the lies they tell because their memory has been warped by their own biased perspective.
Projection: Sometimes, narcissists project their own flaws and shortcomings onto others, including you. They might lie about your behavior or intentions to deflect attention away from their own negative traits.
Lack of Empathy: Narcissists often lack empathy for others, which means they may not fully consider the impact of their lies on you or anyone else. They prioritize their own needs and desires above all else, including the truth.
It's important to remember that narcissism exists on a spectrum, and not all narcissists will behave in the same way or to the same extent. Additionally, some people may exhibit narcissistic traits without having a full-blown Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). Nevertheless, lying and manipulation are common behaviors among narcissists, and they can be extremely damaging to the people around them.
If you are dealing with a narcissistic individual who is spreading lies about you, it's crucial to protect yourself emotionally and mentally. Seek support from trusted friends, family, or a therapist who can help you navigate the situation and maintain your well-being.