Narcissists often engage in behaviors that are manipulative and designed to control and dominate others. Throwing things back in your face, even if they happened before the narcissist came into your life, is a common tactic used by narcissists to maintain power and undermine their victims. There are several reasons why they might do this:
Lack of Empathy: Narcissists have a limited capacity for empathy, making it difficult for them to understand or care about your feelings and experiences. They may use past events against you without considering how it might affect you emotionally.
Gaslighting: Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation where the narcissist distorts or denies reality to make you doubt your own memory, perception, or sanity. By bringing up past events and twisting them, they can make you question your version of events and make you feel confused and self-doubting.
Sense of Entitlement: Narcissists often feel entitled to special treatment and constant admiration. By bringing up your past, they might be trying to assert their dominance and demand that you prioritize their needs and desires above your own.
Power and Control: Throwing past events in your face is a way for narcissists to exert control over you. It creates a power dynamic where they can use your vulnerabilities and history to manipulate and emotionally wound you.
Insecurity and Jealousy: Narcissists can be deeply insecure and jealous, and they may use your past to undermine your self-confidence and make you feel inferior, especially if they perceive any threat to their ego or sense of superiority.
Avoiding Responsibility: By deflecting blame onto you or bringing up your past, narcissists can avoid taking responsibility for their own actions and mistakes. It becomes a diversion tactic to shift the focus away from their behavior and make you the one at fault.
It's important to recognize these manipulative behaviors and protect yourself from emotional harm. Setting boundaries, seeking support from friends or professionals, and potentially distancing yourself from the narcissistic person can be necessary steps in safeguarding your well-being in such situations.