If a narcissist believes they have successfully fooled you and obtained what they wanted, their behavior may follow a predictable pattern based on their personality traits and goals. It's important to remember that narcissistic behavior exists on a spectrum, and not all narcissists will exhibit the same behaviors. However, here are some common ways a narcissist might behave if they think they have successfully manipulated you:
Smug and Superior Attitude: A narcissist might display a smug and superior attitude, feeling a sense of triumph and superiority over "outsmarting" or manipulating you.
Lack of Empathy: Narcissists generally lack empathy, so they may show little concern for any negative consequences you might face as a result of their manipulation.
Maintaining Distance: Once they have what they wanted, a narcissist might withdraw or distance themselves from you, as they may see you as less valuable or useful now that they have achieved their goal.
Disinterest: If the narcissist was primarily interested in getting something from you (e.g., attention, resources, validation), they may lose interest in you once they have obtained it.
Seeking New Targets: Narcissists continuously seek admiration, validation, and control. After manipulating one person, they may move on to find new targets to fulfill their needs.
Gaslighting: If confronted or questioned about their manipulation, a narcissist might employ gaslighting tactics, attempting to make you doubt your perception of events or your feelings about the situation.
Triangulation: A narcissist may use triangulation, involving a third party, to further assert their dominance or to create jealousy and insecurity in you.
Boasting and Bragging: They may brag about their achievements or cunning tactics to further boost their ego and reinforce their self-perceived superiority.
Devaluation: If the narcissist's manipulation involved creating a sense of dependency or loyalty from you, they might devalue you to keep you under their control, making you question your self-worth.
Future Manipulation: Once they have succeeded in one instance, they may attempt to manipulate you further in the future, believing they can continue to exploit your vulnerabilities.
It's essential to recognize these behaviors to protect yourself from further manipulation. Narcissistic individuals can be highly skilled at manipulation and may not have your best interests at heart. Establishing healthy boundaries and seeking support from friends, family, or professionals can be beneficial if you find yourself dealing with a narcissistic individual.