Do you feel more confused than ever when you’re trying to communicate with your spouse, partner? Especially when you are trying to resolve an issue. Do you feel worse the more you try to communicate with someone you care about and who is supposed to care about you?
Similar to DARVO (Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender), Narcissistic Leveling is a psychological abuse tactic employed by individuals with narcissistic traits.
It’s a cunning dance where the perpetrator denies accountability, launches attacks, and manipulates roles to paint themselves as the victim and you as the oppressor.
The process begins with denial – dismissing any responsibility for their actions. When you attempt to address an issue, genuine concerns are met with a vehement refusal to acknowledge any wrongdoing. This denial is swiftly followed by an attack phase, where the narcissist shifts the focus from their actions to you.
They bring up invented weaknesses or unrelated issues, creating a chaotic and disjointed narrative aimed at deflecting attention from their missteps and bad behaviors.
The most insidious step is the reversal of roles. The narcissist turns the tables, positioning themselves as the virtuous victim and casting you as the oppressive villain.
This manipulative tactic serves to confuse, distract, and exhaust the victim, leaving you feeling unheard, frustrated, and emotionally drained.
Attempting to engage in open communication with a narcissist becomes a futile endeavor. The more you try to address concerns or seek accountability, the more the narcissistic leveling technique is deployed. The conversation becomes a distorted maze of accusations, invented weaknesses, and role reversals, leaving you questioning your own sanity.
Despite the societal emphasis on communication in relationships, dealing with a narcissist requires a different approach. Recognizing the pattern of narcissistic leveling is crucial for maintaining one’s mental well-being. The realization that accountability and reason are unlikely outcomes in such interactions allows individuals to break free from the cycle of frustration, confusion, and hurt. By understanding the manipulative tactics at play, victims can regain control and protect their emotional well-being from the toxic dance of narcissistic leveling.
Navigating relationships, whether they be with spouses, partners, family members, friends, or coworkers, often involves open communication and addressing concerns. However, when dealing with narcissistic individuals, a sinister tactic known as “Narcissistic Leveling” can turn these conversations into a bewildering and exhausting experience.