What Narcissists do when you’re not Looking

In the covert realm, where prying eyes fail to penetrate, narcissists adeptly execute an assortment of behaviours, thus unveiling the quintessence of their intrinsic disposition and subterranean motivations. Within this clandestine domain, one may discern a multitude of actions that narcissists, in their presumed state of unobservedness, manifest. Permit me to elucidate these actions with utmost erudition:

1. The Machiavellian art of manipulation and subterfuge adorns the narcissist’s repertoire, constituting an astute strategy deployed to further their personal interests. Through calculated and premeditated acts, they exercise dominion over their unsuspecting victims, orchestrating an intricate dance of control and exploitation, all in pursuit of power, adulation, or the acquisition of material wealth.
2. A meticulous cultivation of an illusory persona stands as a pivotal preoccupation for the narcissist. When their audience’s gaze is averted, they deftly engage in endeavours designed to embellish their public image or veil their authentic essence. Curating their digital facades with scrupulous care, manipulating the perceptions of others to secure a more favourable portrayal, and engaging in the artifice of reputation management all become indispensable tools in their arsenal.
3. Employing a pernicious tactic known as gaslighting, narcissists distort and denigrate reality, effectively destabilising their victims’ sense of sanity and self-assurance. When concealed from prying eyes, they subtly employ this insidious manoeuvre, meticulously sowing seeds of doubt, thereby tightening their grip on control and sowing seeds of self-doubt that erode their victims’ confidence in their own experiences and interpretations.
4. Within the clandestine chambers of their furtive pursuits, narcissists often succumb to the allure of infidelity or duplicity, confident in their ability to evade detection. In their quest for affirmation, novelty, and the perpetuation of their self-proclaimed supremacy, they seek gratification from extramarital entanglements or acts of betrayal, supplanting their insatiable ego and satisfying their relentless desire for self-aggrandisement.
5. The proclivity to exploit others for personal gain permeates the narcissistic psyche. Secluded from prying eyes, they unhesitatingly seize upon vulnerabilities, manipulating circumstances to maximise their personal advantages. Engaging in acts that callously prioritise their own desires, whims, and needs, they brazenly disregard the well-being of others, acting as merciless agents of their own self-interest.
6. Engaging in a web of clandestine transactions, the narcissist adeptly enshrouds their actions within the cloak of secrecy and deception. Aiding in the preservation of their meticulously constructed facade, they skilfully conceal financial dealings, surreptitiously nurture hidden liaisons, and delve into various pursuits that, if unearthed, would lay bare the fragility of their artifice, imperilling their carefully cultivated projection of superiority and invincibility.

It is well advised to bear in mind that narcissistic behaviour assumes a wide-ranging spectrum, and not all narcissists will embrace the entirety of these behaviours. Nevertheless, these manifestations typify the common repertoire of actions enacted by narcissistic individuals when they perceive themselves unobserved. Thus, if one finds oneself entangled with a narcissist, it is paramount to prioritise one’s own well-being, to establish unwavering boundaries, and, when necessary, to seek solace and guidance from a support network that can guide one through the tempestuous labyrinth of narcissistic entanglements.