9 Strange Narcissistic Behaviours You Should Never Ignore
9 Strange Narcissistic Behaviours You Should Never Ignore
Mike Sullivan 9 Strange Narcissistic Behaviours That Reveal Who They Really Are
When people think of narcissism, they often picture someone arrogant, vain, and obsessed with their appearance. But narcissistic behaviour isn’t always loud or obvious. In fact, some of the most telling signs are subtle, strange, and easily missed—especially early in the relationship. These behaviours can leave you confused, questioning your own reality, and wondering if you’re the problem. But the truth is, these odd behaviours often reveal a deeper pattern of manipulation, entitlement, and emotional control.
Behind The Mask: The Rise Of A Narcissist
Let’s break down 9 of the most common strange behaviours that narcissists display—and why they do them.
1. They Won’t Answer a Simple Question
You ask a direct question: “What time will you be home?” “Did you talk to them?” “Why did you do that?”
But instead of giving a straight answer, they go silent, change the subject, or turn the question back on you. Narcissists hate being held accountable. Questions—especially ones that require honesty—are seen as threats. So rather than answer, they dodge. This tactic not only protects their lies but also leaves you feeling confused or guilty for even asking. Over time, you may stop asking questions altogether.
2. They Create Conflict Out of Nowhere
You’re having a peaceful day, and suddenly, they’re angry. It could be over something minor—like the way you said “hello,” or that you didn’t respond to a message quickly enough. Narcissists create drama to regain control. Conflict becomes a way to keep you on edge, make you apologise, and reinforce that they set the emotional tone of the relationship. Calmness threatens them. Chaos, on the other hand, keeps you distracted and emotionally dependent.
3. They Ruin Special Occasions
Birthdays, anniversaries, holidays—times that are supposed to be joyful often turn sour around narcissists. They might start a fight, sulk in silence, or disappear altogether. Why? Because narcissists hate when the focus isn’t on them. They resent others being celebrated, even their own partners or children. Sabotaging special moments is a way of reclaiming attention and punishing you for feeling good without them being the centre of it.
4. They Mock You with Noises
Instead of using words, narcissists often mock their victims using sounds—sighs, exaggerated yawns, laughter, or mimicking you in a childish tone. This is covert cruelty. It’s designed to provoke you while allowing them to deny any wrongdoing. “I was just joking” becomes their shield. These micro-aggressions slowly chip away at your confidence, making you feel belittled without having clear evidence of abuse to point to.
5. They Always Have to Be Right
To a narcissist, being wrong is intolerable. Even when presented with facts, they’ll twist logic to avoid admitting fault. They may raise their voice, bring up unrelated topics, or accuse you of always needing to be right. Why? Because their fragile ego depends on superiority. They don’t argue to understand—they argue to win. And they’ll go to great lengths, including gaslighting, to ensure they come out on top.
6. They Walk Ahead of You in Public
It might seem small, but it’s symbolic. When a narcissist consistently walks ahead of you in public, it’s often an unconscious display of dominance. It’s their way of showing the world they lead, you follow. They may ignore your pace, walk out of shops ahead of you, or expect you to keep up without looking back. These small gestures are part of a larger pattern of disregard for your needs and autonomy.
7. They Rewrite History
Narcissists are masters of revisionism. Events you remember clearly are dismissed, downplayed, or denied entirely. “That never happened.” “You’re exaggerating.” “You’re remembering it wrong.” This is gaslighting in action. By rewriting history, they confuse you, avoid accountability, and regain control. Eventually, you may begin to doubt your own memories—which is exactly what they want.
8. They Play the Victim
Despite their cruel behaviour, narcissists often paint themselves as the wounded party. They’ll cry about how you hurt them, how you abandoned them, how you are the abuser. This role reversal is strategic. It gains them sympathy, shifts blame, and isolates you further. The more they convince others (and you) that they’re the victim, the harder it becomes for you to speak out or be believed.
9. They’d Rather Impress a Stranger Than Care for Their Own Family
Narcissists care deeply about image. They’ll go out of their way to charm a stranger at a party, offer help to acquaintances, or post kind-hearted messages online—while neglecting, belittling, or outright abusing their own family at home. This behaviour is about appearances, not connection. Public praise means more to them than private integrity. They wear a mask for the outside world, while their loved ones bear the brunt of who they really are.
So, What Do These Strange Behaviours Tell Us?
They tell us that narcissistic abuse isn’t always loud, physical, or obvious. It’s often insidious, covert, and emotional. These behaviours are designed to confuse, control, and condition you to stay small while they stay in charge. They chip away at your self-worth, your voice, and your reality—until you’re questioning not just the relationship, but your own mind.
But recognising these signs is the first step toward healing. Once you can name the behaviours, you can stop internalising the blame. You can begin to set boundaries, reclaim your voice, and slowly detach from the chaos they’ve built around you.
If any of this feels familiar, know this: You are not alone. And what you’re experiencing is real.
Check these out!
Behind The Mask: The Rise Of A Narcissist
15 Rules To Deal With Narcissistic People.: How To Stay Sane And Break The Chain.
A Narcissists Handbook: The ultimate guide to understanding and overcoming narcissistic and emotional abuse.
Boundaries with Narcissists: Safeguarding Emotional, Psychological, and Physical Independence.
Healing from Narcissistic Abuse: A Guided Journal for Recovery and Empowerment: Reclaim Your Identity, Build Self-Esteem, and Embrace a Brighter Future
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