How to cope with Triangulation
When you notice the signs of narcissistic triangulation, the next step is learning how to respond effectively. It is crucial to mention that narcissists will always be looking out for your response, so if you do it the wrong way, they can capitalize on it.
Importantly, you are the only person who wields the power to stop triangulation. Your disposition towards this manipulative behavior determines if the narcissist will stop or continue.
They will only make you feel miserable with your permission, and you can always protect yourself from triangulation emotional maltreatmen .
Here are some strategies that can help you cope with triangulation.
1. Communicate honestly and openly with them
Letting the narcissist know that you are onto them can be tricky, so you must make up your mind, be honest, and be open with your words.
It would be best to let them know that their behavior affects you and your disposition towards the relationship.
They should be aware that you know what they are up to; hence, they need to stop it before it deeply damages the relationship. Before you communicate with them, ensure that the atmosphere or setting is comfortable.
It is also vital that the narcissist does not predict what you are about to discuss so that they won’t be elusive with their statements.
2. Seek a healthy support system
When it comes to triangulation manipulation, it can be tough dealing with the situation alone. Therefore, you must seek help from the right sources to stand strong.
Therefore, you can begin by getting in touch with people in similar situations.
Doing this will help you cope properly while you undergo triangulation in relationships. If the narcissist has spread rumors or lies about you, it is vital to clear the air.
This is why you need the right people in your corner who can also vouch for you.
Don’t leave out your side of the story when conversing with your support system. Instead, remain calm and avoid playing the same cards as the manipulative person.
3. Create the right boundaries
It might be difficult to prevent triangulation in relationships, but you can set some boundaries to protect yourself.
First, you need to know that even though you are not communicating with them, they can still spread some lies about you.
So, even though you want to ignore what they have said about you, you need some boundaries to prevent a future occurrence. You can begin by putting off attempts to manipulate or bait you.
Then, once you know their pattern, you can keep protecting yourself from manipulation.
Additionally, prevent them from giving overblown praises or compliments. If they are trying to put up a competition, humbly pull out of it.
Lastly, avoid sharing intimate or personal information with them so they won’t add it to their tactics against you.
Is triangulation the same as emotional a b u s e ?
Triangulation is one of the tools that some people use to inflict emotional maltreatmen .
When an individual experiences triangulation in relationships, it can expose them to experience other types of emotional maltreatmen like guilt, living in denial, gaslighting, isolation, etc. Also, triangulation can cause unhealthy relationships and partnerships.
The maltreatmen wants the victim to work hard so that they can gain their admiration or respect. This will enable the maltreatmen to control or manipulate the victim for their gain.
Ramani Durvasula’s book, Should I Stay or Should I Go, is an eye-opener for people experiencing narcissistic triangulation. This book can be regarded as a survival guide for people to make the right choices in their relationships.
The takeaway
Some people who experience triangulation in relationships are unaware that some of the events in their union were planned out by the maltreatmen to achieve a goal.
It can be disappointing to discover that all your efforts in the relationship have been to meet up to the standards of the narcissist or maltreatmen .
However, after learning the signs and examples of triangulation in relationships, you can now tell if you are in a similar situation.
With the tips mentioned in this piece, coping with triangulation could become easier, and with some external help like a counselor, you might be out of the woods in no time.
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