Narcissists may seem caring, kind, and even profoundly supportive in a manner that their actions may appear genuine and comforting to the surface. However, below the surface, what appears to be kindness is sometimes not so, and confuses those who do not know whether the treatment they get is really deserved or is well-calculated to keep people in control and influence.
Strategic benevolence
Although one may seem generous, it is usually done with good timing, to give the impression of a sense of duty or admiration and not goodwill. This kind of benevolence can be gratifying in the short run, yet there is a tacit condition attached to it.
Charisma As a Bargaining Chip
Charisma is the potent weapon and narcissistic people can make new acquaintances and influence their perception of others within a short period in personal and professional life. The friendliness that they exude may render one hard to doubt their motives.
Assistance With Hidden Intents
Support might also have other hidden agendas, which one cannot see at first, and be directed at gaining power or strengthening a preferred image. In the long run, such a trend can indicate that assistance is often not provided without a condition.
With Conditions Attention Given
Their attention may seem powerful and legitimizing yet it usually relies on a type of arrangement that keeps them in a desirable situation. Once such a dynamic is reversed, the attention could soon become lackluster.
Generosity Building Control
Gifting may turn into an insidious form of establishing an order, and acts of kindness repeated may lead to a feeling of reliance or ownership. This dynamic may render the boundary setting or withdrawal of others difficult.
Flattery Which Forms Opinion
Flattery and praise can be employed to manipulate the thoughts or behaviour of other people, supporting the behaviour that is consistent with the narcissist. Such praise can be very selective and deliberate.
Unbalanced Support
Support can be there at those times that reflect well on their image but not when they need true empathy and this imbalance is evident with time. Such inconsistency may cause confusion and doubt.
Nice Things To Do and Things to Expect
Such gestures, even the smallest, can be accompanied by expectations, and in this case, gratitude or loyalty is expected in response to the given. The exchange cannot be stated explicitly, but it is evident through the repetitive patterns.
Influence on others emotionally
The receivers might feel appreciated initially but will doubt the genuineness of the bond as trends develop. Emotional effect may involve uncertainty, frustration and loss of trust gradually.
Seeing Trends in History
This behavior is best understood through patterns and not isolated instances when it can be observed that consistency is far more revealing than a random act of kindness. Knowing that, one can make a distinction between genuine care and self-interested behavior easier.
