Tag Archives: deception

Honesty is Crucial to Good Character

We once widely regarded truth as the “best policy.” That’s partly because we understood that it always outs in the end. But it’s also because the it mattered to us more than it seems to these days.

Why Narcissists Attract the Emotionally Dependent

Emotionally dependent folks gravitate toward those appearing strong, confident, capable, etc. Narcissists see opportunity in this dynamic.

Covert-Aggression and the Gaslighting Effect

Some accomplished fighters aggress in subtle, stealthy tactics that enable them to use and abuse while still looking good. It’s no wonder folks on the receiving end of such behavior feel crazy! 

When the Mask Comes Off a Covert Character

Under the gaslight, you stop trusting your gut. But once the mask comes off your manipulator you realize your gut was right all along and you’re free to start trusting yourself and your instincts once again.

Character Requires Revering Truth

Revering truth is crucial to character. To have healthy intimate relationships, we have to be honest and sincere with others. And to be psychologically and spiritually healthy, we have to be honest with ourselves.

Narcissism and the War on Truth

Reverence for the truth builds character and can truly set us free. But narcissists and other disturbed characters have declared war on truth. For them, reality is what they say it is. Believing themselves superior, they know they’re right and everyone else is wrong.

Manipulative Narcissists Feel Entitled

Manipulative narcissists are covert-aggressors who use various, subtle tactics to charm, disarm, and otherwise take advantage. Playing on your emotions, many find the game of getting the better of you amusing and satisfying. They enjoy “toying” with you.

Manipulators Come In Two Varieties

Manipulators come in two main varieties. Most are covert-aggressors who carefully cloak their true intentions. But some others are more overt in their ways. They rely on a different strategy. But both types count on one thing to get their way: the characteristics of their targets.

Manipulative Characters Lack Authenticity

To have character integrity you have to not only be genuine but also principled. Moreover, to be properly principled you have to both respect and be willing to subordinate yourself to some “higher power” or authority.

Deception and Manipulation

It’s not enough to just to be willing to admit the truth. Many folks will do that, especially after they’ve been caught lying. Rather, it’s more important to truly revere the truth. A solid character knows the value of the truth – its power to heal, to empower, and to free. But it’s always a choice to embrace the truth – a choice truly decent characters freely make.