13 ‘Nice’ Things Narcissists Say When They’re Setting the Stage for Manipulation

Narcissists use manipulative phrases to control and isolate their partners. Statements like "You are the most important thing in my life" and "I'm the only one who understands you" create dependence while subtly restricting personal freedom. "I would die without you" and "No one will ever love you like I do" emotionally trap victims, making it hard to leave. "I'm just being honest because I care about you" is often a guise for cruelty, while "I just want what's best for us" disguises self-serving decisions as mutual interests. Lastly, "You're the only one who gets me" isolates victims by making them feel uniquely responsible for the narcissist's emotions. These phrases, though seemingly affectionate, are tactics to gain control, ensuring the narcissist remains in power.