Many of us are familiar with the tell-tale signs of narcissism, such as an exaggerated sense of self-importance or a lack of empathy. But there are other, less-talked-about narcissistic behaviours too – and their covertness often makes them a lot harder to spot.

One such behaviour is ‘micromanipulation’ – an emotional tool narcissists often use to regain control over their partners during arguments or a trial separation.

As Professor Kristy Lee Hochenberger explains in an article for Psychology Today, “narcissists cannot accept the fact that another person does not want to be with them”. So, if they sense their partner is pulling away, they will go to extreme lengths to wrestle them back.

Micromanipulation: the covert tactic that narcissists use in arguments to reassert control