Narcissistic parents thrive on control, and one of their most insidious tactics is triangulation. They manipulate sibling relationships to create rivalry, division, and chaos, ensuring that their children remain emotionally dependent and distracted. The triangulation game is a tool used to keep the family disjointed, fostering competition instead of connection.

"They play siblings against each other, leaving everyone emotionally drained and dependent on their approval."

How Narcissistic Parents Use Triangulation

• Creating Sibling Rivalry: Narcissistic parents set up competition between siblings, highlighting one child’s success over the other’s failures to create tension and insecurity.
• Manipulating Loyalty: They demand loyalty from each child, encouraging them to "choose sides" in family issues, thus weakening family unity and trust.
• Playing the Victim: The narcissistic parent manipulates one child into feeling guilty or responsible for the others, while playing the victim themselves to maintain control over the children.

The Emotional Consequences of Triangulation

• Unresolved conflicts and deep emotional scars caused by competition and guilt.
• Difficulty in forming healthy, trusting relationships due to learned patterns of manipulation and division.
• Feelings of confusion about loyalty and trust, often resulting in strained relationships between siblings.

"In their game, love becomes conditional — only given when you fulfill their emotional agenda."

Warning Signs of Triangulation in a Family

• Feeling pitted against your siblings, with one being favored and the other blamed.
• Experiencing guilt for your sibling’s behavior or feeling responsible for their emotional state.
• Being asked to "spy" on or report back about your sibling’s actions or behaviors.

Breaking Free from Triangulation

Healing begins with recognizing that you are not the pawn in their game. You do not have to compete for love or affection, nor should you feel responsible for the emotional manipulation of others. Reclaim your personal power by setting boundaries, recognizing manipulation, and fostering direct, healthy communication with your siblings.

You are not part of their game. You are a whole person, deserving of respect, love, and emotional freedom.