Ranked #10 on Feedspot’s 20 Best Toxic Relationship Podcasts (2026), The Mechanics of Toxic Relationships breaks down narcissistic abuse, gaslighting, and toxic relationship patterns with raw clarity.
You’re suddenly competing…
But no one told you there was a competition.
This episode breaks down triangulation — a manipulation tactic used by a covert narcissist to create insecurity, jealousy, and control in a toxic relationship.
We cover:
• how third parties are used strategically
• why it destabilises you emotionally
• how it strengthens the trauma bond
• and why it’s so hard to confront
This isn’t accidental.
It’s engineered.
🎧 The Mechanics of Toxic Relationships
📖 Want to understand manipulation tactics like triangulation?
Read the books (Daniel Harper): https://amzn.asia/d/07DYF9g5
Keywords: narcissistic abuse, triangulation, covert narcissist, manipulation, trauma bond, toxic relationship
Triangulation – When You’re Put in Competition Without Being Told
Ever been mid-conversation…
and suddenly there’s someone else in it?
Not physically.
Just… mentioned.
“This guy from work…”
“One of the dads from school…”
“Just a friend… relax.”
And you’re sitting there thinking—
why the fuck are we talking about them?
This episode breaks down triangulation—the quiet way they bring in third parties to shift the dynamic without ever saying it directly.
Subtle comparisons.
Visible messages.
Little comments that don’t accuse… but still land.
They don’t hide it.
They show it.
Like it’s normal.
Like you’re the one being weird for noticing.
And before you realise it…
you’re in competition with people you never signed up to compete with.
Because it’s not about them.
It’s about keeping you slightly off-balance—
so you try harder, say less, and question yourself more.
Because if you feel replaceable…
you behave differently.
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