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Jan 19, 2026 21 min

The Third Wheel from Hell: How to Spot and Stop Triangulation

from When the Rose Coloured Glasses Come Off Hosted by Sonya Gandhi

In this episode, we expose one of the most insidious tactics used by narcissists to maintain control: Triangulation. If you've ever felt like your relationship is a constant competition, or if your partner frequently compares you to an ex, a "flirty" coworker, or an overbearing family member, you aren't imagining things. We break down exactly why toxic partners hate one-on-one accountability and how they introduce a third party—whether real or imaginary—to manufacture jealousy, shatter your self-esteem, and keep you fighting for their approval. Using the story of "Sarah and Mark," we illustrate the subtle mechanics of how triangulation plays out in everyday life, from intimate moments turned into performance reviews to the "cool girl" trap designed to silence your boundaries. We explore the psychological payoff for the narcissist and explain why they use the "phantom crowd"—vague statements like "everyone agrees with me"—to gaslight you into feeling isolated and wrong. This episode validates the confusion and pain you feel when you are constantly made to feel like the "third wheel" in your own relationship. Most importantly, this episode is a guide to taking your power back. We provide actionable strategies to help you stop taking the bait, including the "Grey Rock" method, deadpan responses that starve the narcissist of supply, and internal self-talk scripts to rebuild your reality. You will learn how to recognize the weapon of triangulation the moment it appears and, crucially, how to step out of the rigged geometry game for good. Join us to learn why you don't need to compete for a place in your own life. If you're ready to embrace this powerful evolution and stop being used, join my FREE Masterclass to learn how to identify the 10 beliefs keeping you in painful relationships and start building true self-trust. Click the link in the below to secure your spot now! Free Masterclass - February 15 @ 7 pm https://courses.fourseasonscounselling.com/free-masterclass Email me at: [email protected] To schedule a consult: https://fourseasonscounselling.janeapp.com/ Narcissist No More Checklist https://courses.fourseasonscounselling.com/narcissists-no-more

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This episode is 21 minutes long.

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This episode was published on January 19, 2026.

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