I'm not sure how many of you have come across the term 'flying monkeys'. The term was first used in the 'Wizard of Oz' wherein the wicked witch enslaved flying monkeys to carry out her wicked plan.
In psychology, the term 'flying monkeys' refer to people who are enslaved by narcissists to carry out their twisted agenda. Flying monkeys do not have a purpose in life. They also lack self-worth. These traits make them a perfect choice to be used as pawns by the narcissist. The narcissist sends flying monkeys to stay in close company with you. The flying monkeys may pose themselves as friends or well-wishers. However, their intentions towards you are not pure. If you look carefully at their micro facial expressions and listen to the inconsistencies in what they say, you will be able to easily spot them.
What do flying monkeys do?
- They pose as your friends to get details of your life and your future plans so that they can convey the information to the narcissist.
- They misguide you with false information or half-truths which the narcissist instructs them to tell you.
- They speak highly about the narcissist in order to make the narcissist look innocent.
- They spread rumors about you. When the narcissist cannot control you, they will control how people perceive you hence, the flying monkeys are deployed to spread lies about you.
- Their loyalty to the narcissist is so strong that they are willing to do anything illegal or unethical with the purpose to harm you. They are so blinded by the narcissist's narrative and charm that they believe that they're doing the right thing by plotting against you.
How should you deal with flying monkeys?
- Do not reveal your actual plans to them.
- Use the canary trap. Send different versions of important information about yourself i.e. what you are doing or plan to do. Those who leak the information to the narcissist are the flying monkeys.
- Flying monkeys almost always lack critical thinking skills, they blindly believe whatever the narcissist tells them without any evidence. Hence, it's easy to trap them in their own lies.
Narcissists and their flying monkeys are very secretive about their plots. However, they are defenseless when their plots are exposed in the presence of all. It is said darkness flees from light. Let their dark deeds be exposed to the light of truth.
