Ghosting
Have you ever been dating someone who suddenly disappeared without explanation? Or perhaps a friend who was once a constant in your life suddenly vanishes without a word? This is what’s known as “ghosting”, and it’s become an unfortunately common phenomenon in today’s dating and relationship landscape.
Now, let’s add a twist to this scenario – what if the person doing the ghosting is a narcissist? In this case, it’s referred to as “narcissistic ghosting” and it can be incredibly hurtful and confusing for the person on the receiving end.
Narcissistic ghosting occurs when a person with narcissistic traits abruptly cuts off all communication with someone they were once close with without any explanation or warning. This behaviour is often a manipulative tactic used to gain power and control over the other person.
It’s important to note that narcissistic ghosting is not the same as simply losing touch or drifting apart from someone. In these cases, both parties are typically aware that the relationship is coming to an end and there is some kind of closure. Narcissistic ghosting, on the other hand, is deliberate and can leave the other person feeling rejected, abandoned, and confused.
If you’ve experienced narcissistic ghosting, it’s important to recognise that it wasn’t your fault and that the other person’s behaviour is a reflection of their own issues, not yours.
Narcissists are known for their egocentric personalities and the belief that they are more important than others. This can result in some unusual behaviour, such as ghosting. Ghosting is the act of suddenly cutting off all communication with someone without any explanation. Narcissists often engage in this behaviour because they are seeking attention and control.
Narcissists thrive on attention and admiration from others. When they feel that they are not receiving enough attention or admiration, they may start to withdraw from those around them. Ghosting is a way for them to gain back control and power in the relationship. By cutting off communication, they can create a sense of uncertainty and insecurity in the other person. The other person may start to worry about what they did wrong or what they could have done to prevent the narcissist from losing interest.
This behaviour is not limited to romantic relationships. Narcissists may also ghost friends, family members, and coworkers. They may feel that these people are no longer serving a purpose in their lives and therefore decide to cut them off.
In addition to seeking attention and control, narcissists may also ghost to avoid confrontation. They may feel threatened by any criticism or negative feedback and will do anything to avoid it. Ghosting allows them to avoid any difficult conversations or confrontations with people who may challenge their ideas or beliefs.
Overall, ghosting is just one of the many manipulative tactics that narcissists employ to maintain their sense of power and control over others.
Being ghosted by someone is a painful experience, especially when the connection felt strong and you thought everything was going well.
Narcissists are individuals who have an inflated sense of self-importance, a constant need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. They see others as mere instruments to achieve their goals or sources of narcissistic supply. When a narcissist realises that you are no longer serving their needs or can no longer provide them with attention, they might just disappear without a trace, leaving you confused and hurt.
This is where narcissistic ghosting tactics come in. These are some of the tactics that narcissists use to ghost people without feeling guilty or responsible for their actions.
– The slow fade: They gradually detach from you by reducing the frequency of their communication, ignoring your messages, and cancelling plans. They do this in a way that makes it seem like it’s your fault or that they’re just busy with other things.
– The sudden disappearance: They vanish without any explanation, leaving you wondering what happened. They might ignore your calls and messages or block you on social media. They do this to avoid any confrontation or accountability.
– The blame game: They make you feel like you’re the one who caused the ghosting by criticising you, blaming you for not being understanding or supportive enough, or accusing you of being too demanding. They do this to shift the focus away from their own actions and to make themselves look like the victim.
For those who have been victimised by a narcissist, ghosting it can carry a heavy emotional burden. Narcissists are known for their tendency to place their own interests above others, and ghosting can be used as a cruel tool to exert power and control over their victims.
The psychological effects of ghosting on the narcissist’s victim can include feelings of rejection, confusion, and self-doubt. Victims may also experience anxiety, shame, and depression as they struggle to understand why they have been discarded so callously.
Furthermore, ghosting can cause long-lasting damage to a person’s self-esteem. Victims may feel unworthy and may blame themselves for the narcissist’s behaviour. They may also struggle to trust others again, fearing that they will be subjected to similar treatment in the future.
Getting ghosted by someone you care about can feel devastating. But when that person happens to be a narcissist, the emotional toll can be amplified. It’s important to remember that being ghosted is not your fault, and that you deserve better than to be treated so poorly. Here are 5 recovery strategies you can use to help you move forward after being ghosted by a narcissist.
- Practice self-care. The first and most important step is to take care of yourself. Engage in activities that make you feel good, whether that’s going for a walk, taking a bath, or reading a good book. Surround yourself with people who love and support you, and don’t be afraid to reach out for help if you need it.
- Set boundaries. If the narcissist reappears in your life, it’s important to set clear boundaries. Let them know that their behavior was not okay and that you will not tolerate it again. If they refuse to respect your boundaries, it may be time to cut ties for good.
- Don’t blame yourself. It’s easy to internalize the narcissist’s behaviour and blame yourself. But remember, their actions are not a reflection of your worth or value as a person. You are not responsible for their behavior, and you deserve to be treated with respect and kindness.
- Take time to reflect. Use this experience as an opportunity for growth and self-reflection. Ask yourself what you can learn from the situation and how you can avoid similar experiences in the future. Use this time to focus on personal growth and self-improvement.
- Seek professional help. If you’re struggling to move on or find yourself caught in a cycle of abusive relationships, it may be helpful to seek the support of a mental health professional. A therapist can help you work through the trauma and provide you with tools to build healthier relationships in the future.
Remember, recovery is a process. Be patient and kind to yourself as you navigate your way forward. You deserve love and respect, and with time and healing, you will find it again.
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Elizabeth Shaw is not a Doctor or a therapist. She is a mother of five, a blogger, a survivor of narcissistic abuse, and a life coach, She always recommends you get the support you feel comfortable and happy with. Finding the right support for you. Elizabeth has partnered with BetterHelp (Sponsored.), where you will be matched with a licensed councillor who specialises in recovery from this kind of abuse.
