The Narcissist’s Response to Abandonment: A Closer Look at Various Relationships.
Navigating relationships with narcissistic individuals can be emotionally challenging, especially when it comes to addressing their inability to handle abandonment. This article aims to explore how narcissists typically react when they perceive others as prioritising their own needs over theirs, focusing on examples from different relationships, such as parents, family members, friends, co-workers, and romantic partners. By delving into these dynamics, we hope to provide insights into the narcissistic responses that arise when people no longer put them first in all aspects of life, including work, personal commitments, and social interactions.
- Narcissistic Parents:
Narcissistic parents often exhibit extreme reactions when their children start to assert their independence, leading to a decreased emphasis on the parental bond. For instance, a teenager expressing a desire to spend time with friends rather than solely catering to their parent’s wishes may trigger anger, guilt-tripping, or manipulative tactics like emotional blackmail. These actions aim to regain control and reinforce the narcissistic parent’s belief that they are entitled to unwavering devotion.
Example: A narcissistic mother might guilt her child by saying, “How could you choose your friends over your own mother? After all I have done for you, this is how you repay me?”
- Family Members:
Within the familial context, narcissistic individuals often expect absolute loyalty from their relatives, considering themselves the centre of attention. This sense of entitlement can lead to volatile reactions if family members start investing time and energy into their personal growth or other relationships. Sudden abandonment from their standpoint may ignite feelings of jealousy, resentment, and anger.
Example: A narcissistic sibling might lash out, saying, “You’re leaving our whole family behind just because you want to pursue your own dreams? You’re selfish and don’t care about anyone but yourself!”
- Friendships:
Narcissistic friends often perceive a shift in priorities as abandonment, viewing any focus or time spent away from them as a personal affront. They expect their friends to cater to their needs while disregarding their own, and may react negatively when their expectations are not met. Attempts to establish healthy boundaries or diversify one’s social circle can provoke intense emotions within the narcissist, leading to manipulative tactics or even the dissolution of the friendship altogether.
Example: A narcissistic friend might accuse their friend, saying, “You’re distancing yourself because you think you’re better than me? Don’t forget who was there for you when no one else was.”
- Co-workers:
In a professional setting, narcissistic co-workers often crave recognition and will go to great lengths to solidify their position as the best in the workplace. If a colleague isn’t constantly acknowledging their accomplishments or doesn’t prioritise their work above all else, the narcissist may perceive it as abandonment. The response can manifest as anger, coldness, or passive-aggressive behaviour toward the co-worker who is seen as prioritising their own success or personal life.
Example: A narcissistic co-worker might lash out at a colleague, saying, “You’re just trying to make yourself look better by stepping on everyone else. I’ll make sure the boss knows what you’re really like!”
- Romantic Partners:
Narcissistic romantic partners may have an intense fear of abandonment due to their insatiable need for admiration and validation. When a partner begins setting boundaries or pursuing individual interests, the narcissist may feel threatened and react with extreme emotions, such as jealousy, anger, or emotional manipulation. They might make their partner feel guilty for not prioritising them above all else or engage in behaviour aimed at reestablishing control over the relationship.
Example: A narcissistic romantic partner might say, “You’re abandoning me just like everyone else in my life. I can’t believe I wasted my time on someone as selfish as you!”
Understanding how narcissists react to their perceived abandonment in relationships can help individuals better navigate these complex dynamics. Whether it’s parents, family members, friends, co-workers, or romantic partners, narcissistic individuals often struggle to cope with a decrease in attention or perceived rejection. By recognising these patterns, it becomes possible to establish healthier boundaries, prioritise personal growth, and minimise the emotional toll associated with their narcissistic behaviour.
How A Narcissist Responds To You Leaving Them. When You Abandon The Narcissist.
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