Navigating the murky waters of a relationship with a narcissist can be incredibly challenging, especially when they resort to using the silent treatment as a form of manipulation and control. This passive-aggressive behaviour can leave you feeling confused, hurt, and questioning your own worth. Understanding why narcissists use the silent treatment and how to respond can be crucial in maintaining your mental and emotional well-being.
The silent treatment is a tool that narcissists use to punish and control others. It is their way of exerting power over you, making you feel small and insignificant. By refusing to communicate with you, the narcissist is attempting to distort your reality and make you question yourself. Their silence can last for hours, days, or even longer, leading you to feel isolated and abandoned.
There are three main types of silent treatments that narcissists may employ. The first is when they are present but ignore you, behaving as if everything is normal with others around you. The second is when they physically disappear but are still accessible through messages or calls, yet they choose not to respond. The third is ghosting, where the narcissist completely cuts off all contact without any explanation.
The reasons why narcissists use the silent treatment can vary, but ultimately, it all stems from their need for control and validation. They may feel slighted by you in some way, questioning their entitlement or grandiosity. They may be avoiding responsibility or evading consequences for their actions. Whatever the reason, the silent treatment is a form of coercion and manipulation that can leave you feeling deeply wounded.
The psychological impact of the silent treatment can be profound. It can cause you to doubt yourself, question your worth, and feel intense emotional pain. You may begin to ruminate on what you could have done differently, blaming yourself for the narcissist’s behaviour. This can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and insecurity as you struggle to make sense of the situation.
In order to cope with the silent treatment from a narcissist, it is important to focus on self-care and self-preservation. Remember that your worth is not determined by the approval of others, especially those who seek to invalidate you. Recognise the narcissist’s behaviour for what it is – a form of manipulation and control. Do not chase after them or seek validation from them. Instead, focus on doing things that bring you joy and fulfilment.
Setting boundaries and raising your standards for behaviour can also be helpful in dealing with a narcissist who uses the silent treatment. Refuse to engage in their games or be drawn into their drama. Do not seek answers or explanations from them, as this only feeds into their manipulative behaviour.
Above all, remember to stay safe and prioritise your own well-being. Do not allow the narcissist’s silence to diminish your sense of self-worth or control. By taking care of yourself and setting boundaries, you can navigate the challenges of a relationship with a narcissist more effectively.
Check these out!
15 Rules To Deal With Narcissistic People.: How To Stay Sane And Break The Chain.
Narcissists Handbook: The ultimate guide to understanding and overcoming narcissistic and emotional abuse.-1
Boundaries with Narcissists: Safeguarding Emotional, Psychological, and Physical Independence.
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The Narcissists Silence (Silent Treatment.) #narcissist
I met a Covert Narc which I did not know a year ago but I did feel something just not right with his energy and stare was extremely intense which stirred anxiousness within me.
A handsome man that I felt we had chemistry and he wanted sex and so did I but his way was rushed and now and I just could not understand why without trying to get to know each other a bit before rushing into having sex and sadly we kept falling out and this caused him to become bitter and cruel and he texted to say it was off putting and so I said to him that we were doomed from the start and he said okay, take care and something kicked in and ever since I can’t let go and I feel I had to read about the silent treatment and discard as I knew nothing about it and I was extremely shocked to find out who he was and why he became like it and I felt sorry for him and now his on my whatsapp watching my daily posts as I don’t want to maje him feel excluded even though he may not like me. I’m a empath and find it hard to go no contact it’s such a cruel thing to do it’s just like rejecting him allover again and I don’t want to pain him. I have also told him in a kind way that if he ever needs to talk that I’m here to help as he definitely needs to acknowledge his ways are hurting him and others as I can feel he is struggling and alone, I’m lucky I have a family that loves me but he has no one, well he says he has a partner but how can he when covert narcissist are unable to form healthy relationships or live with anyone, he lives with his cat and in the evenings he doesn’t bother looking at my posts, I do wonder what he does then I can only imagine as I’m sure he wants to get his needs met but it’s not as easy as that to flirt with a woman obviously we need some substance before aiming for the bedroom.
A fantasy world, porno is not reality and I feel because of their distorted brain they don’t seem to understand how to approach and listen or understand another humans needs as to why they become upset so easily and give the silent treatment and discard and move on as they think they are going to find someone whose going to accept and put up with their narc ways but it’s impossible for any human to live in that kind of abuse as it creates more misery and I had to tell him that moving on will never take away his pain no matter where he goes or who his with until he gets to speak to a professional.
It’s just a sad situation all around.