Narcissistic Ghosting – What is it and how to deal with it?

Navigating relationships with individuals exhibiting narcissistic personality traits can be challenging. One tactic in particular that narcissists follow is Narcissistic Ghosting, which involves suddenly cutting off all communication and disappearing from a relationship without closure or explanation. This leaves the person on the receiving end feeling confused, hurt, and abandoned.

In this article, we will explain in detail what narcissistic ghosting is, how to cope with it, how to make a narcissist regret ghosting you and understand the concept of silent treatment in the context of narcissistic behavior.

So, without any delay, let’s join us to embark on this journey of understanding and empowerment.

What is Narcissistic Ghosting?

Narcissistic ghosting is a form of emotional manipulation and abuse often practiced by individuals with narcissistic traits. It involves sudden disconnection and complete disappearance from a person’s life without closure or explanation, leaving the victim confused, hurt, and emotionally abandoned.

Unlike conventional ghosting, narcissistic ghosting is done to seek and exert control and maintain power over the person they are ghosting. It is a deliberate tactic used to manipulate and shake the person emotionally and from a security point of view. Sometimes, it is accompanied by manipulative behaviors such as gaslighting, blame-shifting, and attempts to maintain a sense of superiority.

Usually, narcissists use this tactic to maintain dominance in the relationship, assert their own needs and desires, test the other person’s reaction, and measure their level of attachment.  Therefore, it’s essential to recognize this behavior for what it is and take steps to protect one’s emotional well-being. If you are stuck in narcissistic ghosting, seek support, talk to family and friends, and get help from a mental health professional.

What Happens When a Narcissist Ghosts You?

When a narcissist ghosts you, feeling emotionally drained is evident as a narcissist tries to gain control and power by taking advantage of the situation. The sudden disappearance is done to test your reaction and check how attached you are.

It’s a deliberate and calculated move aimed at asserting control and maintaining power in the relationship dynamic. Here are some common aspects of what happens when a narcissist ghosts:

1. Sudden Disappearance:

When the narcissist suddenly goes off the radar and cuts off all communication, the victim is often left confused, and he/she even starts to blame themselves and think it might be something they did wrong; hence, the other person is annoyed.

2. Manipulative Power Play:

Ghosting is a power move, leaving you vulnerable and questioning your worth. When ghosting occurs, the victim often lets the other person take complete control and instructs how to live life if they want to stay together.

3. Emotional Turmoil:

Being subjected to ghosting can lead to a whirlwind of emotions, including sadness, anger, confusion, and self-doubt. This sudden change disrupts daily functioning, making the person anxious or even going into depression.

4. Gaslighting and Blame-Shifting:

If confronted, the narcissist may attempt to gaslight you or shift the blame onto you, making you question your perceptions. This might make you think negatively about yourself and question your decision due to whatever the narcissistic say you consider true.

How Do You Make a Narcissist Regret Ghosting You?

Making a narcissist regret ghosting you is complex. As individuals with narcissistic traits often struggle with genuine remorse, making them regret something for which they see they are guilty will not be easy.

However, taking specific steps can regain your sense of power and self-worth. The first and most crucial step is avoiding contact with the narcissist. This will give you space and focus on your well-being.

In addition to this, you need to resist the urge to seek revenge. However, this will be tough as the pain might prolong. But it is the only way to avoid getting entangled in the toxic cycle of revenge, pain, and guilt.

Also, when you focus on empowering yourself, you will take control of your life, and the narcissist will understand that they no longer take advantage. Here’s how you can empower yourself:

1. Prioritize Your Well-Being:

Redirect your energy towards self-care and focus on your physical, emotional, and mental health. Being compassionate towards yourself is also important. The way you take care of others, you need to care for yourself similarly. Ghosting is a form of emotional manipulation, not a reflection of your worth or value. Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Don’t get entrapped in these false techniques, pay attention to yourself and your desires.

2. Establish Boundaries:

If the narcissist attempts to re-enter your life, set clear boundaries to protect yourself from further manipulation or mistreatment. Be firm with your decision, and never let them manipulate you into taking them back into your life. Be prepared to enforce them.

3. Practice Self-Reflection:

Engage in self-reflection to understand any patterns or vulnerabilities that may have led to the relationship with the narcissist. Understand that taking care of yourself is not selfish, and how another person behaves is not in your control. Avoid internalizing blame or feeling responsible for their actions.

4. Let Go of Expectations:

Accept that narcissists may never express remorse. Your healing and growth are independent of your actions. Prioritize your well-being. Understand that narcissistic ghosting is a manipulation tactic. It’s not a reflection of your worth or value as a person. Don’t try to connect or contact them. Resist the urge. It will help you heal emotionally and be strong.

5. Move Forward:

Focus on building a fulfilling life without the narcissist’s influence. Embrace new experiences and opportunities. Connect with your friends and family, and don’t let the impact of the ghosting decide what you should do in life. Reflect on what you have learned and use this experience as an opportunity for personal growth and healing. Engage in activities that promote emotional well-being and self-discovery.

6. Seek Support:

Talk to trusted friends, family, or a therapist who can provide understanding, empathy, and guidance. Confide in those who can provide valuable perspectives and emotional support. Learn about narcissism and manipulation tactics. This will help empower you and recognize red flags in the future.

Responding to narcissistic ghosting is an individualized process. However, prioritizing mental and emotional health should always be on everyone’s priority list. If you need help, seek support; don’t fret.

Healing is a process that takes time don’t push yourself or set a deadline to overcome the hurt. Be patient and compassionate with yourself as you navigate through this process.

Respond to narcissistic ghosting by taking care of yourself. If you think ghosting is beyond your control and need to take a legal route, consult legal authorities or seek professional guidance to ensure your safety and protection.

How To Respond To Narcissistic Ghosting

Experiencing narcissistic ghosting can be a disorienting and painful experience. Hence, you must approach this situation with care and self-compassion. Here are some steps you can take to respond effectively:

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings:

Allow yourself to feel the emotions of being ghosted by a narcissist. Feeling hurt, confused, angry, and even betrayed is normal. Permit yourself to process these emotions. There is nothing wrong with you or how you feel. You are not the reason it is the person’s trait, and you can’t force someone to stay. You are important, don’t let anyone rule you and control your actions.

2. Seek Clarity:

If you feel it’s appropriate, seek clarity from the narcissist about the situation. However, be prepared for further manipulation or lack of a satisfying explanation because this is what narcissism is all about.

They might do or say things that make you fall into the trap. Never walk on this path if you think you are not strong enough or can’t judge their actions. Seeking clarity is not as important as living your life without anyone ruling it and manipulating you.

3. Establish Boundaries:

Decide what level of interaction, if any, you’re comfortable with in regards to the narcissist. Set clear boundaries, as this will help protect your emotional well-being and prevent the narcissist from hurting and taking advantage of you.

4. Focus on Self-Care:

Prioritize self-care practices. Engage in activities that promote your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. This could include exercise, meditation, spending time with loved ones, or pursuing hobbies.

5. Surround Yourself with Support:

Seek out friends, family members, or support groups who understand and validate your feelings. Talking to someone you trust can provide valuable perspective and emotional support. When you have a third eye, you can see things clearly as they can show you things that you might have ignored because you were too involved.

6. Practice Self-Compassion:

Be kind and gentle with yourself. Remember that you are not at fault for the narcissist’s actions. It’s essential to treat yourself with the same care and understanding that you would offer to a friend in a similar situation.

In addition to this, take some time out for self-reflection. Consider any patterns or vulnerabilities that may have led to the relationship with the narcissist. This self-awareness will prevent you from facing similar situations in the future.

7. Seek Professional Support (if needed):

If you find it particularly challenging to cope with the aftermath of narcissistic ghosting, consider seeking help from a therapist or counselor specializing in relationships and emotional abuse.

8. Let Go of Expectations:

The narcissist may never provide the closure or remorse you desire. Focusing on your healing and well-being is essential, independent of your actions or reactions. Remind yourself of your inherent value and worthiness of love and respect.

Recognize that you deserve to be treated with kindness and consideration. Do what feels right, and prioritize your well-being. You have the strength to navigate through this experience and emerge even stronger on the other side.

What is the Silent Treatment Ghosting by Narcissists?

Sometimes, the narcissist may not successfully take control even after following all the tactics. In such situations, they take the silent treatment route to manipulate you. Don’t fall for it, as this form of emotional abuse involves intentionally ignoring the victim and cutting down the communication.

By doing so, the narcissist can exert control and instill anxiety and powerlessness in their target. This tactic is a manipulative technique that helps maintain dominance in the relationship. Narcissists will try to assert psychological control and maintain a sense of equilibrium by employing this tactic.

Silent treatment becomes a powerful tool to leave the other person powerless and desperate for closure. Recognizing this behavior as a form of manipulation is the first step in breaking free from its emotional grip.

How Do You Know If A Narcissist Is Done With You?

Here are some signs that a narcissist may be done with you:

1. Devaluation and Criticism:

They will start to demotivate, undermine, and find fault in everything you do. They even criticize you more frequently, making you feel inadequate or unworthy.

2. Distant Behavior:

They become emotionally distant and may not engage with you as they used to. They may withdraw affection or attention. Also, if you are sad or you need them, they won’t pay attention to you. For them, your emotions would not matter anymore.

3. Ignoring You:

The narcissist may start ignoring what you say or dismiss your thoughts and feelings without consideration. They will always make you feel unworthy, think whatever you say or do is wrong, and hold no value in the relationship and their life.

4. Continuous Irritation:

They may display consistent irritation or impatience towards you, even in trivial matters. They may even use gaslighting tactics, making you doubt your perceptions, memory, or sanity.

5. Taking Advantage:

The narcissist might continue to exploit you for their gain without regard for your well-being or feelings. They won’t value you as a person and will treat you like a thing without emotion, which they control and can make you do things like a puppet.

Although these signs may vary in intensity, it is essential always to consider where the relationship is heading. If you suspect you’re dealing with a narcissist, seeking professional advice or support from a therapist can be invaluable.

A Path to Healing

Healing after being ghosted by a narcissist can be a painful and confusing experience. Hence, always remember you deserve to be treated with respect, empathy, and kindness. If others are not treating you like you should be, don’t let them keep doing it.

Take care of yourself and love yourself. Focus on self-empowerment and seek support. You have the power to break this vicious cycle and come out stronger and more resilient.

Remember, the actions of a narcissist do not define your worth, and you must take care of your emotional well-being. Understanding the motives behind narcissistic ghosting will help you implement the right strategies and protect yourself from getting hurt.

You are worthy and deserve to be in healthy and nurturing relationships. If you or someone you know struggles with the effects of narcissistic abuse, help them seek professional support, as it is the first step towards healing.