Dealing with Narcissists: Understanding Their Next Steps After a Rejection
When a narcissist faces rejection, they may react in several ways. Understanding these reactions can help you manage the situation and prioritize your well-being.
Common Reactions and Tactics
Manipulation
Narcissists may use manipulation to change your mind. This can involve guilt trips or emotional appeals, aiming to make you doubt yourself and consider their position.
Anger or Rage
Rejection can trigger intense anger or rage in narcissists. They may lash out, expressing frustration, or engage in confrontational behavior to cope with the negative emotions.
Love Bombing
Some narcissists may revert to idealization, showering you with affection and compliments in an attempt to win you back. This tactic is designed to make you feel valued and desired.
Victimization
They might portray themselves as the victim, claiming they’ve been misunderstood or wronged. This often elicits sympathy and a desire to resolve the misunderstanding.
Silent Treatment
Narcissists might withdraw, giving you the silent treatment. They hope that this will make you miss them and reconsider your decision.
Moving On
In some cases, they might quickly move on, seeking validation from someone else to cope with the rejection. This can be a sign that they are emotionally detached and do not value your opinion highly.
Unverified Assumptions vs. Clear Communication
It’s important to distinguish between unverified assumptions and clear communication. Sometimes, you might be assuming that a narcissist is trying to contact you because that's a story you're telling yourself. To avoid misunderstandings, it's crucial to confirm their intentions.
If a narcissist hasn’t been diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder, it might be wise to seek professional help rather than diagnosing them. Misdiagnosis can have serious consequences and might affect the relationship negatively.
Preventative Measures
Understanding the narcissist's behavior can help you take preventive measures. If the person in question is the possessive type, it’s wise to exercise caution. Some people might install security cameras, monitor door locks, and check social media profiles to ensure their safety.
In cases of perceived threats, it is advisable to seek legal protection. Going to court and obtaining a protective order can provide an additional layer of security and prevent further psychological manipulation.
For those who continue to see themselves as the victim, they may start deluding themselves into thinking they never wanted you back in the first place. This self-deception can be more harmful to their mental health.
Instead of dwelling on past rejections, they might seek a new, more docile, and gullible victim to feed their need for attention and validation. This could be someone who is more easily manipulated and under their control.
Sometimes, these thoughts will continue to haunt them, reminding them of the rejection and the loss of potential.
By understanding and preparing for these reactions, you can better protect yourself from further emotional distress and maintain your personal boundaries.