When a narcissist senses that someone they’ve interacted with is healing or becoming more independent, they may react in a number of ways, depending on the specific individual and the circumstances. Here are a few possible reactions:
- Hoovering: One common tactic that narcissists may use when they sense that someone is healing is to try to “hoover” them back into the relationship. This can involve reaching out with promises to change or make things better, showering the person with attention and affection, or trying to make them feel guilty for leaving.
- Gaslighting: Another tactic that narcissists may use is to try to convince the person that they are imagining things or that their healing is not real. This can involve denying past abusive behavior, making the person doubt their own perceptions, or minimizing the progress they’ve made.
- Re-escalation: In some cases, a narcissist may respond to a person’s healing by becoming more aggressive or abusive. This can be a way to try to re-establish control over the person, or to punish them for trying to leave.
- Indifference: Finally, it’s possible that a narcissist may simply lose interest in someone who they no longer see as useful or exciting. In this case, they may move on to other sources of validation and attention without much fanfare.
It’s important to remember that every narcissist is different, and that their reactions to someone’s healing will depend on a variety of factors. It’s also important to prioritize your own safety and well-being when dealing with a narcissist, and to seek support from trusted friends, family, or professionals if you feel that you are in danger or need help getting away from an abusive situation.
