Within relationships with narcissistic people, the concept of zero contact has become an action with great results. This is a strategy that involves breaking all communication and contact with a person, especially in the context of a conflictive relationship that is unhealthy. When this tactic is applied to a narcissist it can trigger a series of emotional and behavioral responsesalthough these responses may vary depending on the person’s personality and degree of narcissism.
This Psychology-Online article will explain in detail How a Narcissist Experiences No Contact and what are the typical reactions we can expect from them. Additionally, we will also explain if a narcissist tends to come back after zero contact.
How a narcissist feels when you apply zero contact
First of all, it is important to understand that narcissism is characterized by a constant need for attention and admiration. For this reason, when applying, narcissists may experience a feeling of loss of control about the situation, since they are used to being the center of attention and having a certain degree of influence over others.
In the beginning, It is possible for a narcissist to react with anger due to the lack of attention and validation they used to receive. They may try to regain contact insistently, using manipulative or emotional tactics to achieve this. By not getting the desired response, they are likely to experience a strong narcissistic wound, which can lead to an intensification of their behavior.
Over time, some narcissists may choose to seek other forms of attention and admiration to fill the void left by zero contact, such as seeking new relationships or recognition in other contexts. In the following article we explain to you.
What happens when you make zero contact with a narcissist
When you decide to implement zero contact with a narcissist you can anticipate a series of common reactions that they usually manifest. Although it is important to remember that each person is unique and you cannot predict exactly how they will react. Below, we present the most typical reactions that you can find.
- Anger and Frustration: Not receiving the attention and admiration they are accustomed to, the narcissist often reacts with anger and frustration. He may feel his ego hurt and trigger a series of intense emotional expressions, such as anger, accusations, and attempted manipulation.
- He will try to win you back: Many narcissists will insistently try to regain contact. They can send messages, make calls or even show up in person where necessary to restart the relationship. They will use manipulative tactics, such as emotional blackmail or victimization, to achieve this.
- Narcissistic wound: The application of zero contact can deeply wound the narcissist’s ego. In other words, they feel like they are being rejected or ignored, which triggers a narcissistic wound. This injury can be painful and provoke intense emotional responses.
- Seeking Alternative Care: Not receiving attention from the person who has implemented zero contact, some narcissists will seek sources of attention elsewhere. They may get involved in new relationships, seek recognition on social networks, or other activities in which they can feel that they are admired by others.
- Changing tactics: In some cases, narcissists may change their tactics if they realize that their previous strategies are no longer working and try different approaches to regain attention and control of the situation.
- Acceptance: After a period of zero contact, some narcissists may come to accept the situation and withdraw to find something easier. This can happen if they find a new source of attention or if they decide that a relationship that seems to have ended is not worth continuing to fight for.
In this article we explain to you.
Does a narcissist always come back after zero contact?
The answer to this question depends on several factors, including the narcissist’s specific personality, their degree of narcissism, the dynamics of the relationship, and their individual circumstances. Here we detail some key considerations that may influence:
- Degree of narcissism: The degree of narcissism of the person in question plays a fundamental role. Some narcissists have a constant need for attention and validation, which could lead them to persistently try to win back the relationship. Other narcissists may be more independent and might choose to seek sources of attention elsewhere.
- Reasons for breakup: The reason behind the initial breakup is also relevant. If the relationship ended due to a serious offense or betrayal by the narcissist, they may have less interest in returning after zero contact. However, if the breakup was due to more superficial issues, they might be more likely to try to get back together.
- Self-reflection: The period of zero contact can lead to changes in the dynamics of the relationship. Some narcissists may reflect on their actions and realize the importance of the relationship, which could motivate them to try to come back and change their behavior. Others may resist any kind of change, even though they may want to go back and repeat the same patterns.
- Sources of Attention: If the narcissist has found alternative sources of attention and admiration during zero contact, they may be less interested in returning to the previous relationship. This depends on the satisfaction they are currently providing you.
If you are considering zero contact in a relationship with a narcissistic person, it is important that you do so with the intention of protecting your emotional well-being and setting boundaries, rather than in order to obtain a specific result. In this article we explain to you.
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
If you want to read more articles similar to How the narcissist feels about no contactwe recommend that you enter our category.
Bibliography
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- García, PD (2020). Can a narcissist really change? Psychology Today. https://www.sicologiahoy.com/relaciones/ may-narcisista-really-cambiar/
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- Life drive – psychology. (2022, May 16). 5 stages that the narcissist goes through during your zero contact / What happens when you abandon him. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-mJa6GKlFo
- Life drive – psychology. (2022). Messages he sends you during zero contact/Narcissists and psychopaths. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfB_Hu3VkP8
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