Dealing with a narcissist can be complicated and difficult, as their behavior tends to be self-centered and manipulative. In this sense, they are possessive, individualistic and egocentric human beings who seek a feeling of well-being without any regard for the emotions of others. This reflects a lack of empathy that is demonstrated through actions and ways of thinking.
Although there is some research on this topic, the data that emerges is neither clear nor conclusive. To dispel doubts and avoid subsequent conflicts, it is necessary to have a greater understanding of the conflicts that appear. In this Psychology-Online article, we will provide you with information about When does a narcissist leave you alone?what to do to make it do it and how long it takes to do it.
Does a narcissist ever leave you alone?
Narcissists may stop focusing on a particular person or situation for a variety of reasons, but there is no set rule that determines when or if they will truly leave you alone completely. Some factors that could influence whether a narcissist eventually leaves you alone include:
- Loss of interest: If the narcissist feels like he can no longer get what he wants from you, he might lose interest and pursue more “rewarding” goals.
- New care supplies: Narcissists often seek out people who provide them with attention, admiration, and validation. If they find new sources of supply that provide this to them more effectively, they could divert their attention to those people.
- Focus shift: If their circumstances change, such as finding a new social group, a new job, or a new partner, they might shift their focus to those new areas of interest.
- Setting limits: If you set clear boundaries and stick to them, the narcissist might find it harder to manipulate you and lose interest. In this article, we tell you.
Generally speaking, it is difficult to predict the future behavior of a narcissist. However, it is possible to infer that he will try to renew outdated ties if some intention to obtain some benefit from specific situations persists.
How long does it take for a narcissist to leave you alone?
There is no specific or predictable time frame for how long it may take for a narcissist to leave you alone, as this depends on several factors. The Duration may vary depending on the personality of the narcissistyour relationship with them, your actions and responses, as well as other individual circumstances.
However, it is possible to establish an average time for a harmonious and peaceful situation to exist. In global terms, this usually occurs one or two years after a breakup. To do this, it is essential to remain firm in the decision made.
What to do to make a narcissist leave you alone
A relationship with a narcissist can be challenging, but there are some strategies you can consider to try to get them to leave you alone. We show them to you below:
- Set clear and firm limits: Narcissists have the tendency to break the established norms of any situation. To carry out this purpose, they resort to maneuvers that go unnoticed by the rest. Communicate directly and firmly what your limits and expectations are in the relationship. Maintain those boundaries consistently, and don’t give in to their manipulation.
- Speak sincerely: It is no use lying or postponing situations that are the cause of conflict, since they will reappear in the future. It is worth using the truth to destroy any future hope of the narcissist.
- Ignore the provocations: If the narcissist tries to provoke you or get a reaction from you, ignore their attempts. If they don’t get the attention they seek, they might lose interest.
- Maintain your emotional independence: Do not be emotionally dependent on the narcissist for your well-being. Find sources of support and validation outside of that relationship. In this article you will find more information about .
- Focus on yourself: Spend time on your own interests, passions, and activities. The more focused you are on your own life, the less influence the narcissist will have over you.
- Request help: Seek psychological support and/or turn to trusted people to form your own space that imposes limits. In this way, your social environment can help you keep the narcissist away.
How a narcissist feels when they are abandoned
Narcissists can react in a variety of ways when abandoned, but their responses are often related to their personality traits and how they handle emotions and relationships. So what happens when you stop talking to a narcissist? Here we will explain how a narcissist feels when they are abandoned:
- Confusion: When you leave a narcissist, the loss of power and control causes them to feel persistent emotional instability. When this happens, they have a distorted perspective on life.
- Anger and rage: Narcissists may react with anger and frustration to abandonment, as they feel like they are losing control over the situation and the person who was validating them. They may express this anger in passive-aggressive or direct ways. If you want to understand it better, we recommend reading this article about the .
- Sadness: the wound in self-esteem gives rise to feelings of vulnerability and decline. When faced with the abandonment of another person, sadness can hide anger and frustration.
- Covert depression or anxiety: Although they do not usually show emotional weakness, abandonment could trigger feelings of depression or anxiety in a narcissist. However, they are more likely to try to hide these feelings.
- Replacement Search: Narcissists may quickly seek a new source of attention and validation to fill the void left by the person who abandoned them. This could include new friendships, romantic relationships, or even professional achievements.
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.
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Bibliography
- Trechera, JL, Vásquez De La Torre, M., Fernández, G., Morales, E. (2008). Empirical study of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). Acta Colombiana de Psicología Magazine, 11 (2), 25-36.