Intermittent Reinforcement
Intermittent reinforcement is a manipulation tactic employed by narcissists to maintain control and keep you emotionally invested in the relationship. They alternate between sweet moments of kindness and affection and then abruptly switch to neglect, mistreatment, or even abuse. This inconsistency creates a cycle of uncertainty and confusion, making you constantly question their behavior and seek validation from them. The narcissist may show you love and affection during the phases of kindness, making you feel cherished and wanted. However, these happy times, albeit fleeting, are swiftly followed by periods of cruelty and neglect. It becomes challenging to escape their control because you develop a sense of dependence, hoping the next outpouring of compassion is just around the corner.
Boundary Violation
Narcissists tend to disrespect and violate your personal boundaries, both physically and emotionally. They may disregard your stated limits or boundaries, intentionally pushing past them to assert their control and dominance over you. On a physical level, narcissists may invade your personal space without your consent, engage in unwanted physical contact, or intrude into your private areas. This violation of physical boundaries can make you feel uncomfortable, unsafe, and disrespected.
Stalking
In severe situations, narcissists may resort to stalking to maintain control and breach your privacy. They might closely observe your online and offline behaviors to gain control over your life. Stalking behavior can take many forms, including persistent observation, tracking your whereabouts, or unannounced appearances at places you frequent. They may hack into your social media accounts or place tracking devices on your possessions to monitor you. You may feel continually on edge and violated due to this invasion of privacy, which can be tremendously upsetting. If you feel their behavior has crossed into stalking, it’s crucial to alert local authorities, speak to a trusted friend, and not let the narcissist manipulate you into thinking you are overreacting or being unkind.
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