Narcissists going no contact usually display a mix of arrogance and delusion. You might hear them say things like, “Just wait, they’ll fall apart without me. When they come crawling back, I’ll make them beg for forgiveness.” For narcissists, going no contact isn’t just about cutting someone off; it’s a way to punish and validate themselves, feeding their need for control and superiority. They may use this tactic to teach someone a lesson, focusing on punishment rather than resolution. Since their decision usually stems from frustration, they often display a sense of entitlement, vindictiveness, rage, or even play the victim.
As narcissists, they may use going no contact as a manipulative tactic, treating it like a bargaining chip to lure you back into the relationship on their terms. It’s common for a narcissist who initiates no contact to eventually break their silence. These no-contact periods are often short-lived, lasting just a few weeks or months. When they return, they often regain control because the person they left behind is desperate not to let them disappear again.
If their attempts to manipulate don’t work, they may still show up but twist the situation to serve their interests. You might hear them say, “Are you ready to forgive me?”—a classic move to shift the power back in their favor. Ultimately, a narcissist going no contact is all about control and maintaining the upper hand.
Now, let’s talk about what happens when you go no contact with a narcissist. For non-narcissistic individuals, the decision to go no contact is usually not triggered by one fight or incident. It’s often the final step after a long buildup of issues over time. Cutting ties with a narcissist is never an easy choice. Most who take this step describe it as something they had to do to heal, grow, and begin living a more authentic, fulfilling life.
Even if it feels necessary, it’s not a spur-of-the-moment decision, and it undoubtedly comes with challenges. When someone who isn’t a narcissist opts for no contact, it’s typically to protect themselves. Unlike a narcissist, this decision is not about punishing anyone; rather, it’s a last resort when they feel that nothing else has provided a sense of safety—whether emotional or physical.
For them, going no contact represents their last hope to step back from a toxic situation, especially when they feel unheard or undervalued. Ultimately, their decision aims to break the toxic cycle and regain peace and safety. Many people who decide to go no contact with a narcissist are in romantic relationships with them, but you can also find individuals cutting ties with narcissistic friends or even family members—after all, toxic relationships aren’t limited to romantic partners.
Now, let’s discuss something that often surprises non-narcissists when they go no contact—a side of things that doesn’t get much attention. If you’ve been on the receiving end of no contact in a narcissistic relationship, you know it can be painful and confusing. When non-narcissistic individuals decide to go no contact, they frequently find themselves second-guessing their choice. They may wonder if they are acting just like the narcissist who uses no contact to control.
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