How do you respond to narcissistic silent treatment?

Calmly tell the person that you've noticed they're not responding and you want to understand why. Emphasize that you want to resolve things. While it's not your fault that someone else decides to give you the silent treatment, you do have a responsibility to apologize if you've done something wrong.
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Why does a narcissist go silent?

Essentially, the point of the silent treatment is to make the victim feel confused, stressed, guilty, ashamed, not good enough, or unstable enough so that they would do what the manipulator wants.
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How do you counter silent treatment?

If the silent treatment does not appear to be part of a larger pattern of abuse, a person can try the following approaches:
  1. Name the situation. ...
  2. Use 'I' statements. ...
  3. Acknowledge the other person's feelings. ...
  4. Apologize for words or actions. ...
  5. Cool off and arrange a time to resolve the issue. ...
  6. Avoid unhelpful responses.
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What happens when you stop talking to a narcissist?

If you ignore a narcissist and deny them their source, they may become enraged and try even harder for your attention – especially in ways that can be toxic or abusive. Ignoring a narcissist will enrage them because of their fragile egos. They'll feel humiliated and lash out against you to protect themselves.
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What does no contact do to a narcissist?

If we ignore them again by saying “no” or going “no contact” with them, narcissists might go into a complete rage. This rage is a coping mechanism in order for them to deal with us keeping our distance from them or saying “no” to them. A rejection of narcissists means that we think they are not perfect.
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How To Respond To a Narcissist's Silent Treatment LIKE A BOSS! ?



What does cutting off all contact with a narcissist do to them?

Breaking up with a narcissist is likely to be a draining experience. Either they won't let you go without a fight, or they will discard you without looking back. Both experiences are extremely hurtful.
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How long should the silent treatment last?

Agree how long you will take to recover. Ideally no more than 1 hour, hopefully less. Say “I will be back in *** (time) to continue the discussion” even if you can only manage to come back to agree to close it down for the time being, or take the matter to counselling.
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How do you respond to emotional withholding?

Use "I" statements.
  1. For example, you may say, "I feel you are emotionally withholding from me and it bothers me" or "I feel we are not communicating our feelings as much as we could be and I would like us to try to figure out why that is."
  2. Try to be accepting and non-judgmental when you speak with your partner as well.
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How do you respond to stonewalling?

The person stonewalling you wants you to get emotional, and if you don't give them that pleasure, the person who is stonewalling may end up backing off from it. If someone stone walls, one response is to be diplomatic. Say you're willing to talk it out. Make it about them, or make it about you, but don't aggressive.
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What to do when a narcissist cuts you off?

When the narcissist cuts you off, take steps to heal the effects of the emotional abuse you've endured by allowing yourself to grieve and taking the time to heal. You also need to prepare for when the narcissist comes back. That means shoring up appropriate boundaries and considering your response.
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How do you know if a narcissist is finished with you?

How to Know if a Narcissist Is Finished with You
  • They show no emotion.
  • They criticize you constantly.
  • They blame you for everything.
  • They're always irritated or angry.
  • They pick fights over trivial things.
  • They take advantage of you.
  • They withhold physical affection.
  • They accuse you of cheating.
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How do you talk to someone who shuts you out?

What to say to someone when they are shutting you out
  1. “I understand you're feeling…”
  2. “I've given you a lot to consider. I'll give you time to digest.”
  3. “Let's take a breather and come back to this another time.”
  4. “I'm sorry I said…” or “I'm sorry I didn't…”
  5. “I'm not upset with you. ...
  6. “When you ignore me I feel…”
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Is silent treatment manipulation?

The silent treatment is widely regarded as a form of emotional manipulation and even psychological abuse. It is the act of ceasing to initiate or respond to communication with someone else or refusing to acknowledge them altogether.
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Does silent treatment mean break up?

The silent treatment is a particularly toxic form of behavior that can lead to the breakdown of relationships. When a partner gives you the silent treatment, you might feel a crazy need to make him talk.
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Why do narcissists withhold affection?

Unlike normal, healthy partners who may have the occasional need for space or may not want affection during naturally occurring conflict or distress, narcissists withhold affection randomly and deliberately without reason (apart from the conflict and chaos they themselves manufacture out of thin air).
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How do you deal with someone who withdraws?

What to do when your partner withdraws emotionally
  1. Give them the benefit of the doubt. ...
  2. Try not to panic. ...
  3. Ask questions and listen to their answers. ...
  4. Express what you need. ...
  5. Reevaluate and adjust as needed. ...
  6. Look out for signs of emotional abuse.
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How do I deal with withholding affection?

What to do when your partner withholds affection.
  1. Choose how to think and feel about their behavior. ...
  2. Continue to be kind and pleasant toward your partner. ...
  3. Take responsibility for the part you played in any argument. ...
  4. Look into therapy – both joint and individual. ...
  5. Look at the wider relationship.
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What type of person gives the silent treatment?

Researchers have found that the silent treatment is used by both men and women to terminate a partner's behaviors or words rather than to elicit them. 1 In abusive relationships, the silent treatment is used to manipulate the other person and to establish power over them.
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Does the silent treatment work on a narcissist?

For those in or getting out of a romantic relationship with a self-absorbed individual, the silent treatment can feel like a punishment worse than death. The silent treatment is a form of emotional abuse typically employed by people with narcissistic tendencies.
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Do narcissists return after no contact?

It's all a trick to reassert their control. So, in short, the answer is yes, a narcissist will continue to come back after “no contact” until their targets cut off all forms of narcissistic supply, leaving them no choice but to go find other prey upon which to feed.
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How does a narcissist handle rejection and no contact?

Gaslighters/narcissists are extremely sensitive to rejection. Any perceived slight can throw them into a tailspin. Many times, gaslighters/narcissists will be out for revenge. One of the most common ways gaslighters/narcissists attack those who reject them is by subjecting them to public humiliation.
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How long does it take for a narcissist to come back?

Darlene Lancer, many narcissists can only sustain a relationship for six months to a few years (at the most). Keep in mind, though, we're talking about one four-stage cycle. Too often, a narcissist will initiate the cycle again, training their target to expect them to come back. Narcissists don't offer closure.
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How do you talk to someone who doesn't want to talk to you?

The simple answer is you can't MAKE someone talk about an issue if they don't want to. You also can't MAKE them listen to or hear what's being said.
...
What to do when someone doesn't want to talk
  1. Consider the timing. ...
  2. Give them the why. ...
  3. What's in it for me? ...
  4. Manage your emotions. ...
  5. Empathise. ...
  6. Outline the next steps.
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