During the abuse cycle, they implant insecurities in you and watch you unravel as you fixate on them.
This is their equivalent of playing with their food or prey and injuring it immensely before devouring it.
Such debilitating tactics are similar to theinterrogation tacticsused on prisoners of war.
Thought Catalog Agency
This is part of the powerfultrauma bondyou develop to your abuser as a survival mechanism.
Thats why its important to limit disclosure of past traumas and insecurities to partners untiltheyve proven their character long-term.
This stems from their sadistic need for power and control, and thirst for manufacturing chaos.
Example:Lets say narcissistic Bryan wants to set up his girlfriend, Rebecca, for rage and gaslighting.
He mentions casually that a new coworker and him have begun talking.
Youre so controlling and paranoid!
You always want to know everything!
as he rushes out of the room and flees.
Bryan, on the other hand, is having a temper tantrum that seems to come out of nowhere.
What just happened here?
Bryan isntreallyenraged hes putting on a manufactured display of cold rage to depict Rebecca in a certain light.
She now knows the consequences of confronting him about his behavior and knows she will be punished for it.
They want to know how far the pupeeteer can take the puppet, so to speak.
This coercion can happen in a number of different ways.
They may encourage you to self-sabotage just when you are making progress on a goal (e.g.
encourage you to party before a big exam or interview).
They could suggest reckless pursuits that could harm yourself or others (e.g.
speeding while driving for fun or vandalizing property).
They may shower you with affection one day, only to give youthe silent treatmentthe next.
Much like the never-ending chase of cat-and-mouse games, this cycle only continues as the relationship goes on.
If you are experiencing the hot and cold tactics of the narcissist, its important to go cold altogether.
This level of callousness and inhumanity traumatizes many survivors.
Many lead double lives that may remain hidden for months, years or even decades.
In response, they will gaslight you into believing youre being paranoid, controlling and distrusting.
Remember:theyare the ones putting your emotional and physical safety, as well as health at risk.
Such a cat-and-mouse game enables them to hold dominion over you and your future choices.
