He or she may frequently reach out to the narcissistic person via email, phone, or text to resolve greatly inflated misunderstandings, and is typically met with continued disdain, contempt, and silence.
The target, who may possess high emotional intelligence, empathy, conflict-resolution skills, and the ability to compromise, may work diligently to respond to the deafening silence. Often, the result of the silent treatment is exactly what the person with narcissism wishes to create: a reaction from the target and a sense of control. It is designed to (1) place the abuser in a position of control (2) silence the target’s attempts at assertion (3) avoid conflict resolution/personal responsibility/compromise or (4) punish the target for a perceived ego slight. The silent treatment is a form of emotional abuse typically employed by people with narcissistic tendencies. How to Send Appointment Reminders that Workįor 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.Rules and Ethics of Online Therapy for Therapists.Practice Management Software for Therapists.
