Behavior number two: screaming, yelling, and shouting. Reactive abuse, in general, occurs when a narcissist pushes you to your limits, and you start treating them the way they treat you. This may lead you to violate your own value system, as you may be a peace-loving person, but the constant pushing by the narcissist can make you react in ways that are not aligned with your normal personality. This creates cognitive dissonance, making you question whether you are narcissistic because you behaved like them. It’s essential to understand that anyone in your place would react similarly if exposed to such extreme stress. It’s not your fault; it’s a biologically correct response to the abusive nature of the narcissist.
3. Silent Treatment
Behavior number three: silent treatment. Narcissists punish you by giving you the silent treatment and stonewalling you, making you feel like you don’t exist. When you go no contact, it may seem like you are giving them silent treatment too, but there’s a significant difference. When a narcissist gives you silent treatment, the intention is to cause you harm, to punish you. When you go no contact, your intention is not to hurt them; it’s to protect yourself. It’s a decision made out of self-preservation, understanding that there is no way to make peace or coexist with the narcissist without being blamed, gaslighted, and manipulated.
4. Speaking Your Truth
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