The Indifference Act: Another tactic to watch for is a performance of detachment. The narcissist might become unusually quiet, pull back from communication, and act like you’re completely irrelevant to them. This is often a defense mechanism, a way to hide a bruised ego. They’re trying to project the image that your absence means nothing, that your decision to step back or end the relationship has zero impact. They might start flaunting new relationships, showing off possessions or broadcasting their exciting social life, all to give the impression of happiness and success post-you. You might even see rapid-fire relationship escalations, like sudden engagements or marriages announced on social media, almost as if to declare, “Look how amazing my life is now that you’re gone.” However, this very behavior can be a giveaway that they are, in fact, still very focused on you and your reactions. If they were truly indifferent, their energy would likely be directed elsewhere, not towards crafting a specific image for your benefit. The very need to project this picture of happiness, especially if it seems designed to reach your eyes, hints at a continued reliance on your perception. If you try to maintain contact, they might ignore your messages or withdraw from mutual social circles. This could signal a period of emotional retreat, sometimes called narcissistic hibernation. This withdrawal can be triggered by a significant blow to their self-image, causing them to retreat until they feel ready to re-emerge and re-engage on their own terms.
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