Another fear of narcissists and their flying monkeys is when you establish and enforce boundaries. These individuals thrive on invading your personal space and pushing your limits until you feel overwhelmed or powerless. They do not respect your boundaries and will often test them repeatedly to see how far they can go.
But when you stand firm, it unsettles them. Knowing that you are protecting your own well-being and refusing to be pushed around weakens their hold over you. This defiance forces them to confront the fact that they cannot control you as easily as they once did.
Being Ignored
For narcissists, being ignored is one of the most unsettling experiences. They crave constant attention and admiration, which serves as their “narcissistic supply.” Without this, they feel empty and unimportant.
The gray rock method, where you minimize your emotional response to their provocations, is particularly effective at driving them to desperation. Narcissists fear that you will stop giving them the attention they demand. Even simple acts like reducing communication—whether it’s less frequent conversations or complete silence—can send them into a spiral of resentment or emotional breakdown.
Aging, Illness, and Rejection
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