Re-exposure means revisiting the narcissist’s abusive behavior. It does not necessarily mean physically going back into their life or moving in with them. Rather, it’s about keeping a door open—maintaining a minimal connection. This can be as simple as observing their patterns from a distance. It doesn’t require talking to them or consuming information about them obsessively.
While “no contact” typically involves avoiding social media, cutting off all communication, and not discussing them at all, re-exposure allows you to observe and connect the dots. For example, you could let them initiate a conversation and observe how their words don’t align with their actions. Notice how they may shower you with affection at first (often called “love bombing”) and then become enraged when you don’t respond the way they want. This pattern confirms their behavior.
Bridging Emotional and Cognitive Understanding
Re-exposure is about aligning your emotional understanding with your cognitive awareness. It’s about letting your heart and mind recognize the truth—that the person is indeed a monster, a soulless being who can never treat you right because they don’t want to. When re-exposing yourself, the goal is to act less and observe more. It’s through inaction that you can absorb the reality of the situation.
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