Ending a relationship is tough, and it gets even trickier when you’re dealing with a narcissist. These are people who are self-centered and often play mind games. When things are falling apart, they do some things that can make it even harder. Let’s talk about these behaviors so you can recognize them and know how to deal with them.
1. Love-bombing
At the beginning of a relationship, narcissists often shower their partner with love and affection. But as the relationship nears its end, they may suddenly withdraw this affection. They go from making you feel like the most special person to making you feel ignored and unimportant.
2. Gaslighting
Narcissists are experts at making you doubt your own reality. Near the end of a relationship, they might intensify this manipulation tactic, causing confusion and self-doubt. They may deny things they previously said or did, making you question your own memory and judgment.
3. Playing the Victim
When narcissists sense the relationship is ending, they may portray themselves as victims. They’ll blame you for everything that went wrong, painting themselves as innocent and unfairly treated. This tactic is meant to garner sympathy and guilt-trip you.
4. Silent Treatment
Narcissists use the silent treatment as a way to punish you or gain control. They may employ this tactic more frequently towards the end of a relationship, leaving you feeling isolated and desperate for their attention.
5. Online Harassment
Some narcissists resort to online harassment after a breakup, using social media or other platforms to stalk, threaten, or slander their ex-partner. This behavior can be distressing and may require legal intervention.
6. Financial Manipulation
In some cases, narcissists may attempt to manipulate finances during or after a breakup. This could involve withholding money, draining joint accounts, or making false financial claims to gain an advantage in legal proceedings.
7. Emotional Manipulation
As a relationship with a narcissist nears its end, they may increase their manipulative tactics. They might use feelings of guilt, fear, or pity to try to make you stay or to get you to do what they want.
8. Smear Campaign
Some narcissists resort to spreading false information and rumors about you to tarnish your reputation among mutual friends, family, or colleagues. This can be a way to maintain a sense of power and control even after the relationship ends.
9. Triangulation
Narcissists might introduce a new person into the equation, often an ex-partner or a potential new romantic interest, to create jealousy and insecurity in you. This tactic is designed to maintain control and keep you emotionally invested.
10. Hoovering
After a breakup, narcissists may engage in “hoovering,” where they attempt to suck you back into the relationship. They might send heartfelt messages, promise to change, or even show up unannounced to reel you back in.
11. Refusing Closure
Narcissists often avoid providing closure at the end of a relationship. They may leave things unresolved, refusing to have an honest conversation about the breakup. This lack of closure can leave you feeling emotionally unsettled and unable to move on.
What actions do you believe a narcissist typically takes at the end of a relationship? Share your insights with us in the comments below!
Good reading makes perfect sense
My husband abandoned us leaving behind a 7 year old and he broke are car and took the better one with him to wherever he went and then he ghosted us no calls no text no visits
I often wonder if my ex was a narcissist… now I know he was for sure. Every single item on this list… he did !!! Everything has come into focus now on all these wasted years I spent with him. Feels like I just took a gut punch.
Indeed narc keep you in a cycle or circle, its just the same thing over and over again!
I unfortunately recognise everything from the above… I luckily managed to get away and to stay away in the end… but when I left, he did play the victim, promised to change with even suicidal attempt, he tells lies about me (which he had already been doing during the relationship), does gaslighting, is withholding personal stuff from me (from the time before the relationship), he tells people everything is my fault, but he has been the one that’s been cheating on me (above all the rest)…
More than 1 year later, I still have to work through emotional or mental damages he’s done..
My husband abandon me 4 years ago . Left the whole family in turmoil . Lots of woman came out the woodwork . He ll do the same to them
Narcs do all of the things you listed ALL the time except for love bombing which they only do in the beginning. The rest of the crappy things they do are done throughout the relationship, not just at the end of it.
They completely discard you you went from being everything to completely nothing to them! They will never take responsibility they always turn everything around on you and make it out to be your fault even when the facts are out in the open! They can’t take responsibility for anything!