Why Does a Narcissist Suddenly Become Nice After Discarding Someone?
Discarding someone is one of the cruelest things a person can do. The feeling of rejection during a discard is pure torture. If they are still lingering in your life after the discard, that’s just gaslighting and emotional manipulation. Such behaviors may be difficult to recognize at first, but once you understand the underlying dynamics, it becomes easier to let go.
Recognizing the Patterns in a Discarding Relationship
I was in a relationship like this and it took a lot of strength to step back and stop playing the game. Someone who truly loves you wouldn’t mess with your emotions. They wouldn’t risk losing you—they’d stand by you and protect you. In the discard phase, it feels like they’re pushing you away but then pulling you back only to eventually push you away for good and disappear. That’s how it was for me. During this time, they may act in confusing and erratic ways, creating a sense of tension and instability. Once you notice this pattern, it becomes easier to let go of the relationship and you can spot unhealthy behaviors in future relationships.
What to Read Next
For more insights on narcissistic behavior, consider reading the following articles:
7 Things Narcissists NEVER Say. 5 Weird Eating Habits of a Narcissist. Narcissists Always Say These 5 Things. 9 Tactics to Put Narcissists in Their Place. 5 Sadistic Things Narcissists Find Funny. What Narcissists Do When a Relationship Ends.Understanding the Psychological Dynamics
When a narcissist suddenly becomes nice after discarding someone, there are several psychological and behavioral factors at play:
Regaining Control: Narcissists often thrive on power and control in relationships. When they discard someone, they may feel a loss of control and might attempt to regain it by being nice. This can confuse the discarded person and create a sense of dependency. Manipulation: This sudden shift in behavior can be a tactic to manipulate the discarded person into returning to the relationship. By showing kindness or remorse, they may hope to elicit feelings of guilt or sympathy, making it harder for the other person to move on. Validation Seeking: Narcissists often require external validation. If their previous source of validation, the person they discarded, is moving on, they may try to re-establish a connection to feed their need for admiration and affirmation. Fear of Loss: Sometimes, the realization of losing someone can trigger feelings of fear or regret in a narcissist. They might not genuinely care for the other person but are more concerned about their own feelings of loneliness or loss of status. Attention Seeking: Narcissists crave attention. By switching to a seemingly nice behavior, they hope to draw attention back to themselves, reinforcing their position of power and control. Lack of Empathy: It’s important to note that narcissists often lack genuine empathy. Their actions are driven by a desire for control and validation rather than genuine concern for others.Understanding these dynamics can help individuals recognize these behaviors as part of a pattern rather than a genuine change in character. Recognizing these manipulative tactics is crucial for personal and emotional well-being.
Conclusion
Understanding the behaviors and motivations of a narcissist is essential for anyone who has experienced or is currently experiencing a discard. By recognizing these patterns, individuals can better protect themselves and avoid falling into the traps of manipulation. If you've recognized these behaviors in a relationship, it's important to seek support and establish healthy boundaries to ensure your emotional well-being.
References
For more information and insights, consider exploring additional resources on recognizing and addressing narcissistic behavior:
7 Things Narcissists NEVER Say. 5 Weird Eating Habits of a Narcissist. Narcissists Always Say These 5 Things. 9 Tactics to Put Narcissists in Their Place. 5 Sadistic Things Narcissists Find Funny. What Narcissists Do When a Relationship Ends.