Yes, narcissists can be intimidated by no contact. No contact is a strategy often employed by individuals who have been dealing with a narcissist to protect themselves from the narcissist's manipulative and abusive behavior. It involves cutting off all communication and interactions with the narcissist, essentially removing them from one's life.
No contact poses a significant threat to the narcissist for several reasons:
Loss of Control: Narcissists thrive on having control and power over others. When someone goes no contact, it takes away the narcissist's ability to manipulate, influence, and dominate that person. This loss of control can be deeply unsettling for them.
Narcissistic Injury: No contact is essentially a rejection, and narcissists cannot tolerate rejection or criticism. Being ignored or abandoned by someone they perceive as inferior can wound their fragile self-esteem and trigger what is known as a "narcissistic injury."
Losing Narcissistic Supply: Narcissists feed off the attention, admiration, and emotional reactions of others, known as narcissistic supply. When someone goes no contact, the narcissist loses their source of supply, which can be distressing for them.
Fear of Exposure: As mentioned earlier, narcissists often go to great lengths to maintain a carefully crafted image. No contact can be seen as a potential threat to that image, as the person going no contact may decide to share their experiences or expose the narcissist's true nature to others.
Due to these reasons, narcissists may react in various ways when faced with no contact:
Hoovering: Hoovering is an attempt by the narcissist to draw the person back into the relationship or interaction. They may use various tactics, such as love-bombing, promises to change, or guilt-tripping, to try to get the person to break the no-contact rule.
Smear Campaigns: In response to feeling rejected or exposed, some narcissists may engage in a smear campaign against the person who initiated no contact. They may spread lies, rumors, or negative information about the individual to discredit them and regain control.
Initial Intensification: Initially, the narcissist might escalate their efforts to reach out and regain control when faced with no contact. They may bombard the person with messages, calls, or attempts to get in touch. However, if no response is received, they might eventually give up or move on to other targets.
It's important to remember that going no contact with a narcissist can be difficult and emotionally challenging. The narcissist may not give up easily, and seeking support from friends, family, or a professional therapist can be crucial during this process. Setting firm boundaries and prioritizing your well-being is essential when dealing with a narcissistic individual.