While narcissists can engage in emotional abuse and manipulation within their relationships, it's important to note that not all narcissists will go to the extreme of attempting to emotionally starve their partners to death. However, they can indeed employ tactics that are emotionally harmful and aimed at maintaining control over their partners.
Narcissists typically crave attention, admiration, and control, and they may use various tactics to achieve these goals, including:
Emotional withholding: Narcissists may withhold affection, emotional support, and intimacy as a means of exerting power over their partners. By creating an environment where their partner feels undeserving or unworthy of love and care, they can maintain control over the relationship.
Love bombing and devaluation: In the beginning stages of a relationship, a narcissist may "love bomb" their partner with excessive attention, affection, and praise. However, once they feel they have established control, they may shift to devaluing their partner, emotionally neglecting them, and making them feel inadequate.
Gaslighting: Narcissists often manipulate their partners' perceptions of reality and self-worth through gaslighting. They may distort the truth, deny previous promises or affectionate gestures, and make their partner doubt their own memories and feelings.
Isolating the partner: Narcissists may try to isolate their partners from friends and family to limit their support system and make them more dependent on the narcissist for validation.
Emotional manipulation and blame-shifting: Narcissists are skilled at manipulating their partners' emotions to deflect blame and avoid taking responsibility for their actions. They may make their partner feel guilty or responsible for the problems in the relationship, even when the issues are caused by the narcissist's behavior.
The goal of a narcissist is often to maintain power and control over their partner, rather than intentionally seeking to "emotionally starve" them to death. However, the emotional abuse and manipulation they engage in can be deeply damaging to their partner's self-esteem, mental well-being, and overall health.
If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional abuse or manipulation in a relationship, it's essential to seek support from friends, family, or professional resources. A trained therapist or counselor can help individuals understand their situation, develop coping strategies, and make decisions that prioritize their well-being and safety.