Unraveling The Toxic Spell: How Narcissists Keep You Hooked

Narcissist One Trick Keep Hooked Forever 1

Ever felt trapped in a toxic love, unable to break free despite constant abuse? Learn how narcissists keep you hooked with one of the powerful narcissist tricks: intermittent reinforcement.

This emotional tool is commonly used by casinos, animal trainers, and yes, even narcissists, to get and keep people hooked on anything.

Intermittent reinforcement occurs when one person in a relationship metes out or reinforces rules, rewards, or boundaries occasionally or inconsistently.

No Matter How Much You Beg A Narcissist To Stop 1

Instead of discouraging the other person, this method actually fuels their attempts to extract the reward once again, keeping them hopelessly locked onto the relationship.

Related: 12 Signs You Are Married To A Narcissist

When it comes to getting what we want, we humans can be just as persistent as trained animals or seasoned gamblers.

Take, for example, the child whose parent always says โ€œnoโ€ but occasionally backtracks and says โ€œyes.โ€ Itโ€™s that small chance of getting what they want that drives them to whine, tantrum, or harangue until they get another yes.

Itโ€™s like hitting the jackpot on a slot machine โ€“ even if itโ€™s rare, the possibility keeps us hooked and coming back for more.

So the next time you find yourself whining for that 10% chance of a โ€œyes,โ€ just remember โ€“ youโ€™re not alone in falling for the trick of the occasional reward.

How Narcissists Keep You Hooked?

You may be wondering, โ€œhow do narcissists keep you hooked?โ€, well, they are actually experts at keeping their victims hooked.

They give you a ping of validation when they sense youโ€™re about to pull away, just to keep you tied to a relationship that serves their needs, usually at your expense.

Itโ€™s a cycle that starts with the narcissist flooding you with expressions of love and adoration. You are beautiful, witty, enchanting, the person theyโ€™ve been searching for. Your heart sings, and you let yourself believe youโ€™ve finally found โ€œthe one.โ€

Then, out of nowhere, the narcissist switches tracks. Suddenly, you canโ€™t do anything right. The qualities they once exalted are now your worst faults.

How Narcissists Keep You Hooked

Theyโ€™re bored with you, disinterested. They start to mention other people theyโ€™re interested in or even bring up their exes. Youโ€™re left confused and hurt, wondering what happened and if itโ€™s your fault.

But itโ€™s not you. Itโ€™s the narcissistโ€™s cycle, the devalue and discard phase, where they project their internalized self-hate and disdain onto you by doing and saying things to make you feel invalidated, rejected, and insecure.

Related: 3 Reasons Why Narcissists Always Return To Former Victims

Most people with even a bit of self-esteem will recognize this cycle and decide to leave the relationship. Thatโ€™s when the narcissist employs their emotional hook.

how narcissists keep you hooked

To keep you from exiting, they do an about-face and signal that youโ€™re back in. Theyโ€™re attentive, they remember your favorite takeout, they take you in their arms, and all seems right with the world again. You exhale with relief.

But it wonโ€™t last. The good times become fewer and further between, and the D&D phase becomes more frequent. However, the pain of D&D never loosens its grip, as long as the narcissist continues to fall back on these tricks.

Cutting ties with a narcissist is tough, but necessary. No ifs, ands, or buts about it โ€“ a no-contact policy is the way to go. The sooner theyโ€™re history, the sooner youโ€™ll be on your way to a healthier and happier you.

Remember, this kind of reinforcement is the narcissistโ€™s most powerful trick, but itโ€™s up to you to break free and take back control of your life.

Related: Surviving A Mom-ster: Trials And Tribulations Of Daughters Of Elderly Narcissistic Mothers

The world of narcissists is a tricky one to navigate. Their charming and seductive ways can make it difficult to recognize the hooks they use to keep you ensnared.

However, with awareness and understanding of their manipulative tactics, you can break free from their grasp and reclaim your power.

One Trick That Can Keep Us Hooked Forever
Narcissist One Trick Keep Hooked Forever Pin
How Narcissists Keep You Hooked

— Share —

Published On:

Last updated on:

, ,

— About the Author —

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Up Next

The 5 Worst Forms Of Manipulation People Do To Each Other

The Worst Forms Of Manipulation People Do To Each Other

Manipulation is sneaky, toxic, and all too common in how people treat each other. Letโ€™s dive into the 5 worst forms of manipulation that can mess with your mind and emotions.

KEY POINTS

The worst forms of manipulation are those that unravel our sense of self, leaving us doubting our worth.

Whether itโ€™s gaslighting, love bombing, or guilt-tripping, the goal is always the same: Control.

Once we recognize these tactics, we can reclaim our power and ignore the mind games.

Humans are hands-down the most social creatures on the planet. We can form a

Up Next

Is Your Daughter in a Controlling Relationship? 9 Ways to Help Her Break Free

Daughter in a Controlling Relationship? Things You Can Do

Have you ever had a very strong gut feeling that your daughter might not be in a healthy relationship? Or that she is in a relationship with a controlling boyfriend? Today we are going to talk about what you can do, when you have a daughter in a controlling relationship.

Yeah, itโ€™s a tough pill to swallow. Bossy boyfriends sneakily isolate, manipulate and dim the light in the people they date. And if your daughter is dating someone like this, then it’s understandable how tough it can be to watch that.

However, there’s always light at the end of the tunnel – as her mother, you can help her break free from her controlling boyfriend. This isnโ€™t about swooping in like a superhero; itโ€™s about being smart, supportive, and steady.

First, let’s start with trying to understand who a controlling boyfriend

Up Next

8 Myths About Gaslighting Exposed: What You Really Need to Know

Myths About Gaslighting Exposed: What You Really Need to Know

Gaslighting is often misunderstood, and myths about gaslighting only adds to the confusion. Understanding this and trying to break down the most common misconceptions can help us uncover the truth about this manipulative behavior.

KEY POINTS

There’s a difference between casual phrases and patterns of manipulative behavior.

Gaslighting can have serious consequences and leave emotional and psychological pain.

Recognizing gaslighters can save you a lot of emotional pain and doubt.

Itโ€™s concerning how certain psychological terms can quickly become f

Up Next

6 Phases Of A Relationship With A Narcissist: The Emotional Rollercoaster

Relationship With A Narcissist Phases Of The Toxic Cycle

Being in a relationship with a narcissist can feel like an emotional rollercoaster, with each phase presenting new challenges and realizations. These phases of a narcissistic relationship leave you questioning your self-worth. Understanding these stages can help you navigate the ups and downs of a narcissistic relationship more effectively.

KEY POINTS

Narcissists may manipulate through observation and charm, creating a false sense of bonding.

These relationships have distinct phases, often involving a gradual, potentially traumatizing end.

Understanding these phases aids in healing and setting boundaries.

Up Next

10 Red Flags of a Vindictive Mother and How to Stay Strong

Red Flags of a Vindictive Mother and How to Stay Strong

So, who exactly is a โ€œvindictive motherโ€? Well, itโ€™s not just a mom whoโ€™s a little cranky or gives you the cold shoulder once in a while. Weโ€™re talking about those mothers who holds grudges, plays mind games, and never hesitates to make your life harder. Why? Because she can.

A vindictive mother is a malicious mother, who isnโ€™t your regular parentโ€”she is controlling, manipulative, and, at times, straight out cruel.

Do you feel like you have to walk on eggshells around her? If you answered yes, then chances are you have vindictive narcissist mother. So today we are going to explore what the signs of a toxic mum are and what you can do to handle her.

Related:

Up Next

Feeling Exhausted? 8 Signs of an Emotionally Draining Person to Look Out For

Signs of an Emotionally Draining Person to Look Out For

Have you ever hung out with someone and have left feeling like you just ran a 5k marathon without moving an inch? If you’re nodding along, this is just one of the many signs of an emotionally draining person.

These energy vampires are really talented when it comes to mentally exhausting you, even though you didn’t do anything but have a simple conversation.

Have there been times where you have felt completely wiped after a chat or hangout? Then maybe itโ€™s time to figure out if youโ€™re dealing with an emotionally draining person.

Today, we are going to talk about what is an emotionally draining person, the traits of an emotionally draining person and how to deal with an emotionally draining person.

Let’s start with what is an emotionally draining

Up Next

10 Toxic Communication Patterns That Are Secretly Destroying Your Relationship

Toxic Communication Patterns That Can Destroy Your Bond

Toxic communication patterns in relationships are like sneaky little termitesโ€”hard to spot at first but causing huge damage over time. These signs of unhealthy communication can quietly creep in and, before you know it, you’re stuck in a cycle of miscommunication, frustration, and emotional burnout.

The way you speak to each other is everything in a relationship, and if things arenโ€™t being communicated clearly, things can go downhill pretty fast. And before you know it, your relationship is over, leaving you wondering what went wrong.

Today we are going to talk about ten toxic communication patterns, and what unhealthy communication in relationships look like.

Related: