Occasionally, a narcissist will throw you off balance with what seems like a genuine, heartfelt conversation. These moments often come at a time when you’re on the verge of giving up on them, leaving you confused and thinking, “Maybe they’re not that bad after all.”
These rare instances of wit and connection feel so fulfilling that they keep you hanging on, craving that emotional intensity again. But the truth is, these conversations usually have a hidden motive. Perhaps they want something from you, or they’re trying to prevent you from leaving. Narcissists know how to use these moments to reinforce trauma bonds, making it harder for you to escape the relationship.
5. They Leave You Hanging – The Push-Pull Game
One of the most maddening habits of a narcissist is leaving you hanging after sending a brief, empty message. They may text you early in the morning with a simple “Good morning,” but when you respond, they vanish without continuing the conversation.
This push-pull dynamic is a way for the narcissist to test if they still have control over you. By sending these random, shallow texts, they see if you’ll respond immediately, and when you do, they derive satisfaction from knowing you’re still hooked. But instead of following up, they pull away, leaving you feeling confused and powerless. The cycle repeats itself over and over, driving you to the brink of emotional exhaustion.
Narcissistic texting patterns can have a profound impact on your mental and emotional well-being. These habits—constant attention-seeking, making you feel ignored, exploitative sexting, rare heartfelt conversations, and the push-pull game—are all tools they use to control, manipulate, and devalue you.
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