From a neurobiological standpoint, blinking is not just a reflex to lubricate the eyes; it is also influenced by cognitive and emotional processes. Engaging in deception or complex thought processes requires significant mental resources. Studies have shown that during lying, individuals exhibit a decreased blink rate, likely because the brain is allocating resources to fabricate and maintain the deceit, increasing cognitive load. In simple terms, their brains are working overtime to keep the story straight. This takes up significant cognitive resources, resulting in a reduced blink rate.
Lower blink rates are also associated with reduced emotional engagement. Narcissists do not emotionally connect with people the way normal individuals do, so their physiological responses are completely different. A study published in Biological Psychology found that people with high dominance traits, including narcissists, exhibit lower spontaneous blink rates during social interactions. Their focus is not on connection but on control. The less they blink, the more intimidating they appear, leading to what is popularly known as a narcissist’s stare.
When they stare, they aren’t just looking at you; they are looking into you. For example, during love bombing, their eyes lock onto you, unblinking, as if you are the most fascinating person in the world. This makes you feel seen. Let me know in the comments if you agree. You feel special, wanted—it’s intoxicating. But during arguments, their stare turns cold, hard, and relentless. They are trying to break you down, intimidate you into submission. During the silent treatment, however, they barely blink at all. Their gaze becomes empty, as if you do not exist. This is a calculated move to make you feel invisible and desperate for their validation. They know exactly what they are doing.
In a 2018 study published in Frontiers in Psychology, researchers found that prolonged eye contact is used as a form of dominance and aggression in both human and primate interactions. Narcissists instinctively understand this and know how to weaponize it. They stare to unsettle you, assert control, and see if they have broken you yet.
Continue reading on the next page
Sharing is caring!
