Narcissists can use fear as a way to bait their partner. They may make threats, use intimidation tactics, or create a sense of fear or unease in their partner in order to provoke a reaction. For example, a narcissist may threaten to leave the relationship or harm themselves if their partner doesn't do what they want.
Some typical examples of bait include: Fear-provoking & scaremongering - these include any attempts to illicit fear and anxiety in you or others. A narcissist will seem to inherently attune to your specific fears, insecurities or anxieties. Intrigue - classic narcissistic fishing technique of trying to pull others in.
The narcissist “baits” their victim by purposely doing or saying things to annoy or taunt them. They may also do it in order to get their victim to do what they want. They would often use baiting as a way to continually assert their power and superiority in the relationship.
Baiting is a manipulation tactic that occurs when a narcissist says or does something manipulative such as exploiting your insecurities, being passive-aggressive, or even abusing your loved ones, to get you to engage in a negative interaction with them.
Manipulative people, like narcissists, can hook their victims in with a tactic called "love bombing." It's the stage of the relationship where they identify their target, then make them feel like the most special person in the world by showering them with compliments, affection, and gifts.
Silent Treatment Narcissists punish by ignoring. Then they let their victim off the hook by demanding an apology even though she isnt to blame. This is to modify her behavior. They also have a history of cutting others out of their life permanently over small things.
They want to see how much they can destroy you
Narcissists thrive on chaos, so they do not act out of jealousy, as that would imply they want your relationships, career, wealth, or health for themselves. Rather, they just don't want to see other people happy.
1. Instigating crazymaking arguments. Narcissists and psychopaths are well-known for a tactic known as “baiting.” They deliberately provoke you so that you emotionally react and swallow their blameshifting hook, line, and sinker.
Ramani adds that narcissists not only get bored easily with new things, but also new people. Her theory is that narcissistic reward-sensitivity may explain why narcissists can engage in impulsive, sometimes dangerous behavior—drugs, alcohol, gambling, unsafe sexual practices, overspending, or overeating.
Narcissism comprises feelings of grandiosity, a sense of entitlement, and a desire for respect and admiration.
Breadcrumbing is when a person gives someone just enough attention to "string them along." The purpose of breadcrumbing for a narcissist is to give them an ego boost. Responding to breadcrumbing signals that one is available for "narcissistic supply."
A helpful response when you're feeling baited is to repeat the other person's statement or question. Another option is to amplify what the other person said if it was negative. Finally, humor can be one of the most effective strategies for dealing with bait.
Traps narcissists set allows them to maintain the upper hand at all times. If they can lead you into the trap they have set to make you feel worthless and not good enough, then they can twist this back onto you and make you feel like you are the problem, and not them.
what happens if you find yourself caught in a relationship with a narcissist? There are four distinct phases that these types of relationships typically go through: idealization, devaluation, discard, and hoover.
One of the most common signs of a narcissist is a constant need for praise or admiration. People with this behavior need to feel validation from others and often brag or exaggerate their accomplishments for recognition. They also like to feel appreciated to boost their ego.
Victims often find themselves ruminating over the abuse and hearing the abuser's voice in their minds, amplifying their negative self-talk and tendency towards self-sabotage. Malignant narcissists program and condition their victims to self-destruct sometimes even to the point of driving them to suicide.
Narcissists also gaslight or practice master manipulation, weakening and destabilizing their victims; finally, they utilize positive and negative emotions or moments to trick others. When a narcissist can't control you, they'll likely feel threatened, react with anger, and they might even start threatening you.
Some narcissists respond to all this by deflecting the blame onto others. While other narcissists will project their feelings and motivations outwards, accusing others of what they are guilty of saying or doing. In addition, many narcissists cope with their rage by gaslighting their friends, family, and co-workers.
A monumental weakness in the narcissist is the failure to look internally and flesh out what needs to be worked on. Then, of course, the next step is to spend time improving. The narcissist sabotages any possibility of looking deep within.
The best way to shut down a narcissist is to walk away from them. If all else fails, you can physically remove yourself from the conversation. Even if they keep talking, simply turn around and walk away. If they follow you, close the door.
Breakups with narcissists don't always end the relationship. Many won't let you go, even when they are the ones who left the relationship, and even when they're with a new partner. They won't accept “no.” They hoover in an attempt to rekindle the relationship or stay friends after a breakup or divorce.