Narcissist often uses the silent treatment as a manipulative tactic, especially in relationships. They do this for a handful of reasons and to achieve different goals. If they’re giving someone the silent treatment, they can do things they couldn’t otherwise do if the other person was involved.
It’s usually not to end the relationship per se but rather put it on hold temporarily. They will start talking again when they need something from the person they’ve been ignoring. They use this tactic because it works so well for them and helps them get whatever they want.
And oddly enough, they expect the relationship to continue as it was before they went silent. Some may not even care about the pain or harm they cause because all that matters to them is getting what they want.
Their tactics are comprised of attaining attention, admiration, power, control, status, and anything else they feel entitled to. The silent treatment serves the purpose of making you chase after them, declare your love, and apologize for supposed wrongs. This also gives them just enough material for a *smear campaign against you. There are many reasons for their behavior, but these examples show just how manipulative they can be.
Smear Campaign: A planned and deliberate attempt to damage someone’s or a group’s…
