It's important to note that narcissists have varying degrees of behavior and motivations, so their thoughts and reactions can differ from one individual to another. However, some general patterns can be observed in how a narcissist might think when someone is not talking to them.
Feeling rejected: Narcissists crave attention, admiration, and validation from others. When someone stops talking to them or withdraws their attention, the narcissist may feel rejected, hurt, and offended. They might struggle to understand why someone is not giving them the attention they believe they deserve.
Seeking validation elsewhere: If the narcissist realizes that someone is not engaging with them as before, they might seek validation and attention from other sources. They may try to find new people to impress or manipulate to fulfill their need for admiration.
Anger and resentment: A narcissist's ego is fragile, and being ignored or rejected can trigger feelings of anger and resentment. They might react defensively or lash out at the person who is not talking to them, especially if their sense of superiority is challenged.
Attempts to regain control: Narcissists thrive on having control over others and situations. When someone stops talking to them, the narcissist may try various tactics to regain control, such as love-bombing (overwhelming the person with affection and attention), guilt-tripping, or gaslighting (manipulating the person's perception of reality).
Playing the victim: Narcissists are skilled at playing the victim to garner sympathy and attention from others. They may use the situation of being ignored to portray themselves as the ones who are hurt, unfairly treated, or misunderstood, deflecting attention away from their own manipulative behavior.
Lack of empathy: A hallmark trait of narcissism is the lack of empathy for others. As a result, the narcissist might not genuinely care about the person's feelings or reasons for not talking to them. Instead, they are more focused on how the situation affects them and their self-image.
Idealizing or devaluing the person: Depending on the narcissist's perception of the person's value to their self-worth, they may switch between idealizing and devaluing them. If they see the person as a significant source of validation, they might try to regain their attention. However, if the person is deemed unimportant, the narcissist may dismiss them and move on to someone else who offers greater admiration.
It's essential to remember that dealing with a narcissist can be challenging, and maintaining boundaries and self-care are crucial in such situations. If you find yourself in a toxic relationship with a narcissist, seeking support from friends, family, or a mental health professional can be beneficial.