When a person with narcissistic traits or tendencies gets friend-zoned, their behavior and reaction can vary depending on the individual and the specific situation. However, here are some common ways a narcissist might act if they are friend-zoned:
Initial Disbelief or Denial: A narcissist may have a strong sense of entitlement and believe they are deserving of special treatment or attention. When faced with rejection, they might initially have a hard time accepting it and may even deny that they have been friend-zoned.
Attempts to Reassert Dominance: Narcissists often crave power and control in their relationships. If friend-zoned, they might try to reassert their dominance or charm to win you over. They may shower you with compliments, gifts, or other forms of attention to try to regain your interest.
Manipulative Tactics: Narcissists are skilled manipulators, and they may use emotional manipulation to guilt-trip you into reconsidering your decision. They may try to make you feel responsible for their feelings or use tactics to make you doubt your judgment.
Gaslighting: A narcissist might gaslight you, making you question your feelings or the validity of your decision to friend-zone them. They may attempt to twist the situation, making you feel like you are the one who misunderstood or misinterpreted their intentions.
Discard or Devaluation: If the narcissist feels wounded by the rejection, they may engage in devaluation or discard behaviors. They might suddenly become cold, distant, or even lash out, trying to hurt you emotionally.
Seeking Attention Elsewhere: A narcissist may quickly move on to seek attention and validation from someone else, using this as a way to cope with the perceived rejection.
Love Bombing or Hoovering: In some cases, a narcissist may cycle between love bombing (intense affection and attention) and withdrawal to try to keep you on an emotional rollercoaster and maintain control over your feelings.
Revenge or Smear Campaigns: If the narcissist's ego is severely bruised, they may resort to revengeful tactics or even engage in a smear campaign against you, trying to damage your reputation or make you look like the villain.
It's essential to remember that not everyone with narcissistic traits will react in the same way, and some may handle rejection more gracefully. However, it's crucial to set boundaries and protect yourself if you find yourself dealing with someone who exhibits unhealthy or manipulative behaviors.