If a narcissist goes to great lengths to make you jealous and get your attention, but their efforts do not evoke the desired response or reaction, they might resort to other tactics to achieve their goals. Here are some possible actions a narcissist might take next:
Escalation: The narcissist may escalate their efforts to make you jealous or get your attention. They might become more persistent, aggressive, or manipulative in their attempts to elicit a reaction from you.
Devaluation: If their attempts at eliciting jealousy fail, the narcissist might switch to a devaluation phase. They may start criticizing you, belittling you, or undermining your self-esteem as a means to gain control and assert their dominance over you.
Discarding: In extreme cases, when the narcissist perceives that they cannot control or manipulate you anymore, they may resort to discarding you. This means they might abruptly end the relationship or withdraw emotionally, seeking out new sources of attention and admiration elsewhere.
Love Bombing: In some cases, when other tactics fail, the narcissist may revert to love bombing. Love bombing is an intense and excessive display of affection, compliments, and attention aimed at drawing you back in and re-establishing control over you.
Seeking Validation Elsewhere: If their efforts to make you jealous are unsuccessful, the narcissist may seek validation and attention from others. They might turn their attention to someone else, trying to make you feel replaceable or envious of their new target.
Hoovering: Hoovering is a manipulation tactic where the narcissist attempts to "suck" you back into the relationship or interaction. They might try to reignite old feelings, promising change, or making false apologies to lure you back into their web.
It's essential to understand that a narcissist's behavior is often driven by their need for control, admiration, and validation. They may use a combination of tactics to maintain power and emotional control over their targets. If you find yourself entangled in a relationship with a narcissist, it's crucial to prioritize your well-being and seek support from friends, family, or a mental health professional to navigate the complexities of the situation and make informed decisions.