In the context of your question, the term "flying monkeys" typically refers to individuals who act as enablers or allies to a narcissist, supporting their manipulative behavior and participating in their schemes. These flying monkeys may be deceived or emotionally manipulated by the narcissist, or they may be seeking validation and approval from the narcissist.
Whether flying monkeys eventually see narcissists for who they are depends on various factors, such as the individuals involved, the intensity of the narcissistic behavior, and the extent of manipulation. Here are some potential outcomes:
Awareness and Revelation: Some flying monkeys may eventually come to realize the narcissist's true nature. Over time, they may witness consistent patterns of manipulative behavior, emotional abuse, or witness the narcissist treating others in a harmful way. When faced with undeniable evidence, they might start questioning their loyalty and reconsider their involvement.
Remain Enablers: However, some flying monkeys may continue to be loyal to the narcissist despite any evidence presented to them. They may justify the narcissist's actions, deny the negative aspects, or simply refuse to see the truth due to their emotional attachment or fear of the consequences of confronting the reality.
Intervention or Support: In some cases, an outsider or someone close to the flying monkeys may intervene, offering support, information, or a different perspective. This intervention might lead to the flying monkeys questioning their allegiance to the narcissist and seeking help or guidance to break free from the toxic dynamic.
Escaping the Influence: As time goes on, some flying monkeys may distance themselves from the narcissist, either gradually or abruptly, due to accumulating negative experiences, personal growth, or changes in life circumstances.
Cognitive Dissonance: There might be instances where flying monkeys recognize the narcissist's problematic behavior but struggle with cognitive dissonance. They may feel torn between their emotional attachment to the narcissist and the evidence of the harm caused, leading to internal conflict and confusion.
Ultimately, whether flying monkeys see narcissists for who they are eventually depends on their individual experiences, willingness to confront reality, and the level of emotional investment they have in the narcissistic dynamic. Breaking free from the influence of a narcissist can be challenging, and it often requires support from understanding friends, family, or mental health professionals.