When their victims start to ignore them, sociopaths may react in various ways depending on their individual traits and the specific circumstances. Here are some common reactions:
Hoovering: Sociopaths may engage in hoovering, which is an attempt to draw their victims back into the relationship. They may use manipulative tactics, false promises, or even feign vulnerability to regain control over the victim.
Escalation: If ignoring triggers the sociopath's need for power and control, they may escalate their behavior to get the victim's attention. This escalation could involve increased harassment, threats, or aggressive behavior.
Anger and frustration: Sociopaths often have difficulty handling rejection or being ignored. They may respond with anger, frustration, or attempts to humiliate the victim to regain a sense of dominance.
Seeking new victims: If one victim starts to ignore them, sociopaths may move on to finding new targets to exploit and manipulate. They are constantly on the lookout for new sources of validation and control.
Lashing out: Some sociopaths may retaliate against the victim for ignoring them. This retaliation can take the form of character assassination, spreading rumors, or attempting to sabotage the victim's life or relationships.
Playing the victim: Sociopaths are skilled at playing the victim card to manipulate emotions and garner sympathy from others. They may twist the situation to make themselves appear as the ones who have been wronged, further complicating the victim's emotional state.
Disappearance or moving on: In some cases, if the sociopath perceives that they won't be successful in regaining control over the victim, they may choose to move on to new targets or simply disappear from the victim's life without further contact.
It's essential for victims to recognize the manipulative patterns of sociopaths and maintain strong boundaries to protect themselves. Ignoring a sociopath can be a step towards breaking free from their influence, but it's crucial to remain vigilant and seek support from friends, family, or professional counselors to navigate the aftermath of such a toxic relationship. Safety should always be a top priority, and if the victim feels threatened or unsafe, they should seek help from authorities or support organizations experienced in dealing with abusive relationships.