Number 1: Silent treatment.
Covert narcissists will use prolonged periods of silence to punish and manipulate you. They create emotional distance and become cold as ice, wanting to make you feel isolated, abandoned, and insecure. They will not only withhold communication but will deny your basic human needs by withholding love, affection, and respect. They want to make you feel like you don’t exist, like you’ve been erased from their life. During these silent periods, they give themselves permission to do whatever they want, whenever they want, and with whomever they want, because in their mind, you don’t deserve anything from them—not even basic courtesies. The whole purpose is to make you feel abandoned and to make you question the security and stability of your relationship.
Number 2: Loud sighs.
Covert narcissists love to use exaggerated sighs to express their frustration or contempt, subtly conveying disapproval without saying a word. They will sigh dramatically to make sure that you know they are dissatisfied or disgusted with your behavior, or with you as a person.
A Book: Why Does He Do That?: Inside the Minds of Angry and Controlling Men.
Number 3: Purposely trying to annoy you.
Sometimes, a covert narcissist will make annoying noises or purposely do things they know will irritate or unsettle you. For example, they might tap their fingers incessantly or make distracting noises with the specific intention of getting on your nerves. If you politely ask them to stop, they will dismiss your request or respond with defensiveness, making you feel as though you’re overreacting or being unreasonable. You might think they’re just trying to get your attention, but it’s much more likely that they are trying to sabotage your peace of mind and manipulate your emotional state, reinforcing their control and creating a dynamic where you are constantly on edge.
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