Ghosted by a narcissistic relative - has anyone experienced this?

[Ditsyt1]

Highly suspected narc relative who I used to have regular contact seems to have ghosted me. Deleted on social media, not responding to messages. Part of me feels “phew”, because their behaviour has caused me so much stress and anxiety in the past, but also newfound anxiety about what happens next. As they seem to be ghosting/giving the silent treatment, I don’t plan to attempt any more contact. But I’m worried about how to handle it if/when they do get in contact again, or I bump into them.

has anyone had similar? What did you do?

Block them? For people like that, it’s all about control - they like the idea of you on the end of a string, constantly forced to react to the tune they’re setting. The best way is for you to take control back; block them and you will feel so much relief that they can’t knock you off guard again whenever they feel like it. Then maybe get counselling to work out how you can build yourself up again and develop coping strategies / responses to manage any unexpected f2f meetings.

Maybe your relative thinks you're a narc too.

Helpful, empathetic and insightful - thank you

We’ve got a close relative who is a narcissist (proper clinical diagnosis). She went no contact with us years ago. We were relieved and said great we don’t want anything to do with her ever again, so that’s a big win. Sadly, a narcissist will generally try to get back in contact time and time again and this has been the case with this person. She has a bust up with everyone she comes into contact with, blocks them then after a while talks to them as if nothing ever happened.

I'd be having a party to celebrate! If you block them, they will have to ask you to unblock them. They won't do that, so you're safe.

It depends alot on how close they are in your life. Do they see others who you still have contact with?

SMedia is a poisonous tentacle for many victims of Narcs. I absolutely love the freedom I have in complete anonymity online. No friends on FB, no identifying details, my name is slightly different. So I can engage with videos and groups and people in real life are separate.

This is very helpful. This person needs limited access to you. But handling it depends on my initial questions above. Narcs can be emotionally dangerous and cause significant harm. They often come back like a bad fucking smell you can't shake.

I probably wouldn’t block them as that can be seen to have happened and can fuel their self righteousness. I’d simply ignore it. When they get back in touch downplay it. ‘Oh I thought you’d been quiet’. ‘We’ve had such a busy year, I assumed you were too.’

Always give the minimum polite attention as that gives them less to work with. It’s hard to have a tantrum about how ‘ you didn’t notice you’d been blocked and beg me to get in touch.’

I agree that blocking feeds the drama. There's something about blocking that just stinks of aggression ( there's definitely a place for blocking for ones safety). Handling these pieces of shit requires work and a delicate game often.

Grey rocking ( with no aggression) and working towards eventual minimal to no contact is the best way always.

I think this is probably the best idea. I’ve toyed with whether I should block - it would give me some control around not being contacted, but equally potentially create more drama.
@LinkinSin yes counselling is a good idea.
@Bigfishes sorry to hear you’ve had that. Yes this person has fallen out with various people around me.
@Wishyouwerehere50 yes have other connections and because of this and other reasons, in an ideal world, I would rather remain in contact but without the toxic elements but I’m realising this isn’t realistic

Yes. My father. It was following a row, but still an isolated incident after many years of ( I thought) a harmonious relationship.

I bumped into him in a public place and he blanked me, which was horrendous.

Haven't spoken in over a year now and don't think there'll be a reconciliation. He has done this to other family members and once you're in the black sheep pen, that's it.

Oh what a pity 😂 wish my narc relative would ghost me.

If they get in touch I’d ghost them right back - they can’t have it both ways. They’re trying to control you, don’t let them.