Mar 15, 20235 min read

The 21 Shocking Stages of a Narcissistic Relationship You Need to Know About for Your Own Safety!

When it comes to relationships, there are many different types that people can experience. One of the most toxic and damaging types of relationships is a narcissistic one. Narcissistic relationships are characterized by a person who has excessive self-love and admiration for themselves, often at the expense of others. These relationships can be incredibly harmful and difficult to leave, as the narcissist will use a variety of tactics to keep their partner trapped.

21 Stages of A Narcissistic Relationship:

Stage 1: Love-Bombing

The first stage of a narcissistic relationship is the love-bombing stage. This is where the narcissist will shower their partner with affection, attention, and gifts. They will make their partner feel like they are the most important person in the world and do everything they can to make them feel loved and appreciated.

Stage 2: Idealization

After love-bombing, the narcissist will move into the idealization stage. This is where they will put their partner on a pedestal and idealize them as the perfect partner. The narcissist will make their partner feel like they have found their soulmate and are lucky to be with them.

Stage 3: Devaluation

Once the idealization stage is over, the narcissist will move into the devaluation stage. This is where they will begin to criticize and belittle their partner. The narcissist will make their partner feel like they are never good enough and point out their flaws and mistakes.

Stage 4: Gaslighting

Gaslighting is a tactic that narcissists use to manipulate their partners. In this stage, the narcissist will make their partner doubt their reality and memory. They twist the truth and make their partner feel like they are going crazy.

Stage 5: Isolation

Narcissists will often isolate their partners from friends and family. In this stage, the narcissist will make their partner feel like they are the only person they need. The narcissist will discourage their partner from spending time with anyone else and make them feel guilty.

Stage 6: Control

Once the narcissist has isolated their partner, they will move into the control stage. This is where the narcissist will take control of their partner's life. They will make all the decisions and expect their partner to follow their every command.

Stage 7: Codependency

Codependency is a common trait in narcissistic relationships. In this stage, the partner will depend on the narcissist for their emotional and mental well-being. The partner will feel like they need the narcissist to survive and will do anything to please them.

Stage 8: Manipulation

Narcissists are skilled manipulators. In this stage, the narcissist will manipulate their partner into doing what they want. They will use guilt, shame, and fear to control their partner's actions.

Stage 9: Projection

Projection is a tactic that narcissists use to deflect their flaws onto their partners. In this stage, the narcissist will accuse their partner of the things they are guilty of.

Stage 10: Triangulation

Triangulation is a tactic that narcissists use to create jealousy and competition between their partner and another person. In this stage, the narcissist will bring a third person into the relationship and make their partner feel like they are in competition with them.

Stage 11: Emotional

Abuse Emotional abuse is a common trait in narcissistic relationships. In this stage, the narcissist will use emotional abuse tactics to control and manipulate their partner. This can include verbal abuse, emotional blackmail, and intimidation.

Stage 12: Financial Control

Stage 12: Financial Control Financial control is another tactic narcissists use to maintain power and control over their partner. In this stage, the narcissist will control the finances and make all of the financial decisions, leaving their partner with little or no financial independence.

Stage 13: Sexual Manipulation

Sexual manipulation is a tactic that narcissists use to control their partner's sexual behavior. In this stage, the narcissist may withhold sex or use sex as a bargaining chip to get what they want.

Stage 14: Discard

The discard stage is when the narcissist ends the relationship. This can happen suddenly and without warning, leaving the partner feeling confused and hurt. The narcissist may discard their partner for a new source of narcissistic supply or simply because they have grown tired of them.

Stage 15: Hoovering

After the discard, the narcissist may come back into their partner's life in an attempt to regain control. This is known as hoovering, and it can be incredibly manipulative. The narcissist may use guilt, promises of change, and other tactics to try and win their partner back.

Stage 16: Smear Campaign

A smear campaign is a tactic that narcissists use to damage their partner's reputation. In this stage, the narcissist may spread lies and rumors about their partner to make them look bad and turn others against them.

Stage 17: No Contact

No contact is a crucial stage in recovering from a narcissistic relationship. This is where the partner cuts off all contact with the narcissist and focuses on healing and moving on. It can be difficult, but it is necessary for the partner's emotional and mental well-being.

Stage 18: Trauma Bonding

Trauma bonding is a phenomenon that can occur in narcissistic relationships. In this stage, the partner may feel a strong attachment to the narcissist, despite the abuse and manipulation they have experienced. This is because the partner has been conditioned to believe that the narcissist is the only one who can make them feel loved and valued.

Stage 19: Guilt and Shame

Guilt and shame are common emotions that partners of narcissists experience. In this stage, the partner may feel guilty for leaving the relationship or for not being able to "fix" the narcissist. They may also feel ashamed for allowing themselves to be treated poorly.

Stage 20: Recovery

Recovery from a narcissistic relationship is a long and difficult process. In this stage, the partner focuses on healing and rebuilding their self-esteem and sense of self-worth. They may seek therapy and support from friends and family and engage in self-care practices.

Stage 21: Moving On

The final stage of a narcissistic relationship is moving on. In this stage, the partner has fully recovered and is ready to move on from the relationship. They have learned from their experience and are able to establish healthy boundaries and relationships moving forward.

In conclusion, a narcissistic relationship is a toxic and damaging experience that can affect the partner's emotional and mental well-being. The 21 stages of a narcissistic relationship, from love-bombing to moving on, illustrate the manipulative and abusive tactics that narcissists use to maintain power and control over their partner. It is important for anyone who has experienced a narcissistic relationship to seek help and support in their recovery journey.