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Writer's pictureerika johnson

"Breaking the Chains: Understanding the Covert Narcissist's Hoover and Discard Cycle.

Updated: Dec 24, 2023

Introduction:

  • In the tumultuous world of relationships, few experiences are as emotionally draining and harrowing as being entangled with a narcissist.

  • One of the most devastating phases in this cycle is the discard, where the narcissist seemingly abandons their spouse without warning or explanation.

  • What follows is the hoover, a manipulative attempt to draw the discarded partner back into the toxic web.

Why a Narcissist Discards: Unraveling the Dark Motives

  1. Loss of Control: Narcissists thrive on control, and when they sense it slipping away or perceive a threat to their dominance, they may discard their partner to regain the upper hand.

  2. Devaluation and Idealization Cycle: Narcissists often cycle between idealization and devaluation of their partners. The discard phase usually occurs during the devaluation, as the narcissist finds faults or loses interest.

  3. Seeking Narcissistic Supply: The narcissist craves constant attention, admiration, and validation. If the spouse no longer provides these, the narcissist may discard them in search of a new source.

The Emotional Damage of Discard and Hoover: Shattered Lives and Broken Spirits

  1. Spouse's Emotional Fallout:

    • Betrayal and Rejection: The sudden discard leaves the spouse feeling betrayed and rejected, questioning their self-worth.

    • Emotional Scars: The emotional abuse endured during the relationship intensifies, leading to deep scars that affect self-esteem and trust in future relationships.


2. Impact on Children:

  • Witnessing Dysfunction: Children in a narcissistic household witness dysfunction and may model unhealthy relationship dynamics in their own lives.

  • Emotional Turmoil: The constant back-and-forth between discard and hoover creates an unstable environment, causing emotional turmoil for the children.


Positive Solutions and Outcomes: Reclaiming Your Life

  1. Self-Reflection and Empowerment:

    • Understanding Narcissism: Educate yourself about narcissistic behaviors to gain insight into the nature of the relationship.

    • Therapy and Support: Seek professional therapy and support groups to navigate the emotional aftermath and regain a sense of self.

2. Setting Boundaries:

  • No Contact: Establish and maintain strict no-contact boundaries to break free from the cycle of hoovering.

  • Legal Support: If necessary, involve legal measures to protect yourself and your children from further manipulation of

.

3. Focus on Healing:

  • Self-Care: Prioritize self-care to rebuild emotional and physical well-being.

  • Building a Support System: Surround yourself with a strong support system of friends and family who understand the challenges you're facing.

4. Parenting Through Healing:

  • Therapeutic Support for Children: If needed, seek therapeutic support for children to help them process the trauma and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

  • Positive Role Modeling: Demonstrate healthy relationship dynamics to counteract the negative influence of the narcissistic relationship.

Conclusion:


Breaking free from the grasp of a narcissist is a challenging journey, but understanding the covert narcissist hoover cycle is the first step toward healing. By prioritizing self-care, setting boundaries, and seeking support, survivors can reclaim their lives and create a brighter, healthier future for themselves and their children. Remember, healing is a process, and with the right resources and mindset, a fulfilling life beyond the hurt is possible.

Covert Narcissist Hoover

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