Narcissist First AidCalm, private, step-by-step

If you are in immediate danger, call 911. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-7233 (or text START to 88788).

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Glossary

Narcissistic supply

What it means

Narcissistic supply is the emotional fuel a narcissist gets from other people — admiration when things are good, rage or fear when they're not. Any strong reaction counts. This is why grey rock (giving nothing to react to) is so effective, and why hoovering ramps up when supply runs low.

What it can look like

You stop arguing back. Instead of calming down, they escalate — bigger accusations, wilder claims — trying to provoke any reaction at all. Silence is what they can't stand.

What you can do

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