The Perfidious ‘Game’ of the Psychopath
Psychopaths engage in a twisted and calculated game, where their primary objective is to manipulate and control their victims. This game is marked by several distinct phases and tactics designed to create dependency and ultimately, devastation.
- Idealization Phase:
During this stage, the psychopath showers the victim with excessive attention, affection, and praise. This “love bombing” creates a sense of euphoria and deep emotional connection in the victim. - Devaluation Phase:
Once the victim is emotionally invested, the psychopath gradually starts to undermine their self-esteem and confidence. They use subtle criticisms, gaslighting, and emotional manipulation to create self-doubt and dependency. - Discard Phase:
In this final stage, the psychopath abruptly withdraws their affection and attention, often moving on to a new victim. This sudden abandonment leaves the previous victim confused, devastated, and questioning their self-worth.
Tactics Used by Psychopaths:
- Charm and Seduction:
Psychopaths use their charm and charisma to attract and captivate their victims, making them feel special and valued. - Gaslighting:
They manipulate the victim’s perception of reality, making them doubt their own memories, judgments, and sanity. - Isolation:
Psychopaths often isolate their victims from friends and family, increasing their dependency on the abuser. - Blame Shifting:
They deflect responsibility for their actions, making the victim feel guilty and responsible for the problems in the relationship. - Intermittent Reinforcement:
By alternating between periods of affection and abuse, they keep the victim off balance and desperate for approval.
Understanding these tactics and phases is crucial for recognizing and escaping the toxic cycle of a psychopath’s manipulation. Remember, true love does not involve control, abuse, or manipulation.
Psychopaths have no conscience. No ‘inner voice’ calls them to reason. Psychopaths exploit these abilities with cruel calculation.
They can painfully degrade, insult, and humiliate their victims, and yet within minutes, with a few looks, a feigned empathetic voice, and other flatteries, they manage to rekindle the victim’s desires.
As varied as the stories may be, they all share one thing in common: the victims develop a strong longing for the person who is destroying them. One projects their own deep desires—of which they are often unaware—onto the other person. This creates an ‘inner dependency’ that is very difficult to break. Because psychopaths can ‘read’ people like an open book, it is very easy for them to detect these ‘weak spots’. And this is where they attack mercilessly.
It is important to learn to recognize and become aware of one’s own desires and longings. Only in this way can one have a chance to recognize this ‘terrible game’ and break free from it.
#survivor of a psychopath
