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@lovewins11011:

It’s common for narcissistic abusers to withhold compliments and affection, creating an environment where a victim feels needy or weak for seeking validation. Eventually affection and attention will be rewarded and the victim will feel relief. The cycle always restarts.

This is ‘intermittent reinforcement’ and is part of the abuse cycle, strengthening the trauma bond. (Attachment to abuser)

How?

When an abuser alternates between warmth and coldness, love and neglect, it creates instability and makes the victim more desperate for validation and more likely to tolerate abusive behavior.