You finally gather the courage to ask for basic respect or empathy. In return, you are met with cold, devastating abandonment. It feels like the ultimate rejection. But then, just as you're reeling from the pain, they return—full of apologies, promises, and reminders of the "good times."

This is not a second chance. This is the temporary discard, one of the most cunning traps in the narcissist's playbook. It's a calculated move designed not to end the relationship, but to deepen the trauma bond that keeps you hooked.

What looks like a change of heart is actually a strategic "hoovering" maneuver, tailored to exploit the very wounds of complex trauma. To understand the eight manipulative tactics they use to suck you back in—and how to break the cycle for good—read on. The insight that awaits you is the first step toward reclaiming your freedom.