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Grey Rock Technique: [How to] Keep Your Sanity in the Midst of Chaos
If you have been in a relationship with a narcissist, one of the first things you may hear, when it come to resolving the issue is to go no contact with the narcissist.
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And to do it immediately.
While it is believed to be the best course of action, and many swear by it, it may not be possible for several understandable reasons (depending on your particular situation).
What is Grey Rock?
Grey Rock is a short-term protection mechanism to hopefully deter an antagonist by: (1) not providing supply; (2) or a reaction; (3) not responding in an emotional way; (4) not providing information that can later be used against the victim.
It’s to appear, just like a gray rock. It’s uninteresting. It’s not talkative. It’s definitely not open for conversation. Unattractive even, it’s doing whatever it takes to be left alone.
The intent and motive is just that, to be boring as hell, deliberately.
Would you continue a conversation with someone who just had one-word, unemotional, and dry responses?…exactly!
What Led to Grey Rock?
Before considering gray rock, there has been a process to detect the type of individual we may be dealing with. There has been prior research done, even visits to a counselor or therapist. There may have been conversations with the intent to try to restore the relationship to try to make it work-for decades even.
Grey rock, is the beginning of the end of the relationship. Really, it was over a long time before…
The process of going grey rock, is not an easy, or a light decision. There has been events which led up to finally trying out this method to regain some personal sanity lost while interacting with a crooked and deceptive individual.
To understand more of the behind-the-scenes events which led up to grey rock and subsequently going full-fledged no contact, read: Why It’s Exhausting to be with a Narcissist, or catch the video here.
Watch the video here!
Listen to the Podcast Episode
Examples
- Not Engaging in Conversation: This can be completed by responding with a Short Phrase or One-Word to show disinterest in continuing the conversation
- Boring Response: The purpose is to deliberately try to appear uninteresting so the conversation will be shut down, the antagonist will lose interest, and will leave the target alone-like an actual rock.
- Unemotional Response: No High’s or Low’s in Conversation. No opening up about things that matter. The conversation is lifeless with intent.
- Fact-Based Response: Just the facts, please. Keep it simple, detached and bland.
The Risk
The Grey Rock method does carry risk. Abusive situations can escalate quickly-without notice. The gray rock is meant to be a temporary protective position in certain circumstances, but it is often not recommended by professionals due to this risk factor.
Learn More about Grey Rock
If an antagonist is not receiving the attention, or supply they need in the moment with expectancy, this is when the situation may escalate, without notice.
Cluster B Personality types(Narcissistic Personality Disorder, Histrionic, Borderline and/or Antisocial) need supply. It’s like the air they breathe. They rely on external sources, outside of them, to provide validation, admiration, and attention. They feed off this fuel, constantly.
This is why it’s important to understand the risk with Grey Rock. If you were to cut off or drastically reduce their supply in some fashion, and worse, without warning, the Cluster B Personality type may have a reaction to grey rock to include narcissistic rage.
If the grey rock technique is to be used in a situation, even if temporary, it’s important to be aware of the possibility that things may not go as planned.
It’s also important to note, that even if a situation has not resulted in physical violence prior, does not mean it will not escalate in this way.
Unpredictable Behavior
Cluster B Personalities can become unpredictable if there is a change in the amount of supply they are receiving and especially if from a close or romantic relationship/partnership.
Resource: Contact the Domestic Hotline or visit their website for more information.
Does Grey Rock Serve Any Other Purpose?
Grey Rock also serves not only as physical and emotional protection from an antagonist drawing supply and attention, but is also is a way to start the process of mentally separating from the abuser.
By going gray rock, you are no longer allowing access to your mind, emotions, thoughts, all things which are very precious. You are closing the door.
In Conclusion
Grey rock is a term that means to be boring, be bland. It’s a way of not drawing attention not only to yourself, but it’s a method to cause the narcissist to not want to spend time with you, since the reaction they are looking for is no longer there.