Dealing with toxic relationships is a complex journey, and one of the most deceptive tactics used by manipulative individuals is “offensive magic.” This calculated strategy, used not only by narcissists but also by sociopaths, poses a great danger to those involved in their web of deception.

This insidious tactic not only spreads during the initial phase of love bombing but also rears its head during levitation events. This makes it essential for targets of abuse to be aware of their impact on cognitive dissonance and trauma-related bonding.

Let’s dive into what you need to know…

Unveil the magic attack

Charm attack, also referred to as “good behavior syndrome,” is a well-calculated strategy used by manipulative individuals to create a positive impression. It involves an exaggerated display of charm, kindness, and charisma, all aimed at gaining the target’s trust and admiration.

Manipulators and emotional predators use this tactic to establish a deep emotional connection during the love bombing phase, leaving their victims distraught.

Love bombing: The allure of offensive magic

During the early stages of a toxic relationship, narcissists generally use a subtle charm attack tactic. By showering the victim with compliments, attention, and affection, the narcissist creates an idealized image of himself.

This idealization often leads the victim to believe that they have found their perfect partner, which fosters a strong emotional bond. This stage is often referred to as the love bombing stage.

However, a magic attack is not just about winning hearts, it is also about gaining control. The narcissist uses this strategy to create dependency and weakness in the victim, laying the foundation for future manipulation. Without success in the love bombing phase, the cycle of abuse will be less effective.

Hoovering: Chapter Two of Magic Attack

While the love bombing phase may seem like a distant memory, the magic attack resurfaces during the levitation events. Hoovering is the narcissist’s attempt to suck his victim back into the toxic relationship after a period of separation or when the victim is trying to break free.

While flying, the magic attack becomes a powerful tool again. The narcissist may apologize profusely, promise to change, and display a changed and seemingly remorseful personality. This new manifestation of magic is designed to exploit the victim’s ongoing emotional attachment and desire to have the idealized version of the ghost he or she has fallen in love with.

The role of cognitive dissonance

Charm attack plays a pivotal role in creating cognitive dissonance, a psychological phenomenon where individuals experience conflicting thoughts and feelings simultaneously. In the context of toxic relationships, the charming facade that narcissists present belies the abusive behavior they display, leading the victim into a state of internal conflict.

Love bombing and cognitive dissonance

During love bombing, the victim is bombarded with kindness and affection, resulting in an emotional high (and biochemical addiction). This positive experience counteracts the red flags and abusive behavior that may appear later in the relationship. The stark contrast between the glamorous façade and the abusive reality creates cognitive dissonance, leaving the victim confused and emotionally unstable.

Hoover and the cycle of dissonance

Volatile events deepen cognitive dissonance as the narcissist alternates between charm and manipulation. The victim, who remembers the narcissist’s idealized version of the love bombing phase, may be inclined to believe in the possibility of change. A levitation magic attack amplifies internal conflict, making it difficult for the victim to break free from the toxic cycle.
Association of trauma and Stockholm syndrome

Continuous use of charm attacks, coupled with intermittent reinforcement of positive behavior, contributes to trauma bonding and, in some cases, even Stockholm Syndrome.

Trauma bonding: the bond that is difficult to break

Trauma bonding occurs when the victim forms a strong emotional bond with the abuser due to intense experiences shared during the positive and negative phases of the relationship. The charm offensive, with its moments of kindness and affection, becomes a powerful tool in forging this bond. The victim may feel a sense of loyalty and connection to the narcissist despite the abuse.

In some cases, a witchcraft attack can lead to Stockholm Syndrome, a psychological condition where the victim develops feelings of affection and even loyalty toward the attacker. The intermittent kindness displayed by the narcissist, especially while walking, contributes to a complex web of emotions that makes it difficult for the victim to perceive the attacker objectively.

Love or luxury?

In toxic relationships, first impressions can be especially dangerous for people targeted for abuse, as they often experience a state of infatuation known as grandiosity rather than approaching the relationship with discernment.

Limerence is a term used to describe an intense and often obsessive emotional state characterized by romantic attraction and a strong desire for reciprocity from the object of affection. This emotional state can cloud judgment and lead individuals to overlook red flags or warning signs in a relationship.

The use of offensive magic by emotional predators, such as narcissists and sociopaths, almost guarantees the development of immorality in their targets.

Here’s how grooming dynamics can be risky for targets of abuse:

Idealizing the abuser: During the playful phase, individuals tend to idealize their romantic interests, often placing them on a pedestal. In toxic relationships, this can be especially problematic because it blinds the target of the abuse to any potential flaws or warning signs displayed by the abuser. The initial charm attack, common in narcissistic and sociopathic behavior, is magnified in the eyes of a person experiencing grandiosity, creating a skewed perception of the relationship.

Overlooking red flags: Apathy can lead to overlooking or minimizing red flags and problematic behaviors displayed by the abuser. Warning signs that may be obvious to a stranger may be dismissed or dismissed by the person suffering from addiction. The intense desire for reciprocity can override the ability to critically evaluate a relationship.

Relying on validation from the abuser: Forgiveness often includes a strong need for reciprocity and validation from the object of affection. This can lead to a dependence on the positive attention of the abuser, making it difficult for the target of abuse to recognize or accept the negative aspects of the relationship. The fear of missing out on the perfect connection becomes a powerful motivator to ignore or downplay the abusive behavior.

Resistance to critical evaluation: Individuals in the grip of manipulation may resist critical evaluation of the relationship, even when faced with evidence of manipulation or abuse. The emotional intensity of violence can create a protective barrier around the abuser’s idealized image, making it difficult for the person targeted by the abuse to penetrate and evaluate the situation objectively.

Staying too long in abusive relationships: A combination of idealization, dependency, and resistance to critical evaluation can lead to staying too long in abusive relationships. People who are the targets of abuse may cling to the hope that the initial magic and affection will return, despite mounting evidence of unhealthy dynamics in the relationship.