The Journey of Flying Monkeys: Understanding Their Role in Narcissistic Abuse

Are you ever left wondering what happens to those 'flying monkeys' in the aftermath of a toxic relationship? The term 'flying monkey' refers to individuals who are employed by a narcissist to carry out covert tasks, often causing distress to the narcissist's targets. In this article, we will explore the fate of these 'flying monkeys' and the complex relationships they form.

Understanding the Role of a Flying Monkey

A narcissist uses flying monkeys as tools for manipulation. These individuals are instrumental in gathering information and spreading misinformation. A flying monkey may be a well-meaning but misguided person, or someone who is willingly participating in the manipulation. This can often be seen in the context of narcissistic abuse, where the narcissist seeks to control and dominate the target through various means, including smear campaigns and gaslighting.

The Trajectory of Flying Monkeys

So, what happens to a flying monkey after the nefarious activities have concluded? The fate of a flying monkey largely depends on their usefulness and loyalty to the narcissist. If they continue to communicate, the abuse may escalate. However, if they choose to disengage and cut off all contact, the narcissist may simply lose interest.

Here’s a breakdown of the potential outcomes:

Continuous Communication: If the flying monkey continues to engage with the narcissist, the abuse may become even more severe. The narcissist may escalate the tactics, making the abuse more profound and manipulative. No Contact: By choosing no contact, the flying monkey may disrupt the control the narcissist has. The narcissist could become bored and eventually move on to other targets. Alternatively, the narcissist may feel compelled to discredit the flying monkey to maintain their image. Abandonment: If the flying monkey no longer serves the narcissist’s interests, they may be discarded. The narcissist may end the relationship, which can be a brutal and sudden process.

Manipulative Tactics and Guilt-Tripping

The narcissist may employ various manipulative tactics, including guilt-tripping and gaslighting, to keep the flying monkey under their control. The narcissist often seeks to place the flying monkey in a weakened state, emotionally vulnerable and desperate to please. This makes the flying monkey more likely to comply with the narcissist’s demands.

These tactics can be devastating, leading the flying monkey to feel trapped and manipulated. Emotional manipulation often leads to a sense of guilt and helplessness, which the narcissist exploits to maintain control.

Sexual Involvement and Toxic Relationships

In some cases, the flying monkey may have a sexual relationship with the narcissist. This close relationship can further weaken the flying monkey's position, as they may be seen as a tool rather than a separate individual. The flying monkey may find themselves acting as a scapegoat for the narcissist's actions, leading to feelings of betrayal and abandonment.

The narcissist may justify their actions by portraying the flying monkey in a negative light, often using other 'flying monkeys' to discredit the original one. This further indicates the cyclical and manipulative nature of these relationships.

Ultimately, the plan of a narcissist is to maintain control over their targets through a network of flying monkeys. These relationships are based on insincerity and deceit, and the narcissist has no concept of genuine loyalty.

The Final Verdict

A narcissist values those who provide them with the desired information and support. They often discard those who no longer serve their purpose, making the flying monkeys' fate unpredictable and unsettling. The journey from being a 'flying monkey' to either continued manipulation or freedom can be fraught with emotional turmoil and uncertainty.

It’s crucial for individuals in these situations to recognize the signs of narcissistic abuse and take steps to protect themselves. By seeking support, recognizing the manipulative tactics, and disengaging from the narcissist, one can begin to heal and move on.