The refusal to communicate with someone who is willing to communicate. Narcissist may use the silent treatmentSilent treatment The refusal to communicate with someone who is willing to communicate. Narcissist may use the silent treatment as a form of manipulation and control. It often forces their victims into self-reflection, overthinking, and eventually blaming themselves. as a form of manipulationManipulation An often insidious and strategic action of making someone to do something in favor of the manipulator. and control. It often forces their victims into self-reflection, overthinking, and eventually blaming themselves.