Thrills of Penelope McGrath

Breaking Up with a Narcissist? Buckle Up. If you’ve ever tried to leave a narcissist, you know it’s not as simple as walking away. Narcissists don’t take rejection well. Instead of moving on, they launch a full-scale psychological war—switching between charm, guilt, and destruction in a desperate attempt to maintain control. Studies show that narcissists exhibit high levels of abandonment anxiety. Research published in Personality and Individual Differences (2021) found that individuals with narcissistic traits experience intense emotional dysregulation when rejected, leading to manipulative and even aggressive behaviors (Fossati et al., 2021). Let’s break down the most common post-breakup tactics narcissists use to keep you trapped in their cycle. 1. Love Bombing 2.0 – The "I’ve Changed" Act You left them, and suddenly, they’re the partner you always wanted them to be. You get messages like: "I see where I went wrong. I’ll do anything to fix this." "You’re my...

The Dark Psychology Behind Gift-Giving: When Love Comes with a Price Gift-giving is often seen as an expression of love, but in some relationships, it becomes a tool of manipulation. While most people give gifts out of kindness, others use them to create an unspoken debt, guilt, or obligation. The Psychology of Manipulative Giving Studies in behavioral psychology suggest that gift-giving triggers a sense of reciprocity—a social norm where people feel compelled to return a favor. According to research published in the Journal of Consumer Research , people who receive expensive or excessive gifts often feel psychological pressure to reciprocate, even when they don’t want to. This pressure can be used as a form of emotional control. Love-Bombing & Guilt Gifts: Grand gestures at the start of a relationship or after an argument can indicate love bombing, a manipulation tactic designed to make someone feel indebted. According to a study by the National Domestic Violence Hotline, love bo...

Love is supposed to be a beautiful thing—passionate, fulfilling, and deeply connecting. But what happens when it morphs into something much darker? The case of astronaut Lisa Nowak is a terrifying example of love gone wrong. Once a decorated NASA astronaut, Nowak made headlines in 2007—not for her achievements in space, but for her shocking crime fueled by jealousy and obsession. Her story is a cautionary tale of what happens when love crosses the line into dangerous fixation. Lisa Nowak: A Love Triangle That Turned Criminal Lisa Nowak was an accomplished astronaut and a mother of three. She had an affair with fellow astronaut William Oefelein , but when she suspected he had moved on with Air Force Captain Colleen Shipman , her emotions spiraled into something dark and dangerous. In February 2007, Nowak drove 900 miles from Houston to Orlando, wearing a disguise and carrying a knife, pepper spray, rubber tubing, and garbage bags. Authorities later found she had also packed diapers—a...

When Love Crosses the Line into Murder Love can inspire poetry, music, and grand romantic gestures. But sometimes, love turns into something much darker—jealousy, possession, and violence. Crimes of passion happen when emotions spiral out of control, pushing people to commit unthinkable acts in the name of love. From historical tragedies to modern-day headlines, fatal attractions are more common than we’d like to believe. But what drives people to kill in the name of love? Let’s explore the chilling psychology behind crimes of passion. What Is a Crime of Passion? A crime of passion, legally known as voluntary manslaughter , occurs when someone commits a violent crime in a moment of intense emotion. Unlike premeditated murder, crimes of passion are fueled by rage, betrayal, or obsession , often triggered by infidelity or rejection. According to the FBI, 30% of homicides in the U.S. are committed by intimate partners , with jealousy being a leading motive. The intensity of these relation...

Love stories tell us about soulmates, but what if that deep connection is something else—something darker? Obsessive love and trauma bonds create intense, all-consuming relationships that masquerade as true love. But beneath the passion, there's control, fear, and a dangerous cycle that can be hard to break. This post explores the psychology behind obsessive love, trauma bonds, and how to distinguish between a true soulmate and something far more sinister. What Is Obsessive Love? Obsessive love disorder (OLD) is a condition where someone becomes fixated on another person, often leading to extreme jealousy, possessiveness, and even stalking behavior. Studies show that obsessive love activates the same brain regions associated with addiction (Fisher et al., 2016), making it difficult for people to let go, even when the relationship turns toxic. Signs of Obsessive Love: Constantly checking their social media, messages, or online status Extreme jealousy over harmless interactions Feeli...

Love Bombing: Recognize and Avoid This Manipulative Tactic Love is a powerful emotion that can bring immense joy. However, when affection is used as a tool for manipulation, it transforms into a weapon known as love bombing . What Is Love Bombing? Love bombing involves overwhelming someone with excessive attention, compliments, and gifts early in a relationship to gain control over them. While it may feel flattering initially, this tactic is often employed by individuals with narcissistic tendencies to establish dominance. Recognizing the Signs Rapid Declarations of Love: Saying "I love you" within days or weeks. Constant Communication: Bombarding you with texts and calls to monitor your activities. Extravagant Gifts: Lavishing expensive presents to make you feel indebted. Isolation from Others: Discouraging you from spending time with friends and family. The Psychology Behind Love Bombing A study published in Discovery examined the relationship between love-bombing beha...

In today's digital age, the vast amount of personal information we share online can inadvertently make us vulnerable to cyberstalking—a form of harassment that can escalate into a terrifying ordeal. Thandi's experience serves as a poignant example of how seemingly innocent online activities can lead to severe consequences. Thandi's Story After ending a tumultuous relationship with her boyfriend, Dave, Thandi sought solace in reconnecting with friends and reestablishing her online presence. She updated her social media profiles, changed her relationship status, and began engaging in social activities, often sharing her whereabouts and experiences online. Unbeknownst to her, Dave was meticulously monitoring her digital footprint. One evening, Thandi and her friends decided to visit a local bar. Before heading out, she "checked in" on a social media platform, announcing her location to her network. To her shock, Dave appeared at the bar, confronting her aggressively ...