Feeling ignored or overlooked by someone you want to notice you stinks, especially when you try everything to get their attention, but you feel invisible. But before you get desperate and do something embarrassing, try using reverse psychology instead. This little mind trick can make people suddenly interested when they were ignoring you before.
Reverse Psychology In Action
Human nature makes us crave the things or people that seem unattainable. When someone ignores you, you can use reverse psychology to get their attention back by doing the opposite of what they expect. Sometimes, when someone loses interest, it’s because you come on too strong. But what if you did the opposite of what they expect?
If you were texting them non-stop before, maybe take a break from that. If you kept asking how their day was, let up on that a bit. And if you were always making yourself available at their beck and call, get busy with your own life for a change.
Even if you’re feeling mad at them, try being nice instead of confrontational. As crazy as it sounds, doing the opposite is what sometimes reignites that spark. Give them a chance to miss you instead of smothering them.
How To Use Reverse Psychology When Someone Ignores You
Don’t get mad – get strategic. Using reverse psychology, you can turn the tables and get them to come to you.
Show You Don’t Really Care
Just do you! Act like it’s no big deal, and stay busy. Post some fun things on Instagram, hit up your friends to hang out, start a new project – anything to keep yourself occupied. The less desperate they see you are to get their attention, the more they’ll start wondering why you’re not begging them to talk again.
Be Unavailable
Now that you’re busy living your best life, you’re harder to reach. Don’t feel like you have to answer every text right away or pick up every call. Leave them wondering what you’re up to and who you’re hanging with.
Start acting like you couldn’t care less if they want to make plans. Just be chill when you do talk and keep the conversation about your life and interests. Tell them about cool things you’ve been doing without them. If they think you don’t care no more, it’ll drive them crazy wanting to get your attention back. Before you know it, they’ll be the ones trying to win you over!
Act Uninterested
Start acting like you could care less whether they call or make plans. Be nonchalant in your interactions and focus on your own life and hobbies. Talk about the fun things you’re doing that don’t involve them. And who knows, maybe if they see you out living your best life without them, they’ll start missing your company and want to hang out again! But if not, it’s all good – your time is valuable, so spend it with people who want to spend it with you, too.
Give Them A Taste of Their Own Medicine
Go radio silent for a bit. Don’t call, text or like their social media posts. Let the ignorance settle in and watch them squirm. After a few days, nonchalantly message them like nothing happened. Chances are, they’ll be so relieved the freeze-out is over, they’ll never ignore you again! Rise above and be the bigger person.
Examples To Try When Someone Gives You The Silent Treatment
Here are a few reverse psychology tricks you can try to get their attention again without seeming too desperate.
Act Unbothered
Pretend their silent treatment doesn’t bother you at all. Just go about your business as normal, and don’t try contacting them at all. This shows them that their little game isn’t getting to you, and you’re not going to come crawling back begging for their attention. Once they see nothing’s bothering you, there’s a chance they’ll snap out of it on their own. For example, if they post that song you both liked on social media, don’t even bother liking it or commenting. Pretend you didn’t even see it.
Give Them Space
Rather than constantly trying to contact them, back off for a while. Don’t call, text, or make any effort to communicate. Let some time pass before reaching out again casually, like nothing happened. That way, they get the breathing room they seem to need. And it shows you’ve got your own thing going on, too.
Kill Them With Kindness
Even if you’re upset with them, respond to their silence with friendliness and compassion. Send them a card or small gift just to let them know you’re thinking of them. Say hello and flash a smile if you pass each other. Your kindness and good vibes will make their behavior seem petty and childish in comparison. It also leaves the door open for them to quit the nonsense whenever they’re ready to.
It’s Really That Easy
The silent treatment is a power play, so you have to be willing to call their bluff. Using reverse psychology with someone ignoring you shows them you won’t be manipulated. Do what they were doing right back at them, or do the opposite of what you normally would. Spend your time doing your own thing instead of worrying about whether they’ll come around. The more you show you’re your own person and you’ve got other stuff going on, the more confident and attractive you’ll seem. Before long, they’ll be the ones chasing after you instead! This is just a fact of life.
