In this comprehensive discussion, Sam Vaknin explains narcissistic motification as a severe psychological event distinct from narcissistic injury, characterized by public humiliation that dismantles the narcissist’s defenses and leads to profound shame, grief, and potential suicidal ideation. He describes the stages following motification, including internal and external attributions of blame, and how these affect the narcissist’s behavior, often resulting in vindictive actions to restore grandiosity. Additionally, Vaknin explores the dynamics of narcissistic relationships, highlighting key behaviors such as hoovering, approach-avoidance cycles, and the complex interplay of intimacy, control, and abandonment within shared fantasies.