As the narcissist pulls away, they may begin to seek out new sources of admiration. If they find a more rewarding supply, the narcissist may start idealizing this new person, often while still in the process of emotionally discarding the former partner. They may even go as far as to justify their distance by telling the current supply they need “time to reflect” or some other ambiguous reason to explain their change in behavior.
The Abrupt End and Its Cruelty
When a narcissist finally ends a relationship, it can be abrupt and harsh. This phase often showcases the narcissist’s true, mean-spirited side, which can be shockingly callous and inhumane. They may leave their partner feeling discarded as if they were merely an object, rather than a person with feelings and worth. This “discard” phase can leave victims with deep emotional scars, sometimes leading to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or profound trauma. Victims may find themselves grappling with feelings of worthlessness, wondering how a once-kind, warm person could end the relationship so ruthlessly.
The Aftermath: Possible Return of the Narcissist
A unique aspect of narcissistic relationships is that the narcissist might attempt to re-enter their former partner’s life when they find themselves lacking other sources of admiration. Since they need constant supply, if their current supply diminishes or fails to meet their expectations, the narcissist may reach out to past relationships. While they may not fully reinvest, this re-entry can leave the victim in a cycle of emotional upheaval, especially if the victim is still healing from the initial breakup.
Psychological Impact on the Victim
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