Narcissists cheat simply because they can. They thrive on the idea of having power and control over others, and infidelity gives them a sense of superiority. By keeping secrets and hiding their affairs, they gain a rush of adrenaline from knowing something their partner doesn’t. The deceit gives them a psychological edge, and they revel in the knowledge that they hold the upper hand in the relationship.
This sense of control allows the narcissist to devalue and manipulate their partner even further, withholding affection and using the comparison to others as a tool of punishment.
3. Feeding Their Need for Attention and Validation
For a narcissist, cheating is often about boosting their self-esteem. Narcissists have an insatiable need for validation and admiration. Over time, they may feel that their partner no longer provides the adoration they crave, so they seek it elsewhere. Cheating becomes a way to prove to themselves that they are still desirable and wanted. Every new affair provides fresh validation, reinforcing their inflated sense of self-worth.
Additionally, narcissists are constantly on the lookout for new “sources of supply.” These are people they can manipulate to fuel their ego. An affair offers a new opportunity to establish dominance and emotional dependence, making the other person a new source of admiration and control.
4. The Role of Dopamine and Oxytocin
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