The world of narcissism is a complex labyrinth, filled with intricate patterns of manipulation, self-centeredness, and emotional exploitation. At some point, those entangled in relationships with narcissists often face the devastating experience of being discarded. But what happens next? What do narcissists do after discarding their victims? In this blog post, we delve into the enigmatic aftermath, shedding light on the intriguing post-discard behavior exhibited by narcissists.
1. The Pursuit of New Supply:
Narcissists are perpetually driven by an insatiable thirst for attention and admiration. After discarding their previous victims, they embark on a relentless quest for new sources of narcissistic supply. They seek out individuals who can fuel their egos and provide them with the validation and adoration they crave. The narcissist will employ their charm, manipulation, and charisma to ensnare their next target, repeating the cycle of emotional exploitation.
2. Idealization and Devaluation Cycles:
Narcissists have a tendency to oscillate between idealization and devaluation when it comes to their relationships. After discarding a previous victim, they may cycle back to idealize them again. This serves a dual purpose for the narcissist: it allows them to hoover their ex-partner back into their grasp, and it provides a temporary ego boost for themselves. However, the idealization phase is short-lived, and the narcissist quickly reverts to devaluation, employing their toxic tactics to maintain control and power.
3. Smearing Campaigns and Character Assassination:
When a narcissist feels threatened or exposed, they often resort to smearing campaigns and character assassination to protect their fragile self-image. After discarding their victims, they may engage in a vicious campaign of spreading lies, rumors, and half-truths about their former partners. This serves to discredit the victim, isolate them from support networks, and further manipulate the narrative in favor of the narcissist.
4. Self-Reinforcement and Narcissistic Supply:
In the aftermath of discarding, narcissists often engage in self-reinforcement to bolster their grandiose self-image. They seek out situations, people, or accomplishments that can provide them with external validation and admiration. This can manifest in various ways, such as pursuing high-status positions, acquiring material possessions, or surrounding themselves with a circle of loyal followers who feed their insatiable need for narcissistic supply.
5. Repeating the Cycle:
Perhaps one of the most predictable patterns of behavior exhibited by narcissists after discarding is their inclination to repeat the cycle with new victims. The discard phase is merely a temporary hiatus before they embark on a fresh relationship, following the same manipulative patterns they have honed over time. This repetitive cycle allows them to maintain their sense of power, control, and superiority while avoiding introspection or personal growth.
The aftermath of a narcissist's discard is a bewildering period for those who have experienced their emotional abuse. Understanding the patterns of behavior exhibited by narcissists after discarding can help victims regain clarity and find healing. Recognizing the pursuit of new supply, the cycles of idealization and devaluation, smear campaigns, self-reinforcement, and the repetition of the toxic cycle allows individuals to break free from the grip of narcissistic manipulation and embark on a journey of self-discovery and recovery. Remember, knowledge and self-care are the keys to reclaiming your power and building a healthier, more fulfilling future.
If you're healing from an emotionally draining breakup and you sense that you've been in a relationship with a toxic or narcissistic person who was emotionally abusive, then we invite you to consider our virtual relationship coaching services. We also offer a one-time 45-minute FREE Discovery Call for anyone interested in our services who is not yet an existing Client of ours.
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