Yes, a narcissist can indeed fake an entire long-term relationship. Narcissists are skilled manipulators who often present a charming and idealized version of themselves during the early stages of a relationship, known as the "love-bombing" phase. They shower their partner with attention, affection, and compliments to win them over.
During this love-bombing phase, the narcissist may seem like the perfect partner, catering to the other person's needs, and appearing attentive, caring, and understanding. They use these tactics to gain control and admiration from their partner, drawing them into the relationship.
However, once the initial idealization phase wears off, the true nature of the narcissist may begin to emerge. They often struggle with maintaining genuine emotional intimacy and empathy, which can lead to the devaluation and discard stages of the relationship.
In the devaluation phase, the narcissist may become emotionally distant, critical, and dismissive of their partner. They may start to display manipulative and abusive behaviors to maintain their control and power over the relationship.
Despite these negative aspects, a narcissist may continue to fake the relationship, especially if they find their partner's admiration and attention beneficial for their ego. They might resort to various tactics, such as gaslighting, guilt-tripping, and emotional manipulation, to keep their partner emotionally invested and under their control.
Additionally, some narcissists may also engage in "hoovering," which is an attempt to reel their partner back into the relationship after a period of discard or breakup. They might temporarily display the love-bombing behavior again to draw the partner back in.
It's important to recognize that being in a long-term relationship with a narcissist can be emotionally draining and harmful to the partner's well-being. If you suspect that you or someone you know is in such a relationship, seeking support from friends, family, or a mental health professional is essential to address the situation and explore healthier paths forward.