Narcissists are known for their self-centered and manipulative tendencies, often lacking empathy for others. They view people as "supplies" to meet their emotional needs and boost their ego. In a narcissistic relationship, the individual providing the attention, admiration, and validation to the narcissist is often referred to as a "supply."
In some cases, a narcissist might discard a high-quality or "Grade A" supply if they feel it no longer serves their needs or if they find a new, more exciting source of admiration elsewhere. However, whether they would truly regret getting rid of such a supply is uncertain and depends on the individual and the specific circumstances.
There are a few scenarios that could happen:
The narcissist may not regret it at all: If they have a sense of entitlement and believe they can easily find new sources of admiration, they might not feel any regret over losing a particular supply.
They might experience a temporary regret: If the supply provided significant attention and validation, the narcissist might feel a sense of loss temporarily. However, this feeling is likely to fade quickly as they find a new source of validation.
They could experience a "hoovering" phase: After discarding a supply, some narcissists may attempt to "hoover" them back into the relationship when they realize they are struggling to find another source of validation. This doesn't necessarily mean they regret losing the person but rather that they want to re-establish control and feed their ego.
True regret and change (less common): In some rare cases, a narcissist may undergo self-reflection, seek therapy, or experience a life event that leads to personal growth and change. They might then recognize their past mistakes and feel genuine regret for how they treated others, including letting go of a valuable supply.
Remember that each person is unique, and there are varying degrees of narcissism. Additionally, the concept of "supply" and narcissistic behavior is based on general patterns and not applicable to every individual. It's essential to seek professional help and support if you're dealing with a narcissistic relationship or any other challenging emotional situation.