If a narcissist realizes that their attempts to ruin someone's life were not successful, their reaction can vary depending on the individual's personality and the specific situation. Here are some possible reactions a narcissist might have:
Anger and Hostility: The narcissist might become enraged and hostile when they realize they failed to achieve their goal. They may lash out verbally, emotionally, or even physically as a way to regain control and assert their dominance over the person they targeted.
Increased Manipulation: When their initial efforts fail, a narcissist might intensify their manipulation tactics in an attempt to regain control over the person's life. They may try to use guilt, gaslighting, or other forms of emotional manipulation to undermine the person's confidence and well-being.
Seeking Revenge: Narcissists can be vengeful when they feel rejected or humiliated. If they realize they couldn't ruin someone's life, they may try to get revenge by spreading rumors, damaging the person's reputation, or sabotaging their relationships or career.
Discarding and Moving On: Some narcissists might choose to discard the person altogether and move on to new sources of narcissistic supply. They might lose interest if they feel the person is no longer serving their needs or if they believe they have other, more accessible targets.
Playing the Victim: In some cases, a narcissist might flip the narrative and play the victim. They may portray themselves as the one who was wronged or mistreated, trying to elicit sympathy or support from others while painting the other person as the aggressor.
Denial and Avoidance: Alternatively, the narcissist may deny their failure to ruin the person's life altogether. They might avoid facing the reality of their unsuccessful attempts and continue to believe that they have control over the other person's life.
Self-Doubt and Insecurity: Despite their outward arrogance, some narcissists have fragile self-esteem deep down. If their attempts fail, they might experience moments of self-doubt and insecurity, but they would likely mask this vulnerability with defensive behavior.
It's important to note that dealing with a narcissist can be emotionally and psychologically challenging. If you find yourself in such a situation, it's essential to prioritize your well-being and consider seeking support from friends, family, or a mental health professional who can provide guidance on how to set boundaries and protect yourself from further harm.