At the end of a relationship, a narcissist's behavior can vary depending on their personality, the dynamics of the relationship, and their level of emotional maturity. However, some common patterns and behaviors that narcissists may exhibit at the end of a relationship include:
Discard or Abandonment: If the narcissist feels that the relationship is no longer serving their needs or if they find a new source of admiration and validation, they may abruptly discard their partner. They might do this without warning, explanation, or consideration for the other person's feelings.
Devaluation and Demeaning: As the relationship nears its end, the narcissist may intensify their devaluation of their partner, criticizing and demeaning them to further erode their self-esteem and self-worth.
Gaslighting: Narcissists are known for gaslighting, which involves manipulating their partner's perception of reality to make them doubt their memory, judgment, or sanity. This tactic can intensify during a breakup to confuse and disorient the other person emotionally.
Hoovering: After discarding their partner, some narcissists may attempt to hoover them back into the relationship. They might use tactics such as love bombing, promising to change, or pretending to be remorseful to regain control over their partner.
Blame-Shifting: Rather than taking responsibility for their actions, a narcissist may blame their partner for the relationship's failure. They may make the other person feel responsible for the problems in the relationship, further manipulating their emotions.
Seeking Validation: Narcissists thrive on attention and validation, so after a breakup, they may seek validation from others, showing off their new single status or finding new sources of admiration to bolster their ego.
Social Media Display: Some narcissists may use social media as a platform to showcase their "happiness" after the breakup, posting pictures and messages to create an image of moving on and living a fabulous life.
Reacting to Rejection: If the breakup was initiated by the partner, the narcissist may react with anger, resentment, or even revenge. They might engage in smear campaigns against their ex-partner, spreading lies or negative stories about them to damage their reputation.
It's important to note that not all narcissists will exhibit all these behaviors, and the intensity of these actions can vary from one individual to another. Additionally, some narcissists might react differently if they perceive that their partner still holds value as a source of validation.
If you're dealing with the end of a relationship with a narcissist, it's essential to prioritize your well-being and emotional recovery. Seeking support from friends, family, or a therapist can be beneficial in processing your emotions and healing from the experience. Remember that you deserve to be treated with respect, empathy, and kindness in any relationship.