Narcissists are skilled at picking up on certain personality traits and characteristics in others, including vigilance and intelligence. However, their response to such individuals can vary depending on the narcissist's specific traits, needs, and goals.
Narcissistic Supply: Narcissists seek "narcissistic supply," which is a term used to describe the attention, admiration, and validation they receive from others. If they perceive someone as vigilant and smart, they might view them as a potential threat to their need for control and admiration. In some cases, the narcissist might see this person as a challenge and try to assert dominance over them to gain their supply.
Idealization and Devaluation: In the early stages of a relationship, a narcissist might idealize a vigilant and smart individual, viewing them as valuable sources of admiration and validation. However, as time goes on and the person's vigilance and intelligence become evident, the narcissist might feel uncomfortable with the potential loss of control. This could lead to devaluing and discarding the person, especially if they start setting boundaries or questioning the narcissist's behavior.
Challenging the Narcissist: Vigilant and smart individuals might be more likely to recognize and call out the narcissist's manipulative behavior. This confrontation threatens the narcissist's fragile self-esteem and can lead to quicker discarding in an attempt to avoid being exposed or having their flaws pointed out.
Admiration and Control: On the other hand, some narcissists might be attracted to smart individuals because they can feel a sense of superiority by association or they believe they can control and manipulate them.
It's important to note that while some narcissists may discard individuals they perceive as threats, others might choose to keep them around to exert control or use their intelligence for the narcissist's benefit. Every narcissist is different, and their actions depend on various factors, including their specific traits, past experiences, and individual coping mechanisms.
If you find yourself in a relationship with a narcissistic individual, regardless of how vigilant and smart you are, it's essential to prioritize your well-being and set boundaries to protect yourself from emotional manipulation and abuse. Consider seeking support from friends, family, or a mental health professional who can help you navigate the situation and develop healthy coping strategies.