Covert narcissists, like other narcissistic individuals, can exhibit possessive and jealous behaviors, especially towards their main source of narcissistic supply. The main source of narcissistic supply is the person or group that provides the covert narcissist with the admiration, attention, and validation they crave to maintain their self-esteem and self-worth. This supply is essential for their emotional well-being and self-image.
Here are some reasons why a covert narcissist might be possessive and jealous with their main supply:
Dependency on Validation: Covert narcissists heavily rely on external validation to feel good about themselves. They may become possessive and jealous of their main supply because they fear losing the source of validation they depend on so much.
Insecurity and Fragile Self-Esteem: Underneath their façade of modesty and humility, covert narcissists often have deep-seated feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. They fear that if their main supply is giving attention or validation to others, it means they are not good enough or might be replaced.
Fear of Abandonment: Covert narcissists can have an intense fear of being abandoned or rejected. Their possessiveness and jealousy may be driven by a need to control their main supply to prevent them from leaving or finding validation elsewhere.
Competition with Others: Covert narcissists can be highly competitive, even if they don't display it openly. They may see other potential sources of supply as threats and respond with possessive and jealous behavior to assert their dominance and secure their position as the primary source.
Lack of Empathy: Narcissists, including covert narcissists, struggle with empathy. They may have difficulty understanding or caring about the feelings and needs of others, leading them to act possessively and jealously without fully considering the impact of their actions on their main supply.
Manipulative Tactics: Some covert narcissists use possessiveness and jealousy as manipulative tactics to keep their main supply under their control. By creating feelings of insecurity or guilt in the main supply, the narcissist may maintain their influence over them.
It's important to note that every individual is unique, and not all covert narcissists will display the same level of possessiveness and jealousy. Additionally, the dynamics between a covert narcissist and their main supply can vary depending on various factors, including the personality and history of both parties involved.
If you find yourself in a relationship with a possessive and jealous partner and suspect narcissistic tendencies, it is essential to seek support from a qualified mental health professional who can provide guidance and assistance. Dealing with narcissistic behavior can be challenging, and seeking help can be crucial in understanding the dynamics at play and taking appropriate actions to protect your well-being.