Narcissists typically exhibit traits such as a grandiose sense of self-importance, a need for excessive admiration, a lack of empathy, and a sense of entitlement. They tend to view others as objects to fulfill their needs rather than as individuals with their own desires and feelings. In the context of relationships, they often seek out "supply," which refers to people who provide them with attention, validation, and admiration.
In some cases, a narcissist may discard or lose interest in a person who was a reliable and high-quality source of supply. This might occur if the person sets boundaries, stands up to the narcissist, or otherwise challenges their inflated sense of self-importance. When a narcissist loses a high-quality supply, they might experience a temporary sense of frustration or anger, but it is less common for them to genuinely regret losing such a supply.
Narcissists often have difficulty acknowledging their faults and shortcomings. Instead of recognizing their mistakes, they may blame others for any problems in the relationship or rationalize their actions to protect their self-image. They might move on to find another source of supply, rather than admitting regret over losing someone who provided them with valuable attention or support.
It's important to remember that individuals with narcissistic traits vary in their behaviors, and not all narcissists will respond the same way. Some may eventually realize the loss of a valuable person and feel a sense of regret, but this is not typical behavior for most individuals with narcissistic tendencies.
If you are dealing with a situation involving a narcissistic individual and the end of a relationship, it's essential to focus on your well-being and seek support from friends, family, or a professional counselor.