It's challenging to determine someone's true intentions without direct communication, but there are a few potential reasons why your ex narcissist might be watching your social media stories but not texting you:
Narcissistic Supply: As mentioned earlier, narcissists crave attention and validation, known as narcissistic supply. Watching your social media stories allows them to observe your life and maintain a sense of connection, albeit superficially, without having to engage in direct communication.
Keeping Tabs: Narcissists often like to keep tabs on their ex-partners to maintain a sense of control and to satisfy their curiosity about your life after the breakup. Watching your social media stories allows them to stay updated without committing to a conversation.
Ego Boost: Seeing you post on social media may give the narcissist an ego boost if they perceive that you are affected by their actions. They may enjoy knowing that their presence (even just as a viewer) still impacts you emotionally.
Lack of Genuine Interest: Narcissists are primarily concerned with their own needs and desires. They might not genuinely be interested in reconnecting or starting a healthy conversation with you, hence their lack of direct contact.
Fear of Rejection: Narcissists often struggle with feelings of insecurity and rejection. Initiating contact with you might make them vulnerable to potential rejection, so they prefer to maintain a safe distance by only observing your social media.
Manipulative Tactics: Some narcissists might use social media as a way to manipulate or control you indirectly. By keeping an eye on your life, they might try to find ways to influence or exploit you when it suits their agenda.
It's essential to be cautious about interpreting their actions as a sign of genuine interest. Narcissists can be skilled at creating confusion and ambiguity in their interactions. If you've ended the relationship with a narcissist, it's generally best to focus on healing and moving forward rather than trying to decipher their intentions. Setting clear boundaries, limiting contact, and seeking support from friends, family, or a therapist can be helpful during this process. Remember, a healthy relationship should be based on mutual respect, trust, and genuine interest in each other's well-being.