Narcissists are known for their pattern of idealizing, devaluing, and discarding their relationships. This behavior is often referred to as the "narcissistic cycle of abuse" or "narcissistic discard." There are several reasons why narcissists may discard people easily:
Need for Admiration and Validation: Narcissists crave constant admiration and validation from others. When a person no longer fulfills this role or challenges the narcissist's inflated self-image, they may be discarded as they are no longer serving the narcissist's needs.
Lack of Empathy: Narcissists have limited empathy and struggle to understand or care about other people's emotions. As a result, they may discard someone without considering the emotional impact it may have on the other person.
Idealization and Devaluation: At the beginning of a relationship, narcissists often idealize their partners, putting them on a pedestal. However, as the initial excitement wanes, the narcissist may start to devalue the person and find faults in them, leading to the decision to discard them.
Fear of Abandonment: Paradoxically, narcissists may fear abandonment themselves, which can contribute to their tendency to discard others preemptively. By discarding someone first, they can regain a sense of control and avoid the possibility of being rejected.
Seeking New Sources of Supply: Narcissists constantly seek "narcissistic supply," which includes attention, admiration, and validation. When they feel they have exhausted the supply from a particular person or have found a new, more exciting source, they may easily discard their current partner.
Lack of Long-Term Commitment: Narcissists often have difficulty maintaining long-term, meaningful relationships. They may prioritize their own needs and desires over the well-being of their partner, leading to frequent discarding of partners who no longer meet their immediate needs.
Sense of Entitlement: Narcissists often have a sense of entitlement and may believe they deserve the best without putting in the effort to maintain relationships. This entitlement can lead to a disregard for others' feelings and needs when it comes to discarding them.
It's essential to understand that the behavior of a narcissist is rooted in their own psychological issues, and their propensity to discard people easily is a result of their underlying personality traits and coping mechanisms. If you find yourself involved with a narcissist or recovering from a relationship with one, seeking support from a therapist or counselor can be beneficial in understanding and healing from the experience. Establishing healthy boundaries and focusing on your well-being are crucial steps in dealing with the aftermath of a relationship with a narcissistic individual.