When a narcissist is confronted by a source of supply (someone who provides them with attention, admiration, validation, or other forms of emotional support), they may choose to run away and hide for several reasons:
Avoiding Accountability: Narcissists often struggle with taking responsibility for their actions and behavior. When confronted, they may feel exposed and fear being held accountable for their manipulative or hurtful actions.
Fragile Self-Esteem: Despite their outwardly grandiose and confident demeanor, narcissists often have fragile self-esteem. Confrontation can be a blow to their ego and self-image, causing them to retreat to protect their sense of self-importance.
Lack of Empathy: Narcissists find it challenging to empathize with others, so they may not understand or acknowledge the impact of their actions on the person confronting them. As a result, they might dismiss or trivialize the other person's concerns.
Avoiding Vulnerability: Narcissists avoid vulnerability at all costs because they see it as a weakness. Confrontation can feel like an emotional attack, making them uncomfortable and prompting them to withdraw.
Manipulative Tactics: Running away and hiding can be a tactic used by narcissists to regain control over the situation. By avoiding the confrontation, they can maintain a sense of power and dominance.
Protecting Their False Self: Narcissists often create a false self-image to protect their true, vulnerable selves. When confronted, they may fear that their carefully crafted façade will be shattered, leading them to withdraw to maintain the illusion.
Projection of Blame: Instead of reflecting on their behavior, narcissists might project blame onto others. They may view the person confronting them as the problem and believe they are being unfairly attacked.
Sense of Superiority: Narcissists view themselves as superior to others. Confrontation can be perceived as an affront to their superiority, leading them to retreat to avoid further engagement.
It's important to note that each narcissist's behavior may vary, and not all narcissists will respond in the same way when confronted. Some may become defensive and aggressive, while others may withdraw and hide. Additionally, a narcissist's response may depend on the nature of the confrontation and their current emotional state.
When dealing with a narcissist, it's essential to prioritize your well-being and safety. Confronting a narcissist can be emotionally challenging and may not always lead to positive results. If you find yourself in a toxic or emotionally harmful relationship with a narcissist, consider seeking support from friends, family, or a mental health professional who can help you navigate the situation and make healthy decisions for yourself.