When a narcissist realizes they can't win or achieve their desired outcome, they may react in various ways, depending on their personality, the situation, and their level of narcissism. Here are some common reactions a narcissist may exhibit when they find themselves in such a situation:
Rage and Anger: A narcissist might respond with intense anger and rage, feeling frustrated that their plans or manipulations have failed. They may lash out at others, blaming them for their failure, and become verbally or even physically aggressive.
Deflection and Projection: Rather than accepting responsibility for their own shortcomings, a narcissist may deflect blame onto others or project their own flaws onto someone else. They might accuse others of cheating, lying, or conspiring against them as a way to avoid acknowledging their own failures.
Withdrawal and Avoidance: If the narcissist perceives that they can't win or control a situation, they might choose to withdraw from it altogether. They could avoid confrontation or challenges that might expose their inadequacies.
Self-Pity and Victimhood: Some narcissists may adopt a victim mentality and wallow in self-pity. They may play the victim card to elicit sympathy or attention from others, hoping to manipulate them into feeling sorry for them.
Seeking New Opportunities: Depending on the situation, a narcissist may quickly move on to find new opportunities where they believe they can regain control and succeed. They might abandon the current endeavor and focus on a different target that they perceive as easier to conquer.
Gaslighting and Distortion: To maintain a sense of superiority and deny their failure, a narcissist might engage in gaslighting or distort the narrative of events. They may attempt to rewrite history, manipulate facts, or deny their previous goals altogether.
Discard and Devaluation: In interpersonal relationships, a narcissist may devalue and discard individuals who have witnessed their failure or challenged their grandiosity. They might seek out new sources of admiration and validation.
Self-Sabotage: Sometimes, a narcissist might unconsciously self-sabotage their chances of success. This behavior might stem from deep-seated feelings of unworthiness and fear of being exposed as inadequate.
It's essential to understand that every individual is unique, and their reactions might vary depending on their level of narcissism and other personality traits. Dealing with a narcissist can be challenging, especially when they feel threatened or unable to achieve their goals. In some cases, professional help or setting appropriate boundaries may be necessary for dealing with their behavior effectively.