Narcissists tend to behave their worst when you are at your lowest for several reasons:
Empathy Deficit: Narcissists lack empathy and have difficulty understanding or caring about the feelings and needs of others. When they see you struggling or vulnerable, they are less likely to respond with compassion or support. Instead, they may take advantage of your vulnerability to further their own agendas or manipulate you.
Need for Control: Narcissists have an intense need for control and power over others. When you are at your lowest, you may be more susceptible to their manipulation, and they may see an opportunity to exploit your situation to gain more control over you.
Gaslighting and Blame-Shifting: When you are feeling low, narcissists may use gaslighting tactics to make you doubt yourself, your perceptions, and your reality. They may also shift the blame onto you, making you feel responsible for their abusive or hurtful behavior, even though it's not your fault.
Sense of Superiority: Narcissists often have an inflated sense of superiority and entitlement. Seeing you struggling can reinforce their belief that they are superior to you, and they may use your vulnerability as a way to demean and devalue you further.
Ego Boost: Some narcissists may feel a sense of satisfaction or superiority when they can assert dominance over someone who is feeling weak or defeated. Your vulnerability may provide them with an ego boost and reinforce their belief that they are more powerful or significant than you.
Lack of Emotional Intimacy: Narcissists struggle with emotional intimacy, and they may become uncomfortable or avoidant when faced with someone's genuine emotions or vulnerabilities. In response, they may lash out or distance themselves to protect their own emotional detachment.
Manipulation for Narcissistic Supply: Narcissists thrive on narcissistic supply, which is the attention, admiration, and validation they receive from others. When you are at your lowest, they may manipulate you to extract more supply from you, even if it means exploiting your pain or struggles.
It's important to recognize these patterns of behavior and set boundaries with narcissistic individuals to protect yourself from further harm. If you find yourself in a relationship with a narcissist, seeking support from friends, family, or a mental health professional can be crucial in navigating the challenges and potentially disengaging from the toxic dynamic.