Narcissists, individuals with a personality disorder characterized by a sense of grandiosity, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy, generally prioritize obtaining narcissistic supply above all else. Narcissistic supply refers to the attention, admiration, and validation they seek from others to bolster their self-esteem and maintain their inflated self-image.
In the context of supply, narcissists may seek both "old supply" and "new supply." Here's what these terms mean:
Old supply: This refers to the sources of attention and admiration that the narcissist has already established relationships with, such as long-term partners, family members, close friends, or colleagues. Old supply sources are familiar and may have provided consistent validation to the narcissist in the past.
New supply: This refers to potential sources of attention and admiration that the narcissist hasn't yet established a relationship with. These could be new acquaintances, colleagues, romantic interests, or anyone who could potentially provide the narcissistic supply they crave.
The preference for old supply or new supply can vary depending on the individual narcissist and the circumstances they find themselves in. Here are some factors that may influence their preference:
Familiarity and control: Narcissists might prefer old supply sources because they are familiar and may be more easily manipulated or controlled. They may have already established patterns of obtaining validation from these individuals, and they feel confident in their ability to extract the desired responses.
Novelty and excitement: On the other hand, narcissists might be drawn to new supply sources because of the novelty and excitement that come with conquering and winning over new people. The challenge of obtaining validation from new individuals can be enticing to some narcissists.
Avoiding accountability and consequences: In some cases, narcissists may shift between old and new supply sources to avoid accountability and potential consequences of their actions. If a particular old supply source starts to see through their manipulations or tries to set boundaries, the narcissist might look for new supply sources to avoid facing any negative reactions.
Opportunity and availability: The availability of old and new supply sources can also play a role. If the narcissist's usual sources of supply are not readily available, they may turn to new sources until they can regain access to their old supply.
It's essential to note that each narcissist is unique, and their behavior can vary widely. Some may primarily focus on one source of supply over the other, while others may switch between old and new supply regularly. Ultimately, the key factor for narcissists is to maintain a steady stream of attention, admiration, and validation from wherever they can get it.