While it's possible for a narcissist to realize they have lost a valuable source of narcissistic supply and feel some regret or frustration, their response and feelings would likely be different from those of emotionally healthy individuals.
Here are a few possible scenarios:
Regret Over Losing Supply: Narcissists value sources of narcissistic supply, especially high-quality or "grade A" supply. If they discard or lose such a valuable source, they might experience regret but not in the same way an emotionally mature person would. Their regret would be more about losing access to the positive attention, admiration, and validation they received from that individual, rather than genuinely missing or caring for the person themselves.
Idealization-Devaluation Cycle: Narcissists often go through a cycle of idealization and devaluation in their relationships. During the idealization phase, they may put their partner on a pedestal and believe they are the best thing ever. However, when the partner no longer serves their needs or fails to meet their expectations, they enter the devaluation phase, and their feelings can shift dramatically. In this context, they might "regret" losing their grade A supply only during the idealization phase, but during devaluation, they may devalue and discard them without much remorse.
Blame-Shifting: Instead of recognizing their own role in losing a valuable partner, a narcissist is more likely to blame others or external circumstances. They might shift responsibility onto the former partner or find excuses to justify their actions.
Seeking New Supply: When a narcissist loses a source of supply, they are likely to seek out alternative sources to fill the void quickly. They may not dwell on the loss for long if they can find new sources of admiration and validation.
Lack of Genuine Empathy: Narcissists typically lack genuine empathy, so any regret they might express would likely be superficial or fleeting, mainly driven by self-interest rather than genuine concern for the well-being of the other person.
It's important to remember that a narcissist's emotional landscape is significantly different from that of emotionally healthy individuals. Their primary focus is on themselves and obtaining narcissistic supply to bolster their self-esteem and self-image. Therefore, even if they express regret, it is unlikely to be based on authentic emotions or remorse for hurting someone else.
If you have experienced a relationship with a narcissist and are dealing with the aftermath, it's essential to seek support from friends, family, or a mental health professional who can provide guidance and help you navigate the healing process.