Narcissists may experience a range of emotions after letting go of a relationship or situation, and it's important to note that not all narcissists will react in the same way. However, some common reasons why narcissists may feel bad after letting go include:
Loss of Narcissistic Supply: Narcissists thrive on attention, admiration, and validation from others, known as narcissistic supply. When they let go of a relationship or lose a source of supply, they may experience feelings of emptiness, loneliness, and a diminished sense of self-worth.
Fear of Abandonment: Despite their grandiose exterior, many narcissists harbor deep-seated insecurities and a fear of being abandoned or rejected. Ending a relationship or being abandoned can trigger intense feelings of vulnerability and anxiety.
Bruised Ego: Narcissists have a highly inflated sense of self-importance and believe they are superior to others. If a situation or relationship doesn't go as they envisioned, it can bruise their ego and lead to feelings of disappointment, frustration, or anger.
Loss of Control: Narcissists often seek to control others and their environment to maintain their sense of power. When they have to let go of a situation or relationship, they may feel a loss of control, which can be distressing for them.
Avoiding Reality: Letting go of a relationship or situation may force narcissists to face the reality of their own flaws, failures, and shortcomings. This confrontation with their vulnerabilities can lead to feelings of shame and self-doubt.
Idealization and Devaluation Cycle: Narcissists tend to idealize people or situations at the beginning, but as time goes on, they might start to devalue and discard them. Even though they may initiate the letting go, they can still feel a sense of loss because they lose interest once the idealized image is shattered.
Lack of Empathy: Narcissists typically have a limited capacity for empathy, but they can still experience negative emotions, especially when they perceive themselves as victims of circumstance.
It's important to remember that narcissistic individuals have complex personalities, and their emotional reactions can vary based on the specific circumstances and their individual traits. Their emotions and actions are often driven by their underlying personality disorder, which can make understanding and dealing with them challenging for those around them. If you're dealing with a narcissist or suspect someone may have narcissistic traits, seeking professional advice from a therapist or counselor can be beneficial for navigating these situations effectively.