Yes, it is possible for a narcissist to cheat during the love bombing phase of a new supply. Love bombing is a manipulative tactic used by narcissists to gain control over their target and create a strong emotional bond quickly. They shower the new supply with excessive affection, attention, compliments, and gifts to make them feel special and desirable.
During this phase, the narcissist's primary goal is to win the admiration and devotion of the new supply. However, their actions are often insincere and driven by their own self-interest. They may not have genuine feelings for the person they are love bombing; instead, they view the new supply as an object to satisfy their needs for attention, validation, and control.
For a narcissist, cheating during the love bombing phase can serve several purposes:
Ego validation: Cheating allows the narcissist to reaffirm their attractiveness and desirability. It provides an additional boost to their ego by proving to themselves that they can attract others outside of their current target.
Lack of empathy: Narcissists lack empathy and have a limited ability to consider the feelings of others. To them, cheating might be seen as a natural consequence of seeking personal gratification without concern for the emotional impact on the new supply.
Entitlement: Narcissists often have a sense of entitlement and believe that they deserve special treatment and can engage in whatever behavior they desire without consequences.
Fear of abandonment: Deep down, narcissists fear rejection and abandonment. By having multiple sources of validation and attention, such as through cheating, they feel more secure in their ability to maintain control over their targets.
Boredom: Narcissists may become easily bored or dissatisfied with their current supply, leading them to seek excitement and novelty elsewhere, even during the love bombing phase.
It's important to understand that a narcissist's love bombing behavior is not a genuine expression of love but rather a calculated manipulation to control and exploit their targets. If you suspect that you or someone you know is in a relationship with a narcissist, it's crucial to seek support and professional help to navigate the complexities of such relationships and protect one's emotional well-being.