It's essential to remember that diagnosing or analyzing someone as a narcissist requires a professional assessment by a qualified mental health professional. However, I can provide some general insights into potential reasons why someone with narcissistic traits might suddenly act very loving and happy.
Manipulation and Control: Narcissists are often skilled manipulators and use their charm and apparent happiness as a tool to control others. They may switch between extreme behaviors to keep people off balance and emotionally dependent on them.
Seeking Validation: Narcissists crave admiration and validation from others. By acting loving and happy, they may try to elicit positive responses from those around them to boost their self-esteem and sense of self-worth.
Maintaining Appearances: Narcissists are often concerned about how they are perceived by others. Acting loving and happy might be a way to maintain a positive image and avoid negative judgments.
Gaining Favor or Forgiveness: If a narcissist has recently engaged in hurtful or harmful behavior, they might switch to a loving and happy demeanor to gain forgiveness or regain favor with their target.
Hoovering: In the context of abusive relationships, the narcissist may "hoover" their victim, which means trying to draw the victim back into the relationship with temporary kindness and affection. This behavior is a part of the cycle of abuse, where periods of affection follow abusive episodes, leading to confusion and emotional attachment in the victim.
Emotional Manipulation: By acting loving and happy, the narcissist can evoke feelings of guilt or obligation in others, making it more challenging for their targets to set boundaries or leave the relationship.
Attention-Seeking: Narcissists often crave attention and can use positive emotions to draw focus back to themselves, even after negative events or conflicts.
It is essential to recognize that the behavior of a narcissist can be complex and varies between individuals. Their motivations for sudden shifts in demeanor may be influenced by a combination of factors. Dealing with a person with narcissistic traits can be challenging, and seeking support from friends, family, or mental health professionals is crucial for maintaining emotional well-being.