Individuals with personality disorders like ASPD (Antisocial Personality Disorder) and NPD (Narcissistic Personality Disorder) can display different behaviors and patterns in their relationships, but there are some general tendencies worth noting. It's important to remember that not every person with these disorders will exhibit the same behavior, and individual differences are significant.
Favorite Supply: In the context of NPD, narcissists may have a "favorite" source of narcissistic supply. Narcissistic supply refers to the attention, admiration, and validation that a narcissist seeks from others to maintain their inflated self-image. This "favorite supply" is typically someone who consistently provides them with the most attention, admiration, and validation. However, this can change over time, and the narcissist might switch their focus to another source of supply when they find someone who can meet their needs better.
Treatment of Different Supply Sources: Narcissists and individuals with ASPD might treat different people in their lives differently, depending on how useful or beneficial these individuals are to them. They may use some people for specific qualities or resources they can provide, and they might discard or devalue those individuals when they no longer serve their purposes.
Projection: Both ASPD and NPD individuals may engage in projection. Projection is a defense mechanism where a person attributes their own undesirable traits, emotions, or impulses onto someone else. In the context of relationships, they may project their "badness" or negative traits onto their partners or other individuals close to them as a way to avoid facing their shortcomings or to justify their behavior.
Idealization and Devaluation: In relationships, individuals with NPD often go through cycles of idealization and devaluation. They might initially idealize their partners, viewing them as perfect and putting them on a pedestal. However, when their partners fail to maintain this idealized image or challenge their grandiosity, the narcissist may switch to devaluing them, often criticizing, belittling, or demeaning them.
It's important to understand that these behaviors are part of the disorders and not indicative of a healthy and respectful relationship. Dealing with individuals who have NPD or ASPD can be challenging and emotionally draining. If you are in a relationship with someone who exhibits these behaviors, seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor experienced in personality disorders can be beneficial for both you and the individual with the disorder.