It's important to remember that individual experiences and emotions are complex, so the following explanations are general observations and may not fully apply to your specific situation:
Emotional Residue: Your past relationship with the narcissistic ex might have left deep emotional scars and unresolved feelings. When you see pictures of him and his new partner, it can bring back memories of the emotional pain, manipulation, and abuse you might have endured during your relationship.
Comparison and Self-Worth: Seeing your ex with someone new might lead you to compare yourself to his new partner, which can trigger feelings of inadequacy or self-doubt. This could be especially true if the relationship ended on negative terms, and you are struggling with thoughts of not being good enough or being replaced.
Loss and Grief: Seeing your ex moving on and being happy with someone else can also intensify feelings of loss and grief over the end of your relationship. It might evoke a sense of longing for what once was or sadness about the lost potential in the relationship.
Trauma Bonding: Narcissistic relationships can create a trauma bond, which is a strong emotional attachment to an abusive partner. Despite the abuse, the bond can be difficult to break, and seeing your ex with someone else might evoke conflicting emotions related to the trauma bond.
Triggering Insecurities: Narcissistic partners often employ tactics to undermine your self-esteem and confidence. Looking at their new relationship might bring back insecurities they instilled in you during your time together.
Unresolved Closure: If the relationship ended abruptly or without proper closure, seeing pictures of your ex and their fiancé can leave you with a sense of unfinished business, making it harder to move on.
Fear of Repeating Patterns: Witnessing your ex with a new partner might trigger fears that the same toxic patterns from your previous relationship will repeat in their new one. This fear can be unsettling and re-traumatizing.
Empathy for the New Partner: If you've experienced emotional abuse in the past, you might empathize with the new partner and feel concerned about their well-being. This empathy can also evoke painful memories of your own experiences.
If you find that looking at these pictures causes significant distress or hinders your ability to heal and move forward, it might be beneficial to consider seeking support from a mental health professional. A therapist can help you process your emotions, build resilience, and work through the trauma from your past relationship. Remember that healing takes time, and it's essential to be patient and kind to yourself during this process.