October 18, 2024 at 2:02pm EST

I Wish I Knew This Sooner (Part 2)

Hi, it’s Juliana!

Here’s part two of our series.

I hope you enjoy it!

One Thing I Wish I Knew Sooner About Narcissists, Part 2:

“They’re not maintaining the relationship because they care about you. They’re doing it because it’s easier than starting over with someone new.”

My thoughts:

This is something that can take a long time to realize.

And even longer to accept.

Whether it’s romantic, family, friendship, or at work, there are five things narcissists typically maintain relationships for:

1. Validation
2. Admiration
3. Reassurance
4. Power
5. Control

They use these five resources, which, by the way, are commonly referred to as narcissistic supply, to construct and maintain a positive self-image.

Without them, they spiral into narcissistic collapse. 

So, they maintain relationships—no matter how unhealthy they’ve made them—to ensure a consistent flow of narcissistic supply.

All the best,

Juliana