What is the Narcissist’s Discard?
The narcissist’s discard is a psychological phenomenon that occurs in relationships with individuals who exhibit narcissistic personality traits. It refers to the abrupt and often cruel end of a relationship, wherein the narcissist devalues and discards their partner once they no longer serve their purposes. This phase can be devastating for the victim, as they are left feeling confused, hurt, and questioning their own self-worth.
5 Reasons Why They Discard:
- Lack of Narcissistic Supply: Narcissists thrive on attention, admiration, and praise. When their partner no longer provides the desired level of narcissistic supply, which could be emotional or other forms of validation, the narcissist may abruptly discard them in search of someone who can meet their needs better.
- Fear of Abandonment: Ironically, narcissists tend to have deep-seated fears of abandonment. To combat this fear, they preemptively discard their partner before they can be abandoned themselves. This allows them to maintain a sense of control and protection over their ego.
- Devaluation and Control: Narcissists have a tendency to idealise their partners at the beginning of a relationship, but as time progresses, their perception often shifts. They may start devaluing their partner, finding faults or exaggerated flaws, which in turn gives them a justification for discarding them.
- Pursuit of New Romantic Interests: Narcissists are constantly seeking new sources of validation and attention. When they find someone else who can provide a better supply, they may quickly discard their current partner to pursue this new interest.
- Power and Manipulation: Discarding their partner gives the narcissist a sense of power and control over them. By leaving them confused, hurt, and doubting themselves, the narcissist can maintain a manipulative hold on their victim, allowing them to easily return or manipulate them in the future if desired.
5 Examples of How They Discard:
- Ghosting: The narcissist suddenly disappears from their partner’s life without any explanation, leaving them feeling abandoned and bewildered.
- Blame and Shaming: The narcissist places all blame and wrongdoing on their partner, making them feel guilty and unworthy before discarding them, often publicly shaming them in the process.
- Emotional Withdrawal: Gradually, the narcissist starts withdrawing emotionally from their partner, becoming distant, unresponsive, and emotionally unavailable, ultimately leading to the discard.
- Abrupt Discard: The narcissist abruptly ends the relationship with little to no warning, leaving their partner shocked and devastated.
- Replacements: Narcissists often line up new romantic interests before discarding their current partner, allowing a smooth transition to a new relationship, and leaving their victim feeling replaced and discarded.
Impacts on the Victim:
The victim of narcissistic discard experiences a range of emotional and psychological impacts. They may suffer from low self-esteem, feelings of worthlessness, confusion, anxiety, and depression. The abrupt loss of a relationship and the betrayal experienced can result in a significant blow to their trust and ability to form healthy relationships.
5 Tips for Recovery:
- Seek Support: Reach out to friends, family, or therapists who can provide a safe space to express your emotions and help you heal.
- Practice Self-Care: Focus on your physical and mental well-being by engaging in activities that bring you joy, prioritising your needs, and practising self-compassion.
- Educate Yourself: Learn about narcissistic personality disorder to better understand the patterns and behaviours you experienced, helping you move towards healing and preventing future abusive relationships.
- Set Boundaries: Rebuild your sense of self-worth by setting and enforcing healthy boundaries, allowing you to protect yourself from future abuse.
- Be Patient with Yourself: Healing from narcissistic discard takes time and patience. Be gentle with yourself and allow yourself to process your emotions at your own pace. Consider seeking professional therapy to aid in your recovery journey.
In conclusion, the narcissist’s discard is a painful experience that deeply impacts the victim’s emotional and psychological well-being. Recognising the reasons behind the discard, understanding the methods employed by narcissists, and seeking support are crucial steps towards recovery and building healthier relationships in the future.
Exposing the Narcissist Fantasy: What Narcissists Hope for After Discarding You
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Elizabeth Shaw is not a Doctor or a therapist. She is a mother of five, a blogger, a survivor of narcissistic abuse, and a life coach, She always recommends you get the support you feel comfortable and happy with. Finding the right support for you. Elizabeth has partnered with BetterHelp (Sponsored.) where you will be matched with a licensed councillor, who specialises in recovery from this kind of abuse.
