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The Narcissist's Emotional Parasites: Feeding on Your Supply

The Narcissist's Emotional Parasites: Feeding on Your Supply

Faraz Ali
September 10, 2024

Narcissists are masters of manipulation, but what drives their need for emotional supply? Why do they crave both positive and negative emotions from others? The answer lies in their inability to regulate their own emotions, making them dependent on external validation to feel alive.

The Positive Supply: A Fleeting High

In the beginning, narcissists feed on positive supply, using love bombing to elicit admiration and adoration. They crave the validation that comes with being the center of attention, but this high is short-lived. The effort required to maintain this facade soon becomes exhausting, and the narcissist's interest wanes.

The Negative Supply: A Lasting Fix

Negative emotions, on the other hand, provide a more reliable source of supply. A narcissist can fake positive emotions, but genuine negative reactions are harder to feign. When they provoke anger, sadness, or fear, they feel a rush of power and superiority. This is their true feeding ground.

The Emotional Parasite

Narcissists are emotional parasites, feeding on the legitimate emotional responses of others. They have no qualms about exploiting your emotions, using guilt, anger, or self-pity to control and manipulate. Their own emotions are shallow and fleeting, but yours are a never-ending source of supply.

The Devaluation Phase

As the relationship progresses, the narcissist's mask slips, revealing their true nature. The mean, critical, and belittling behavior that emerges during devaluation is the real narcissist. The loving, charming persona was just a reflection of your own qualities, used to lure you in.

Breaking Free from the Cycle

Recognizing the narcissist's need for emotional supply is crucial to breaking free from their grasp. Don't feed their addiction with your emotions. Set boundaries, prioritize self-care, and seek support from those who genuinely care. You deserve to be loved and respected, not exploited for emotional supply.

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